Judge's comments:
"Pathway creates a pleasant lead-in to the image. The draped willow branches conceal the path's destination yet invites the viewer to wonder what is beyond. The directional shape and color of the colorful slope directs the eye into the image while the far right tree stops the eye from leaving. Placement of bright pink and white blooms plant re-enforces the invitation to walk the path - and to inquire what is beyond. "

Judge's comments:
"Interesting texture with overall greenery. The placement of pink blooming bushes carry the eye around entire image. Good composition with placement of waterfall. Very pleasing."

Judge's Comments:
"I know that this frog was not just put there - that this is exactly where one might find a little guy like this. The composition and even lighting lend to a well done photo that leads your eye right where it needs to be - but not before a bit of playful camouflage."

Judge's Comments:
" If I were to pick a 3rd place winner I think this would be it. I really love the subject, so well defined by it's composition and shallow depth of field. Also, given our current drought situation, this photo captures the beauty of water as the foundation of life."

 

Judge's Comments:
" I like the dynamic colors and design of the whole thing. The contrasting petals form leading lines that draw the eye towards the central subject. "

Judge's comments:
" I really like the idea behind this image. It captures the magic of the winter garden and portrays  the understanding that gardens have their own subtle beauty, even during the quite months of dormancy."

Judge's Comments:
" I like this one for it's simple layering of varied designs and textures - as well as color."

Judge's Comments:
"The title and the photo capture the joyful fleeting beauty of spring."

Judge's Comments:
"The vibrant blue of the wall in the background is very eye catching, and the open door invites the eye to travel beyond what is immediately visible. I also like the contrasting textures of the three different wood elements that make up the fence that divides the image."

Judge' s Comments:
"I love the title of this photo and the suggestion of the story behind it. I really liked this photo but I had to look  hard to find the bicycle -  without all of the bright contrasty sunlight it could have been an award winner."

Judge's comments:
"I like this image a lot but I sense that the original photo was more of a silhouette and the photographer brightened up the foreground so we could see more detail. I would have liked to see this either with a little different lighting or maybe even left as a silhouette."

As the photo entries were coming in we posted them on our Monches Farm Facebook page. This was the image that received the most feedback on Facebook. Definitely a "People's Choice" award winner!