All images copyright by the individual photographers

	Southern Window Jeff Greer Jeff Greer describes his photographic search simply: “I search for grace in a graceless age.” Southern Window brings that idea to life, inviting us to pause and appreciate a moment of quiet beauty. Light pouring through the window illuminates a lace curtain gathered around a figure. The delicate floral pattern remains visible against the shaded body, bringing fabric and skin together in a way that feels both intimate and graceful. By choosing black and white, Jeff draws our attention to the light, the textures, and the gentle shapes that give the photograph its character. Our eyes follow the curtain’s wide folds downward toward the hands holding it. The placement of the hands gives the image a natural center of attention, while the bent arms and crossed legs create a relaxed, balanced pose. The straight lines of the window frame provide a pleasing contrast to the curves of the body and the flowing fabric. Outside, leaves echo the floral pattern in the lace, quietly connecting the figure to the surrounding world. The curtain largely hides the face, leaving us to sense emotion through the figure’s posture and touch. There is a feeling of privacy, but also an invitation to look closely and thoughtfully. The familiar setting and simple styling allow the photograph’s tenderness to emerge. Thank you, Jeff. In Southern Window, we find that grace is found in small things: the fall of light, the gathering of fabric, and the quiet dignity of a human presence. By Dick Bennett
	Branches By Ken Mason Branches, by Ken Mason provides a fascinating perspective on the natural world. Bare tree branches stretch and swirl across a brilliant blue sky, creating an intricate web of lines within a striking circular composition. The result is an image that feels both familiar and mystical. Ken’s background in optics and astronomy is reflected in his creative approach to photography. His eye for patterns, shapes and unusual perspectives transforms an everyday scene into a captivating abstract work of art. The dramatic contrast between the dark, twisting branches and luminous blue sky draws the viewer inward, inviting a closer look at nature’s remarkable designs. Equally compelling is Ken’s decision to present the photograph as a circular print rather than in a traditional rectangular format. This unconventional choice is an integral part of the photo, reinforcing the sweeping curves of the branches and creating a sense of continuous movement. The circular presentation also makes me think of a view through a telescope, an especially fitting connection to Ken’s interest in astronomy. Congratulations, Ken for encouraging us to see nature in an entirely new way. By Marie Costanza
	Morning Water Run By Jonathan Mauer Jonathan photograph is a compelling documentary with a strong sense of human presence, movement, and social commentary. Its greatest strength is the contrast between the ordinary intimacy of a family moment and the stark, expansive industrial landscape surrounding it. The wooden cart occupies the center of the frame and becomes the visual anchor. The woman on the left and the boy on the right create a sense of movement and direction. The child sitting in the cart provides an important focal point, breaking the visual rhythm by looking directly at the camera. The large expanse of open landscape creates a feeling of isolation and emphasizes the smallness of the human figures within their environment. The B&W treatment is particularly appropriate. The strong tonal contrast gives the photograph a timeless documentary quality. The darker foreground helps ground the figures and cart. Storytelling is where the photograph really succeeds. The woman and boy appear to be working together to move the cart, while the young child is simply along for the journey. The child's direct gaze introduces an unexpected emotional connection with the viewer. The surrounding landscape, with its electrical transmission towers and barren earth, suggests a world undergoing industrial development or environmental change. The child's expression is probably the most powerful element. There is something quietly challenging about that direct gaze. This photograph is about the journey of everyday life, the responsibilities placed on families, and childhood unfolding against a world shaped by forces much larger than the individuals living in it. Its greatest achievement is that it tells a story without explaining it. By Don Menges
	Walking on the Pier – Waikiki By Carolyn Michelle Carolyn’s photograph succeeds in creating a sense of mystery, movement, and human presence within a dramatic coastal landscape. What makes the image particularly effective is the relationship between the silhouetted figures, the reflective water, and the expansive sky. The composition is Carolyn’s greatest strength. The concrete edges of the reflecting pool draw the viewer's eye from the foreground toward the small pavilion in the distance. The silhouettes create a wonderful sense of scale. The two larger figures on the right provide visual weight, while the smaller figures create depth and perspective. The mirrored figures in the water introduce another dimension to the composition. They almost become subjects themselves. The dramatic cloud formations provide texture and visual interest, while the bright horizon creates a natural separation between the silhouetted figures and the background. I particularly like the contrast between the deep blacks of the foreground and the luminous reflections in the water. There is something almost cinematic about this photograph. The figures appear to be moving through a transitional space between land and sea. Their reflections suggest a second, quieter world beneath the surface. Carloyn’s photograph evokes the passage of time as well as human connection and isolation as well as the relationship between people and nature. There is also an interesting contrast between the individuals walking independently and the larger gathering near the pavilion. This photograph demonstrates a good understanding of visual storytelling. By Don Menges
	Jardin de Papillote, Dominica By Paul Shew If my research is correct, Paul has brought us a fine-art monochrome photograph likely depicting a Calla Lily Flower taken in the Papillote Tropical Gardens of Dominica. It moves beyond conventional flower photography and enters the realm of abstract botanical art. The dramatic lighting, delicate textures, and almost sculptural quality of the plant make this an especially compelling black-and-white image. What I find most interesting is that the photograph doesn't immediately reveal itself. The viewer must spend time exploring its shapes and details. The composition is bold and thoughtfully arranged. The large horizontal leaf across the upper portion establishes the primary visual anchor. Its sweeping curves give the photograph a sense of movement. The downward-curving leaf on the right creates a wonderful counterbalance to the horizontal structure above it. The central stem provides an important structural line, preventing the composition from becoming entirely about flowing organic shapes. The black background is exceptionally effective. It isolates the plant and allows the viewer to concentrate on its intricate forms. There is an almost architectural quality to the arrangement. The lighting is arguably the photograph's greatest strength. The directional lighting reveals the delicate ribbing, folds, and translucent qualities of the leaves. I particularly like how the light travels across the upper leaf, revealing its undulating surface. The highlights gradually transition into darker shadows, giving the leaves a sculptural appearance. The black background also creates a wonderful separation between subject and environment. Paul’s photograph suggests several possible interpretations including, the elegance of natural architecture, the beauty of organic forms, as well as fragility and resilience. By Don Menges
	Splendid By d dargan teska Sometimes the smallest wonders of nature make the most captivating photographs. d dargan teska’s “Splendid” invites us into a miniature world where delicate droplets of water become sparking jewels suspended among graceful, curving stems. Photographed in d’s vegetable garden during the golden hour of August, d created an enchanting macro image. Tiny droplets cling to slender tendrils, capturing miniature reflections of the surrounding environment. The soft blend of blue, and green creates an almost watercolor-like background, while the sharply defined droplets provide a strong point of interest. I was particularly drawn to the photograph’s sense of movement and delicacy. The gently arching stems lead our eyes through the composition, while the interplay of light, color and selective focus gives the image a dreamy quality. d’s “Splendid” reminded me that photographic opportunities need not require distant travels or grand landscapes. Sometimes, all it takes is a little morning light, a few drops of water and a photographer who recognizes the magic waiting in her own backyard. By Marie Costanza