First, I would like to thank you for participating in this challenge. I do realize that you were limited by the input you got but you’ve made some special things!
I looked at the photos without knowing the names, so I discuss them based on the sequence of posting. After selecting the image, I checked who the artist was.
#1
This colorful and impressionist interpretation of the as-shot-image. I am not sure if people would be able to tell what it represents, but to me it is clear: clouds, water and trees can be identified.
I was somewhat puzzled what the intention of the artist was but I see a “happiness” in the image.
#2
This impressionist interpretation is more gloomy. Dark clouds and dead trees reminds me of Mordor in Lord of the rings. The color reflections in the water gives a nice touch to this image.
Although I am not sure what the purpose of image mirroring was, it grabbed my attention and that may have been the purpose of doing it. A very nice interpretation.
#3
A panoramic interpretation in color. The structure in the clouds and the contrast/clarity in the trees help in converting a flat image into a dramatic scene. Distortion correction and other processing has been done in a natural manner (eg trees on left and right have not been straightened). A realistic and very nice result indeed.
#4
This is an example of taking the Silver Efex full contrast and full structure preset a step further. No crop, no lens corrections, and I don’t think no horizon leveling. There are clearly some black “halos” around the dead trees. Although perhaps a bit extreme, the image leaves me with an impression of a harsh, perhaps cold and windy environment. I like drama in BW photos but for this scene it is over the top compared to the other interpretations.
#5
We are switching from a harsh environment to a scene of loneliness and - in a way - also a scene of serenity on the Orange Planet. That interpretation might be the result of being in an optimistic mood today. Perhaps the artist’s intention was to show a sky in fire. ;-) Whatever it is, it is a beautiful result.
#6
This one intrigued me from the start. It is a totally different view (and crop) that puts emphasis on the dead trees in the water and leaves the cloud formation entirely out. There are no visual cues where this scene could have been shot but it can be interpreted as a complaint against human intervention (flooding an area or climate change) if one takes the intense red color into consideration. It could also be interpreted as a scene that shows that all life is temporary. Whatever it is, it is thought-provoking!
#7
Another very interesting and different view on the scene in 1 by 1 and in natural colors and structure/clarity in the cloud formation as well as the rees. The horizon has been shifted on purpose. The crop puts emphasis on the dead trees in the middle left but also on the living trees in the background. The soil in the foreground gives depth to the scene. Even the duck becomes better visible.
#8
This BW panoramic interpretation is all about drama. The increased contrast and structure visualizes harshness; a climate/environment you don’t want to live in. I wonder how this image has been processed. The cloud formation seem to show some watercolor effect but it’s difficult for me to tell without being able to look at 100%. Nevertheless a very nice, dramatic interpretation that shows wideness. Compared to #4 this interpretation looks more natural.
#9
My first thought was: an atomic bomb has just been detonated. The changed perspective adds to that feeling. I also liked that the image is in color. The orange areas gives something extra. A very creative, great interpretation!
#10
A panaroma crop in BW that emphasizes the dead trees in the foreground. By doing so, there is no need to add drama in the sky. As is, the sky gives a nice framing of the rest of the scene. But I can’t help wondering if a tighter crop on the right would have put even more emphasis on the dead trees in the foreground. Other than that, a great result!
So how can I ever make a choice between such beautiful and different interpretations? Initially I thought to base my opinion on the feeling that the scene gave me when I was there. But after seeing and studying the results, I decided to stick to those interpretations that triggered the strongest emotion, surprised me and triggered some new insights. Since I had already opened each image in a separate tab in the browser, I threw another glance at each photo, switched my attention to something else (coffee) and made a choice after letting my subconscious brain work on it for a while.
My choice is #7, which is from Armando Morales.
Congratulations, Armando! You really got me thinking into a completely different direction with your interpretation!
My sincere apologies to anyone else. I appreciate and admire your work and participation. You are all winners!
