Something Natural that is Small and Beautiful

I never expected a duckling to be my winner - but this cheeky little Chappy just bowled me over. It's the movement, the surroundings, the composition, simply everything about this image which I absolutely love. When I look at it I can imagine myself writing a whole story about a little duckling setting off on its big journey into life. This would make a wonderful titlepage for a children's book. Thank you so much and congratulations.

Wow, wow and more wow!!! What a stunner of an image this is. I am so glad that you've entered it into the contest. As a gardener I absolutely hate aphids, but as a photographer I find them very interesting and they inspire me to try more macro photography. Your composition, colour-contrast and lighting is perfect.

Thank you so much for entering this image, as it shows exactly what is meant by the brief, more than any other photo. It is a brave choice, of yours, as it rather dull on first sight and doesn't centre on a flamboyant object, but the composition is perfect in its clarity and simplicity - which is not always easy to portray.

What a wonderful way to show the tiny size of the lizard! I am so glad that you entered this lovely image, which very likely wasn't planned or pre-arranged but just happened, and you spotted it and did what we all would have done, faced with this situation. A real classic.

Who would have thought that an ant can look so beautiful. The composition and lighting are wonderful and the reflection gives it that extra impact. I had to give it some thought, however, if it really fulfils the brief of showing enough surrounding in order to demonstrate the tiny size. Your Top ten place shows that I decided in your favour. I just couldn't resist such a breathtakingly beautiful image.