All images copyright by the individual photographers

	Kayaker by Don Race Of the superb images by Don Race, exquisitely photographed, framed and presented, I have previously commented on his stellar print, “F15E Strike Eagle”, which is just an amazing photograph, and it is an impressive tribute to the author’s technical and artistic skills. Equally stunning is his remarkable print, “Kayaker”. An exhilarating and dangerous sport such as white-water kayaking, demands peak fitness and strength, lightning fast reaction time and muscle coordination, a fearless mentality, experience, and intimate knowledge of the water course, just to name a few of the necessary requirements. The photographer who wants to capture a truly outstanding “Kayak-moment” must also possess similar attributes, and this is amply demonstrated by Don’s great action shot, which has truly captured the essence of the sport. This memorable image captures the intimate relationship between the water and the kayaker, and where both he and the photographer are at one with the elements. As we study this print, we all should experience this harmony with the racer fighting the raging water. We all feel the excitement of motion, strength, concentration and great resolution, as we truly experience danger and the high technical skills needed to battle the turbulent rapids. I would be remiss if I did not comment on the impressive color, the dynamic composition, the rapt attention of the kayaker, and of course the tumultuous water, where every splash and droplet is frozen in time in just an unbelievable fashion. I hope that everyone who studies this incredible image, will have at hand a large towel to wipe off the perspiration and the water droplets that may result from being completely engrossed in this outstanding photograph.
	Engine Study #1016 Ford GT-40 Mark II by Steve Rossini Steve’s memorable images from the LeMans Classic vintage car race needs only the deafening roar of the engines, together with the characteristic burning-fuel smell emanating from the countless exhaust pipes, to magically convert the Image City Gallery into pit lane. As a racing car enthusiast myself, I was hard pressed to select a single image to comment further on. For example, the fiery red color, the artistic hood line, and the racing fuel filter all contribute to make “Red She Said” a fabulous print. Furthermore, the exciting atmosphere of “The Starting Grid”, conjures up the magical moment when you hear “Gentlemen start your engines”. These are just two exceptional prints from this striking exhibition, from which I finally chose “Engine Study” as my “pick” to discuss further. This view of the exhaust headers of the GT-40 is electrifying in every way. One knows that the twists and turns of the metal pipes are passionately hand-crafted and positioned in order to maximize the thrust and power of the Ford engine. Such highly controlled design also gives an incredible artistic drama and a mysterious aura, as these exotic “tubes” seem to writhe around, as they seek their own tortuous path to the engine block. In harmony with these intertwining giants is the dramatic and gorgeous color palette. The burnished copper- like color of the pipes is resplendent in itself, but the vivid blues, reds and purples around the junction of the header cylinders with the two exhaust pipes is awesome. We really have to thank the hot exhaust gases for giving us such a breathtaking range of dynamic colors. All that is missing is the vibration, the fiery glow and the characteristic smell from the hot exhaust gases, plus of course, the deep-throated roar of a truly classic vintage car engine. These elements are not missing, they are there in full force for us to savor and enjoy.
	Thor’s Hammer by Sanford Rockowitz We know from the words of John Muir that there is sacredness in an environment that is still alive, exemplified in the “Range of Light” (High Sierras), where wildness is a necessity, and is an essential part of ourselves. Sanford has eloquently listened to the wilderness, and has lovingly given us some transcendent scenes from some of our most breathtaking National Parks. His print “Evolution Basin” is one of my favorite images, but I have chosen the serene vista from Bryce Canyon as my “pick” to comment further on. The main reason that I did this was because it strikingly illustrates how the time of the day and the month of the year is often critical if one wants to capture a dramatic scene. Here, the true majesty of this imposing sandstone structure, namely Thor’s Hammer, has been dramatically captured by strong back-lighting and by effectively blocking the sun’s rays from impinging on the camera lens. The striking end –result, is an impressive and powerful shadow of the rock dominating the foreground, from which our eyes lead up to take in the incredible color and intricate detail of the “Hammer” Magically, there is plenty of reflected light to reveal all of the majesty and wonder of the other sandstone elements inside the canyon. The range of delicate, warm colors is both beautiful and impressive, so that we can absorb, embrace, and enjoy every structure. Even the distant spires of Bryce Canyon are clearly visible as the sun’s backlit rays open up the impressionable colors and details. Thor’s Hammer is directly in the middle of the frame, just where it should be as an imposing edifice in a memorable scene, captured so wonderfully by Sanford for all of us to admire -- truly a temple that no hand of man could build.
	Sumac Bouquet #8 by Susan Kaye Photography is an art of observation, and Susan’s delightful and striking images of various leaf structures, eminently attest to her superb artistic and photographic talents. Her outstanding prints, particularly those using macro techniques, wonderfully reveal nature’s intimate designs and delicate structures. In “Sumac bouquet #8”, four sumac leaves have been creatively combined into an expressive grouping that emphasizes strong color, and reveals superbly all of the intricate details of each leaf.  Here we have the extroverted and exciting red hues coupled with the introverted and soothing effects of shades of green. The reds and greens interact in matchless harmony, letting our eyes take in and explore every vein and elaborate pattern present in each leaf structure. Together, these four leaf elements form a closely related bond, so much so, that they look and feel as they truly belong together. This convivial accord adds great strength and power to the overall image, resulting in a joyous gathering of four remarkable, awesome, sumac leaves, wonderfully photographed and presented for everyone to study and admire.
	Frost by Julie Oldfield The tragedy and starkness of abandonment and dereliction have been hauntingly captured in Julie’s surreal images. Pictures do provoke visual concern, but they also have a convincing beauty, together with the mystery of a fabled past, coupled sadly with a conflicting and uncertain future. I chose “Frost” as one of my “picks” because it epitomizes all of the above elements, with the added excitement of a serene and majestic red-brick structure. Impressively, nature has lovingly interlaced the brick façade with a clinging dormant vine, which is just waiting to burst into leaf with the onset of Spring. We certainly know that the building that this wall is an integral part of, has a history that we would love to uncover, yet we have a strong sense of foreboding due to the central character, which is an ominous black open door. Furthermore, this doorway can only be reached by climbing a stark sinister, black-metal stairway. Also uninviting, are two shuttered windows, and sadly, the charming, imposing red-brick wall, which is an excellent state of repair, has been criminally attacked and defaced by scurrilous graffiti. The wall is not mortally wounded, but the senseless attack by non-artistic vagrants has left a tragic scar for all to see. Let us hope that everyone who views this image masks out this wanton vandalism. This imposing building segment should be admired for what it once was, for its rich legacy, and for the memories and experiences of the people who once lived and worked within, and one can certainly hope that someday it may become the centerpiece of a new and vibrant community.