The statue of the dying Indian is very dramatic...the sunset made it even more moving.

phone

The textural movement in the reflecting water pulls the eye to the silhouetted statue. The central placement of the horizon line and statue creates a static image.

A peaceful moment on Cumberland Island National Seashore (Georgia). The sea oats extensive root system offers protection for this beautiful beach.

minimal edits from my iPhone app.

The leading lines through the dunes to the silhouetted image reflecting on this beautiful, textural sunrise. The central placement of the figure stops the eye.

The light spills from the beach bar as the sun sets behind the palapas.

iPhone, snapseed, photoshop

A painterly impressionistic interpretation of the class. The foreground light diminishes the silhouette.

Misty morning: The rising sun highlights the trees’ silhouettes which frame a dreamlike view of downtown in the distance.

iPhone 13 Pro, in camera editing with snapseed

The silhouette of the trees frame this mystical morning. The intensity of the sun through the trees lessens the silhouette.

Leaving the museum, I saw a couple making a "heart" with their arms as a silhouette against a wall.

Sony A7, Photoshop

Strong architectural lines create a rhythmic pattern. The intensity of the light at the top center of the photo distracts.

Grazing peacefully at dawn.

A beautiful graphic silhouette.

The morning after the Gilded Age Ball.

iPhone 14

The curved lines of the pine cones are beautifully repeated in the vessels. The light source is too bright.

An alluring moment before two mysterious lovers enjoy the timeless elegance and splendor of a romantic journey.

Apple iPhone16 ProMax Plus, Photoshop

The choice and placement of materials is Dutch-like creating an interesting composition. A bit more sharpness throughout would improve this blue ribbon winner.

The splendor of the Chinese pavilion, or TING, evokes picnics with fruits, flowers and other cool imaginings.

iPhone 16 Pro

The serpentine line of the table with ingenious placement of the tulips completes the circle. The oranges overwhelm.

Orchids 'peared' with grapes.

iPhone 16

The soft light creates a pleasing Dutch arrangement. The darkness at the center interrupts the flow.

The timeless charm of English Toby Jugs create their own visual splendor.

iPhone 16 Pro

Good choice and placement of materials is enhanced by the lighting. The boldness of bricks in the background diminishes the Dutch aspect of the still life.

Unusual and rare silver pieces used to highlight a relatively simple arrangement popular with Dutch painters to reflect a quiet evening.

Canon EOS Rebel 17, Macro lens EF 100 mm 1:2.8

The reflection of the wine in the flask captures this moment in time. The lack of focus in the foreground flowers diminishes the overall beauty.

"O beautiful for spacious skies/ For amber waves of grain"

iPhone, iPhone editing

The use of sepia tone is appropriate for these amber waves of grain. Lack of interest in the sky flattens an otherwise layered image.

Amish farmers cultivate Wisconsin's "Driftless Area", a USDA Level III Ecoregion which rises out of the Midwestern plains.

iPhone 15 Pro Max, snapseed for conversion to monochrome

The flowing textures of the wheat field and clouds lead us into this timeless prairie scene. Less cropping on the right would create more movement in the image.

Time to rest

Canon Eos, 100-500 lens, Snapseed

This image tells a story of time and place. The stark rows of cotton stalks draw the viewer to the barn and levee. The vignetting detracts.

To capture the beauty of the rolling wheat fields and silos in the glow of the setting sun.

Sony A7, Lightroom

The rolling fields enhanced by curving lines and sweeping light make this a high second.

At dawn's early light, harvesters carve patterns in Palouse fields.

NIKON D7100, 103 mm. Converted to black & white in photoshop

A very nice composition with repetitive lines and light draws the viewer up the hill. Sharper focus is needed throughout this image.

Harvest Time on the Palouse Prairie Hay Fields

Sony camera, Lightroom & Photoshop

Excellent layering of texture and form create a beautiful composition.

"Flowers don't tell, they show" -Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Sony A7RV, 100-400 lens

Light-infused gradation of color shows off he contrast of rigid and soft textures.

Anthurium photographed at slight upward angle to reveal inner veined surface, the sheen of the smooth, glossy outer petal, and the colorful pattern of the reflective stamen.

100 iso to limit digital noise, f32 for maximum sharpness front to back (depth of field), and with a 50 sec exposure on tripod to round out the exposure triangle.

The depth of field and subtle light lead your eye through the image creating an elegant and sensual composition. The dominance of the stamen breaks the spell.

Title: Nature loves a Spiral.
The spiral has an aesthetic appeal. It represents the journey and change of life as it unfolds. It maximizes space.

Nikon D7100, Lightroom editing

The creative perspective captures the spiral of the calla lily. A sharper focus would enhance the image.

