All images copyright by the individual photographers

	Nature’s Church by Nikki Bittner Nikki Bittner’s Nature’s Church is a stunning visual representation that invites viewers into a serene and almost sacred natural setting. The title itself evokes a sense of reverence, suggesting that this landscape serves not just as a backdrop for life, but as a place of worship and reflection. The composition of the photograph is well executed. The towering trees framing the scene create a natural cathedral that draws the eye upward, mimicking the arches of the church in the background. The interplay between light and dark evokes feelings of tranquility that one might experience in a traditional house of worship. The perspective used in Nature’s Church is noteworthy. The immersive foreground leads the viewer towards the church—a pathway that invites one to step into this tranquil space. The concept of “Nature’s Church” might suggest a shared human experience: the solace and inspiration derived from the natural world. In a society where many seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of urban life, this image serves as a reminder of the spiritual rejuvenation that nature can provide. Nikki’s photograph encapsulates the themes of renewal and connection. It mirrors a universal desire to find peace and purpose amidst life’s chaos. Nature’s Church may inspire viewers to step outside their everyday lives and seek moments of quiet reflection, whether in their own backyards or in the vast wilderness.  Nikki’s image serves as a beautiful reminder of the spaces that nourish our souls and the importance of preserving these natural sanctuaries for future generations. Whether viewed as a work of art or an image for contemplation, the photograph elegantly captures the essence of nature as a true cathedral of the spirit. By Marie Costanza
	Kaleidoscope Mary Clare Like many of us, Mary Clare often looks up for her photographic inspiration. In this case the churches and temples in Barcelona provided her with stunning subject matter. Kaleidoscope has provided her with many compositional tools to be creative with her framing. Confronted with a subject that is bigger than she could fit in her frame, Mary had to decide what to include in her composition and how to frame it. The focal point, the “eye” if you will, is not directly in the center of the photograph. This choice allowed Mary to include the portraits at the top of the image as a wonderfully interesting framing element. Not centering the “eye” also makes the photo slightly asymmetric and more compelling. Geometric shapes are also employed to influence the viewer’s eye. Kaleidoscope is literally a mosaic of geometric shapes. The most prominently used item, however, are the dark leading lines that run through the concentric circles that finally reveal the “eye” and subject of this photograph. Finally, and what comforts us throughout all these geometric shapes, are the wonderfully soothing complementary colors. The blues turn to tans and oranges and then to yellows and browns and finally to lighter shades again as we reach the end of our travel. Mary was faced with a task to tell the story of this ceiling without being able to include the entire structure. She accomplished her chore gracefully. By Don Menges
	The Conversation (Giudecca Venice) by Larry Mandelker In his introduction to his exhibit, Larry talks about how he escaped the congestion of Venice and went to the small island of Giudecca in the Venetian Lagoon. He was able to immerse himself in the “real” culture and atmosphere of Venice, absent the inundation of tourists. When traveling it sometimes becomes difficult to encounter people other than those eating ice cream cones and looking at maps and speaking languages other than Italian. One feature of a strong photograph is employing the concept of gesture ... .not just showing what the subjects look like but has them physically interacting with others or the viewer making for a much more dynamic photograph. In The Conversation, Larry succeeds in this approach. The two men are archetypical, what you would expect people on the street to look like. The bearded gentleman on the left is looking directly at the gentleman with the hat, seemingly in conversation but his friend is looking directly at the camera. Is he annoyed by the intrusion of the photographer, looking directly at Larry or just listening to his friend by looking away as he thinks about the conversation? We can only guess. This interaction is what really distinguishes this photograph from just a “snapshot”. The viewer feels he is walking down a street and encountering these two men in conversation. The colors are muted, with each subject balancing each other on the sides of the photograph, with our hatted friend having his arm outstretched, probably with his hand on the shoulder of his friend to emphasize a point in the conversation. He wears his straw hat raucously, slightly tilted which complements his dapper bright red tie. The background is unobtrusive and yet reinforces that this photo represents “real life” photographed on the street….an encounter between friends. By Steve Levinson
	Survival of the Ginkgo by Marcia Zach and Michael Tomb Like all of the images in Michael Tomb and Marcia Zach’s display called World on Fire, Planet so Green, the image Survival of the Ginkgo, captivates its viewers not merely through its aesthetic appeal, but through the layers of meaning it encapsulates, particularly regarding climate futures and the intricate web of life. At first glance, Survival of the Ginkgo is a breathtaking example of natural beauty. The image captures the ginkgo tree’s unique fan-shaped leaves—often a brilliant shade of green, transforming to yellow during autumn. In this photograph, one can observe the contrast between the invigorating green leaves and the softened hues of the background flower petals, which skillfully suggests the transitional seasons both literally and metaphorically. The ginkgo itself appears resilient, standing tall among a foreground of weathered foliage, perhaps hinting at both environmental degradation and hope. The ginkgo biloba tree’s significance in this context is profound. Often referred to as a "living fossil," the ginkgo has roots that date back over 200 million years, surviving multiple extinction events. The choice of this tree as a central figure for contemplation of climate futures serves as a powerful reminder of nature's resilience. The image powerfully conveys the notion that while many species succumb to changing climates and ecological pressures, the ginkgo persists—a symbol of endurance, adaptation, and potential survival amidst adversity. Survival of the Ginkgo is far more than a simple photograph; it is a striking visual commentary on the intersection of nature and climate. This piece, like others in the series, inspires contemplation and conversation about our environmental future. As viewers experience the resilience of this ancient tree captured so beautifully, they are also challenged to consider their role in the survival of not just the ginkgo, but the myriad of life forms and ecosystems that share this planet. In this light, the photograph becomes a reminder of nature's narrative of survival, urging humanity to embrace a path of stewardship and sustainability in facing impending climate challenges. This series, in its beauty and depth, is a vital contribution to the ongoing dialogue about our climate futures. By Marie Costanza