Evoking a Mood in Monotone

I was very drawn to this image from the beginning. I love how the light hits this blues singer's face, adding a film noir quality about it. The composition is excellent, as is the contrast and tonal qualities of the monochrome treatment. Congratulations on a well deserved place in the top 10!

When I first laid eyes on this image, I was struck by the magnitude of love displayed between the old man and these adoring little boys. The photo tells a story, one that I would love to learn about. How did this relationship begin? What has the man done to receive such love from these children? I adore the spontaneity of the moment! The photographer's excellent composition draws the eyes to the old man and the child hugging him from behind, anchoring the picture's theme. .Congratulations on your well deserved place in the top 10!

There is a saying that eyes are the window to the soul. This image affirms that notion. The child's hauntingly beautiful eyes are what make this photo stand out and grab your attention. The composition and conversion to monochrome are spot on, heightening the dark expression on her face.. Overall a very compelling photograph. Congratulations on a well deserved place in the top 10!

This image immediately grabbed my attention. There is obviously a story that must be told, and the image succeeds in its message. It is beautifully composed, and the conversion to black and white accentuates the overall mood and raw emotion in the woman's face. She has suffered the greatest loss that can be experienced by a mother. It is devastating and poignant. Congratulations on a well deserved place in the top 10!

What a powerful scene! It is made even more powerful by the use of monochrome. It is tack sharp, and the lighting creates a foreboding mood that is irresistible.. It was definitely worth grabbing the camera in the wee hours of the morning in order to capture this amazing view! Congratulations on a well deserved place in the top 10!

This image beautifully captures the affection these two horses share. The strong composition and conversion to monochrome serve to accentuate the tenderness of the moment. The horses themselves are very attractive subjects as well, making the photo eye catching. Congratulations on a well deserved place in the top 10!

It has been an incredible experience to conduct this community contest! The entries were fantastic, and it was pleasing to see so many different takes on the subject! As such it was quite difficult to narrow down the winners. But after much deliberation, I chose this happy group scene as my winner. It has all the elements that make a photo compelling: excellent composition, lighting and above all, a spirit and mood that compels you to experience it rather than just view it. The conversion to monochrome is excellent, accentuating the detail and warmth that draw you into the mood. Each person in the image is captured perfectly in the moment. I don't know if this is a celebration or if it's just an impromptu meeting in a pub, but it draws me in and touches me with its uplifting mood. Congratulations on your win, and thank you for participating in this contest!