All images copyright by the individual photographers

	Classic Controls by Mark Avery  13x17-in, $150 Mark has a nice collection of photos ranging from birds, botanicals, and landscapes, but the image that immediately caught my eye was Classic Controls! Maybe you too were attracted by this composition. Are you drawn to B&W photos like I am? This is nice and crispy, and the contrast is perfect for this type of image. The fact that Mark decided to compose this on a diagonal really caught my eye as well. If you’re a car buff and a little “long in the tooth,” like me, you’ve seen these kinds of dashes in autos you dreamt about! Fun to look at Mark. Thanks for sharing it with us. By Don Menges
	Penobscot Narrows ME #2, by Don Burkel 22x26-in, $350 Don Burkel has shared with us a wonderful assortment of natural landscapes that were photographed close enough that images have transitioned into wonderful abstracts. Small details have grown into unrecognizable shapes and forms. The surfaces contain familiar colors, but textures make us a bit uncertain as to what we are looking for.  It was difficult for me to choose one of these to write about, but Penobscot Narrows ME #2 was the one that resonated. I enjoy abstracts that have something recognizable in them for me to anchor my eye. I like the deep cracks in the rocks running horizontally countered by the lighter organic material running vertically down the rocks. The green growth found a home in the lower fissure and adds some reality to the scene. The most powerful aspect though is the whitish veins running diagonally through all of this. I have no idea what they are made of, but I could look at them all day trying to figure it out. The subtle colorations in this photo are comfortable to our eye and allow us to spend a lot of time with this image. By Don Menges
	Svitlana’s Suitcase by Elena Dilai  16x20-in, NFS Elena’s theme for her current display focuses on the faces of five Ukrainian refugees who answered the question “What did you bring in that one suitcase you packed?” Surrounded by this incredible series of superb portraits, Svitlana’s Suitcase deserves recognition for its powerful and poignant impact that illustrates how Svitlana was able to bring only her two children with her when she fled her country, leaving her husband to fight on the front line. While viewing this image, the viewer might experience the emotions of hope and fear as seen in the faces of the two children.  Perhaps the young boy is hopeful while his younger sister, clutching her snuggly that she snuck into her mother’s backpack, is still uncertain about what lies ahead. While viewing this and all of the images, one is captivated by the objects found within in each suitcase. Elena has arranged each composition in an artistic manner, causing the eye to travel around each image, taking in the intricate details found within each one. The viewer is left wanting to know more about each person and their background story. The wonderful placement of each subject, the striking light that provides clear details, the various expressions on each face; all of these elements contribute to give the viewer memorable images. The viewer can envisage and continue to learn from the subjects’ clothes, from their poses, and from the concentrated expressions of people who seem to have infinite bravery. Such is the strength of these outstanding portraits in which viewers can become absorbed, wanting to know more, certainly wondering if their thoughts and ideas about these people are close to reality. These are thought-provoking portraits, wonderfully seen and photographed. By Marie Costanza
	Dark Princess by Emily Stauring  16x24-in, $350 Emily Stauring’s Eclectic Randomness exhibit is certainly diverse and seemingly unplanned, yet her collection demonstrates her skills in composition, lighting, and processing techniques. Though I enjoy viewing her full collection, I was particularly drawn to her portrait labeled Dark Princess. The lighting is exquisite, situated to the left of the viewer and above the subjects, limited to only highlight the woman’s and horse’s heads and the mane of the horse. The blackness of the background, the ‘negative space’ makes it easy for my eye to view the diagonal line drawn between horse and woman. The horse’s mane, while serving as a bridge, is also of a similar pattern and style to the woman’s hair making for a nice connection between the two. I am also enthralled with the composure of the two figures. Both appear cool, and self-controlled. The softness of the portrait adds to the beauty and calmness of the scene. Yet upon a closer examination there is an emotional element or tension that seems to imply that, even though the dress may not be for riding they are ready to go. Thank you, Emily, for a wonderful collection of photographs. By Dick Bennett
	Kaleidoscope, by d dargan teska  18x22-in, $200 The spiral staircase in Melo Abbey, located in Austria, is a stunning piece of architecture that is captured beautifully in d dargan teska’s Gallery Pick, Kaleidoscope, which showcases the intricate details and colors of the magnificent staircase. The colorful kaleidoscope effect of this photo is truly mesmerizing as it draws the eye towards the top of the photo. The way the colors blend and merge together create a sense of movement and fluidity that is both captivating and beautiful.  The colors are bright and vibrant, with shades of blue, orange, yellow and purple blending seamlessly together to create a stunning visual display. The use of an interesting angle adds depth and dimension, highlighting the unique design and intricate details of the staircase, making viewers feel as if they could step right into the photo and explore the staircase. The angle used adds a unique and creative element, transforming what would otherwise be a simple architectural shot into a work of art. The lighting in the photo is also noteworthy, as it spotlights the shadows and highlights of the staircase, creating a sense of depth and texture. The contrast between the dark shadows and bright highlights adds to the drama of the photo, making it feel almost cinematic in its composition. Some viewers might especially enjoy the way this photo captures the sense of history and grandeur that is inherent in the Melo Abbey.  The staircase is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the architects and builders who created it, and the photo does an excellent job of showcasing its beauty and complexity. Overall, this photo of the spiral staircase is skillfully created as it captures the essence of the staircase in a way that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring.  Whether the viewer is a lover of architecture, history, or simply appreciates the beauty of a well-crafted photograph, this image is sure to impress. By Marie Costanza