Congrats on capturing the beautiful colour contrast and texture. The bougainvillea bush, to which this bloom belongs, is very common. But you've made it unique with this shot. It shows that you don't need an amazing subject to create an amazing shot.

Amazing clarity and I like how we can glimpse the author in the shot too.

This is a great idea, poorly portrayed. Any bump in contrast would have helped, a stronger focus on the paints and a different background would have greatly improved this entry. Sometimes a piece on construction paper (black or whatever color) makes and excellent backdrop for such a small subject to shoot Try that next time.

That's what I thought too MnM

Wasn't this shot in the Orphan's contest?

Ouch!

This might have been a really cool shot if that upper bird was all there

This would have been cool in the shadow contest

I sort of like it like this! Think it is perhaps better than if you did have the whole bird ... gives it a real sense of movement ... you know that the one bird it trying to get away!

I thought the lens flare was a nice touch but I guess some people see that as a flaw.

Original comment ... see EDIT below: This is a little too good ... sorry Author but you are too good! Seriously, I don't know if this grabs me enough. I would say that the lens flare makes it worthy of the theme on that level but I am not sure what mood or emotion evokes? Can you explain how it "grabs" you?

EDIT: I have come back to this a number of times and the more I look at it the more it impresses me. There is something very haunting about the lone girl on the beach that I did not notice at first. All the people on the wharf, together and there she is, alone, gazing into the sunset.
Quite fascinating ... just took me a while!!!

Bright, hot, free ... very evocative of the beach!

its probably the orb near the left side of the pic?

??????? What's the flaw?