'Singular' photo contest Top 10

In choosing her Top 10, judge Susan Vermazen of the Globe Photo Dept. relied on my original instructions for this theme:

"We all yearn for simplicity in our busy, oft-complicated lives. So let's illustrate that desire with sparse, simple pictures of just one subject. Strive for peace and quiet - the zen of life."

Her choices:

FIRST PLACE - $100

Susan wrote: "This image has a lot of magic in it. The little girl, in her sweet dress and long, wind-blown red hair, fills our hearts with the inexpressible joy that only comes with watching children. Because we can't see her face, and the whitewashed light creates a mood, the image recalls a little angel, walking only as a concession to convention when she ought to be flying."

SECOND PLACE - $50

Susan wrote: "We all should have a place that allows us to take in all that nature has to offer; to dream and to relax. We can't always go some place exotic. Sometimes a corner of our backyard offers us the sanctuary we seek. The dappled light on the lush green lawn in this photo is alluring – we can feel the warm sun and smell the grass, and the empty hammock lets us imagine we are in it, being rocked to sleep."

THIRD PLACE - $25

Susan wrote: "The image of the white castle, looking out at the powerful sea, captures our need for magnificent beauty. There is a calmness to this photo that makes it intriguing. The colors and the light invite you to dive into the blue waters and look back up at the castle, or climb up to the highest point of the castle and take in the sky and the water."


GALLERY OF ALL TOP 10 WINNERS

Congratulations to all of our Final 50 and Top 10 winners. You can see the entire field of submissions here.