Viewed from any angle, the show stopping petals and detail of the magnificent Magnolia grandiflora flower never fails to impress.

iPhone, Iphotos editing software

Focused lighting effectively illuminates the center of the magnolia blossom. Competing focal points detract from the composition.

"If we could see the miracle of a single flower, clearly our whole life would change." - Buddha

Fujifilm X-T5, Lightroom & Photoshop

The horizontal pose of the tulip is imaginative. The volume of the stark white overwhelms the focal point of the tulip.

The tactile tenderness of this enchanting petal is highlighted by the sculptural beauty, circular form and delicate texture of a calla, isolated from distraction.

Canon Mark IV, Lightroom

The abundance of soft textures is effectively captured. Judicial cropping would enhance the impact of the image.

The modern pyramid, a monument to human achievement, gleams with brilliance, calling those who dare to embrace the future and shape their own destiny.

Samsung S21 phone and Adobe Lightroom

Well constructed composition with effective use of negative space and textural interest.

The only thing more splendid than a city skyline is two of them. The splendor of New York City times two.

NikonD81-, ISO80, 56 mm, f 7.1, 1/800 sec + ISO80, 32 mm, f 5.6, 1/640 sec. ACR/pg, B&W filter, composite of two images + blend mode + opacity slider

This is a highly creative composition that captures fine detail and imparts a sense of depth. Composition is more effectively viewed from either side.

Old meets new in Vienna city center.

iPhone, photos, snapseed, Photoshop

The creative abstraction of urban architecture complemented by exquisite tonal range.

The splendor of Prague's glorious skyline is illuminated on a warm summer night, as city lights shimmer across the Vltava river underneath a full moon.

iPhone 14 Pro Max, apples photos

The photographer has captured beautiful, shimmering light in this nighttime, urban skyline. Shadow areas lack needed detail.

The stark contrast of different architectural shapes in the photo evokes dramatic and energetic feelings.

iPhone, editing with built-in editing app from iPhone

Photographer's perspective lends a sense of dynamism in this composition. When viewed head on, the lighting appears to be flat.

The splendor of modern architecture is on display in downtown Houston.

Dynamic use of lines frames the focal point. Degree of negative space in upper left hand corner obstructs the composition balance.

Working ranch horses of Montana head up the mountain to graze overnight.

Canon R5, Lighroom classic + photoshop

The depth of field effectively captures the oncoming steeds. The white horse behind the gate slightly detracts from the composition.

The Camargue Horse, one of the oldest breeds in the world runs free in all his splendidness in the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

SONY A1 - 200-600 mm. Lightroom

The light and the contrast of colors create an intensely beautiful composition. Slight cropping on the right would strengthen the image.

I attempted to capture the decisive moment by shooting several frames in quick succession while holding focus on the primary horse and rider. What fun!

Drawing from lessons in ICM, I reduced my shutterspeed to 1/10th of a sec and moved my camera with the action while shooting multiple frames.

This image embodies the speed and spirit of the rodeo. If the calf was slightly focused, it would enhanced the image.

Feeling frisky at sunset.

This dramatically detailed composition impacts the viewer with its wild freedom.

"Morning Ride" This image captures the beauty and power of the horse and rider as they gallop across the hill with the sunrise behind.

Nikon Z-8 with 100-400 mm lens, 1/2500 sec, f8, 500 iso, 240 mm

This is a bold silhouette of the rider at sunrise against the burning sky. The rider's hair and head are out of focus, reducing the intensity of the scene.

Zebra (Equus quagga) and wildebeests (Connochaetes) morning arrival to the lush plains of Amboseli National Park, Kenya for a day of grazing.

Fujifilm X-T5. Lightroom & Photoshop

The light at sunrise filters through the wildebeest on the move and directs the viewer's eye to the focal point. The focal point is static.

"Celebrate the vibrant essence of citrus—bursting with color and awakening the senses with its fresh, tangy allure."

iPhone, Lightroom

Splendid use of bursting color and texture. Softer lighting would create a more pleasing image.

Ingredients green, for perfect salsa verde, setting the scene

Canon R5, 100 mm, f/22, 0-6 sec, Lightroom, Photoshop

The photographer effectively used soft, diffuse light and a range of green shades, and delicate textures to tell a culinary story.

A colorful and contemporary deconstruction

iPhone 14

Playfully constructed composition with bold color and strong shapes. The photograph is under exposed.

The sacred pomegranate made splendid by surrounding succulence.

iPhone 16 Pro Max, edited in Photoshop

Thoughtful study of complimentary colors with intentional placement of forms. Softening the contrast would improve the lighting in this composition.

The splendor of tomato season spilling into soup.

iPhone

Delightful statement of intent and whimsical take on Pop Art. The composition is slightly under exposed . More light would improve color contrast.

