All images copyright by the individual photographers

	Serenity & Quiet of the Swamps by Steve Dent Steve Dent takes us into the heart of the Atchafalaya Ancient Swamp in Louisiana with his moody, tranquil, and timeless photographs of the largest wetland and swamp ecosystem in the United States. One image in particular, Serenity & Quiet of the Swamps, stands out to me as especially captivating. The silhouetted tree stumps in the foreground ground the composition, adding texture and drawing the viewer into the frame. The layered arrangement of trees in the background creates a compelling sense of depth and distance. Soft, diffused lighting enhances the serene—almost haunting—ambience. The sun, gently breaking through the mist, introduces warmth without overwhelming the scene. Reflections on the still water subtly reinforce the symmetry, never becoming too sharp or distracting. Steve’s use of grayscale tones is masterful—from the rich blacks in the foreground to the delicate grays fading into the background—evoking a monochromatic dreamscape. A faint sepia or warm tint introduces depth and a nostalgic, vintage feel. The golden hue of the sun breaks up the muted palette just enough to add contrast and vibrance. The textures of the water, trees, and mist are exquisitely captured, and the soft gradient in the sky further contributes to the tranquil mood. A beautifully composed and deeply evocative work of art. Thank you, Steve, for sharing such a moving piece.  By Dick Bennett
	Black Knight By Diane Dersch Diane's photograph is a stunning Gallery Pick that is amplified by the stark elegance of black and white and the sleek sheen of metal. The horse, poised in a half-turn, emanates both strength and serenity, with its polished coat, catching light like burnished armor. The textured backdrop enhances the timeless feel, lending the image a painterly drama. The use of monochrome enhances the details and textures, allowing the viewer to appreciate the muscles and grace of the horse. Its finish on metal adds a luminous quality that captures light beautifully, making the image appear almost alive.  Diane has framed the horse well, ensuring that the subject occupies significant space in the image. The portrait captures not just the physical attributes of the horse but also conveys an emotional depth. There is a sense of nobility and spirit that resonates, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty of these majestic creatures. This choice in color tone resonates with the title, evoking a sense of mystery often associated with mythical knights of old—steadfast, proud and enigmatic.  Congratulations, Diane, on creating a lovely image! By Marie Costanza
	Ain’t She Grand By Cindy El-Gaaly This photo is quite striking, with strong visual appeal due to the nighttime setting and the beautifully lit bridge. The low-angle perspective looking up at the bridge gives it a grand, monumental feel. The symmetry of the two spans and their vanishing point to the left draw the eye nicely through the frame. The night lighting on the bridge is well captured, especially the contrast between the cool blue steel and the warm, golden glow on the water and concrete piers. The water’s surface creates beautiful reflections of the structure and lights, adding depth and visual interest. The blue tones are vivid and beautiful. My only concern is that the lighting might be slightly cool overall. Warming it a bit in post-processing might bring a more natural tone to the concrete and water elements. The small issue I have are the two blown out light reflection on the bottom left and center. Since they are large and in a foreground location, I noticed they have been “burned” attempting to disguise them. It might have been better to leave them alone or to remove them in post-processing. By Don Menges
	Mirror Image By Christy Hibsch This is a wonderful photo; in that it exhibits the amazing composition of a bird and its reflection. It goes beyond just being a portrait of a bird, but shows both gestures, with the bird’s outspread wings as well as the counterpoint of the reflection of the bird in the water. Christy’s photograph does not separate the sky from the water, allowing the viewer to focus on the bird and its reflection as one single subject. The water splashes of the bird are mirrored as well in the water making for an even more realistic photograph. Capturing any animal or bird in dramatic poses is the mark of an excellent wildlife photographer. As Henri Cartier-Bresson stated, capturing the decisive moment is what as photographers we all should strive for. The gesture of the bird and its reflection makes this an outstanding example of nature photography following this concept of decisive moment. The absence of any distracting background features as well as the relatively minimalistic color allow this bird to be the only focus of the viewers’ attention, letting us focus on the bird’s pose and its reflection. By Steve Levinson
	Play Time by Margy Meath Play Time, a Gallery Pick, created by Margy Meath, is a captivating portrayal of youthful exuberance and the delicate beauty of nature. The image showcases two young foxes in their natural habitat.   Margy’s composition is meticulously crafted, using a shallow depth of field to draw the viewer’s eye to the playful antics of the kits, which are the centerpiece of the photo. The soft bokeh in the background beautifully isolates the subjects. This allows the viewer to concentrate on the bright eyes and the details of the whiskers, fur, and prized feather. The kits, in their playful pose, illustrates the essence of juvenile curiosity. Fox kits are known for their social behavior and playful interactions, which Margy has captured so well. The expressions of the young foxes might lead the viewer to form a story about the young kits. I found myself wondering what the seated kit was thinking as it looked up at its sibling in wonderment.   Had these little guys ventured out on their own to do some hunting? Might the feather be the remains of dinner or is it merely a toy being enjoyed? Congratulations, Margy, on finding and photographing these sweet subjects. By Marie Costanza
	Looking at You – Botswana By Ralph Pennino This black-and-white photograph of a hippopotamus captures the creature in a moment of quiet contemplation as it emerges from the water. Ralph's shows his  attention  to detail by the capture of the hippo’s skin texture and facial features. The contrast between light and shadow is effectively used to create a sense of depth, making the subject appear three-dimensional despite the monochromatic palette. The composition is balanced, with the hippopotamus occupying the central space, drawing the viewer's eye directly to its expressive gaze. The surrounding water, implied through delicate shading, provides context without overpowering the focal point. The realism of the piece showcases the  choice of processing in black-and-white adds a timeless quality to the photograph. Overall, this photograph is an excellent study in realism and tonal contrast, highlighting the hippopotamus’s strong yet serene presence. It makes you smile! By Steve Levinson