Hello everyone; : )
Andy's a.k.a. Birma's photo entitled "Fronds" was selected as the winner of this challenge. Please take a look at the comments below to read why and how.
Thank you all who participated.
Your contributions were most welcome!
For this challenge we had to look for the evidence of repeating patterns in nature, like the ones we find in plant growth: The Fibonacci sequence or the Golden Ratio. It is evident in the individual design of almost all creatures. Visually more recognizable especially in plant growth, both vertically and 3 dimensionally. It's nature's very own efficient design to accommodate more branches, leaves and seeds in a tighter space, to ensure the perpetuation of the species.
Having explained this, I'd like to thank every single participant for their photo contributions.
There are photos that fulfill the requirements and there are those that are less descriptive of what we were aiming for, and, I hope I offend nobody as I comment on each photo and also announce the actual winner and why it was selected.
1./ The starter photo by Yildiz/Aster (actually myself) is a good example of a Fibonacci Sequence on a cactus. By using the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro lens, I tried to emphasize the Fibonacci spirals. Apart from requiring a smoother background bokeh, the shot is good and the tiny water droplets hanging onto the needles add an extra spectacle of freshness.
Because I'm also the starter of the challenge, hence hosting it, the photo is excluded from the contest.
So, we move on to the other submissions...
2./ Of Henry Richardson's/Bakubo's three submissions, the last one of the fronds falls more fittingly in the lines of requirements. Nicely shot to display the details with an autumnal measure, with the fallen brick-coloured leaf on top. This photo displays a portion of the Fibonacci Sequence on a fern shaft.
3./ Valery's "Winnipeg Lake" which was also submitted to keep the challenge on the go, was a nicely fresh addition to the challenge. The spiked ice crystals, accumulated to form little islands of their own, like crystal flower beds on icy water, are eye-pleasers. But, since they are situated away from the camera and display no regular and easily recognizable patterns, the photo did not win, but, was a welcome scene.
4./ Cogito's photo of a red-leafed new plant, taken from the top is a good example of Fibonacci Sequence in vertical form; you can see how the petioles are alternatingly spaced on the plant shaft. Had Cogito shot the photo at 90 degrees from the top, with no angles, he might have gotten a better shot of the alternating distribution of the leaves. The photo did not win for its tiny size and for the existence of a better photo in the challenge.
**5./ Andy's/Birma's shot entitled "Fern Fronds" is a good shot in many ways: It covers the requirements of the challenge; the Fibonacci Sequence/Golden Spiral is clearly visible in the shapes of both the shaft where the fronds are situated and the fronds themselves. The photo is shot vertically to accommodate a full view of the growth; proportionally pleasing to the eye; has nice warm colours; bears signs of new growth hence conveying freshness. The photo was also taken especially for this challenge within the allocated time frame.
Andy's "Fern Fronds" was selected as the winning entry for this challenge. Ferns and their growth patterns are good and easy-to-find examples of Golden Ratio, hence going for a fern also was a smart move.
Congratulations, Andy!
6./ Cogito's second entry of two submissions which showcase starbursts are also associated with the Golden Ratio/Fibonacci Spiral. Had the subjects been selected better, displayed more freshness, framed better to show signs of decisiveness, the patterns could have been more easily traced by the eye of the viewer. The subjects are correct, but cut short of their true value for pattern-displaying. A different lens or angle might have worked better.
7./ Valery Dyck's "18 May 2015 in Winnipeg" is fresh in every aspect possible; the promise of Lilac blossoms half-hidden under fresh, late May snow make for a wonderful shot. I can even imagine the intoxicating fragrance generated by the Lilacs. Lilac blossoms do have a pattern of growth that displays the Golden Ratio in general but there's no sign of it in this lovely, cool shot. Nicely framed with pleasing proportions, the shot also has a neat background bokeh that blends into bright light in the distance. Unfortunately, the photo did not meet the particular requirement of the challenge.
Thank you all,
Yildiz
Andy's/Birma's winning photo: "Fern Fronds"