"The soft velvety glow and the shapes of the fruit create a sense of abundance and beauty."

iPhone 15, minor editing using iPhone editing

Effective lighting on the grapes and eucalyptus enhances delicate detail. Experimenting with the placement of the apple might improve visual cohesion.

NO ONE is more engaging while depicting the "Splendor of life" than a street mime -- Antigua, Guatemala

Nikon D810, ISO 800, 70 mm, F10, 1/30 sec. ARC + PS, B&W filter+brush tool

Excellent use of color splash to focus viewer's eye on subject. The excessive light on the cobblestone is somewhat distracting.

In my image, a modern Tanzanian woman seemingly strides into the future as two traditionally dressed girls appear rooted in the past.

iPhone 15 Pro Max, Photoshop

Successful capture of disparate moments in time.

Scotland has the only airport in the world that has a beach. This humorous scene with a broken van being pushed away from the incoming tide.

Fuji XT3, Lightroom

The use of gestures and leading lines help to tell the story. Overall sharper focus would strengthen the image.

Captured during a volunteer trip to Thailand, this photograph depicts a man cycling to market, transporting handmade brooms - a testament to local craftsmanship and daily life.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi, lens ER-75-300 mm, f/4/5.6, ISO 400, aperture priority, Edited using DXO PL for noise reduction, Photoshop

Emphasis on beautiful light, texture and color brings the image to life. Close cropping on upper left side hinders the suggestion of movement.

The popular city scene of Oaxaca, Mexico is filled with historic, brightly painted colonial buildings.

Canon R5, Lighroom classic + photoshop

In this well composed image, color and geometric rhythm abound. High second.

This Sikh kitchen in Delhi serves 35,000 meals a day, free of charge, regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status or ethnicity.

Sony A7II, Lightroom

The remarkable creative use of many tonal values of red successfully capture the intensity of the scene. The overexposed areas are distracting.

Was this Columbus' last glimpse of the Generalife gardens at Queen Isabella's Alhambra after securing funding for his New World voyage?

iPhone, Lightroom classic

A beautiful use of effective framing. Colors are oversaturated.

This photo was pure luck. Taking shelter in an out building at Angkor Wat during a downpour, I came upon this photogenic monk.

iPhone

Subtle use of light enhances the atmospheric mood.

Amish Kapoor's cloud gate, popularly known as 'The Bean" invites visitors to see themselves as a part of this stainless steel icon.

iPnone 13 Pro, limited in camera editing

Use of scale, light, and leading lines is fascinating. The light in the center draws eye away from the subtlety of the rest of the image.

Lifting Fog: Beloved by generations of Capitola, California beach-goers, the colorful Venetian Court (1924) is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Canon EOS R5, Adobe Lightroom, Topaz Photo AI

The light accentuates the vivid color of the painted buildings. A tighter crop would enhance the abstract quality of the reflection.

Heading Home

Canon Rebel OSLR, Adobe Photoshop

Where is home? Leading lines and the high contrast of human form and architectural structure engages the viewer's curiosity second.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument memorializes the clash of Native warriors against Custer's US Calvary. The stark headstones are seen against the barren plains - a uniquely American story.

iPhone X, ISO 25-26 mm, f/8, 1/318 sec.

Leading lines and inclusion of wildflowers accentuates the contrast of life and death. The expanse of grass on the lower right dominates the scene.

Roots are concealed, but are fundamental for the leaves. Likewise, photographers are concealed, but are fundamental to the image. We're not hiding, we're busy creating.

The photographer's ICM technique enhances a sophisticated color palette.

Quaking Aspens
Winds gently blowing leaves while I moved the camera vertically to what I desired while still being able to see the yellow, golden leaves and the pale bark.

Sony A7 IV

This composition is distinguished by it's luminosity and harmonious use of color.

Swiftly changing seasons remind me to stop and witness Nature's Splendor.

Fuji XT5, Lightroom

The photographer's ICM technique is commendable. An off-center placement would achieve greater compositional balance.

...stopping here to watch his fields fill up with snow
Robert Frost

Canon R5, 24-70 lens, f/18, 1/20 sec; Lightroom & Photoshop

The photographer has captured the essence of winter with bright whites and blues. Consider cropping the upper horizontal third to help keep the viewer's eye on the intended focal plane.

The last light of a late fall sunset falls on the bare trees at the edge of a favorite pond.

Nikon D850, 200-500 mm lens, Lightroom classic

A painterly study of light and texture. Greater camera movement would more closely align with the class description.

White illuminates the dramatic contrast between the White Aspen and the dark green Douglas Fir.

iPhone 14 Pro using slow shutter app, edited in iPhonenative, Photoshop elements 2023. Shot at 1/4 sec, f/2.8, ISO 20, 77 mm

A contemplative study of lights and darks. Softening contrast would yield greater shadow detail.