AND, the winner of the "Simple Beauty" photo challenge is...

This weeks guest judge:
Chana from Mamma Town!
This weeks challenge: Simple Beauty.
The challenge: The challenge will be based around your children. Take or find a photo of your baby (or kid… or puppy… or kitty). Simple beauty.

The winners chosen by Chana:

“I have to say, judging this challenge was so much more difficult than I ever imagined! So many of you are beyond talented and you made this gut wrenching for me! I was so impressed with all of the different interpretations of “simple beauty” and it was quite a thrill to learn from some of your fabulous photography skills. Thank you everyone for participating and allowing me the pleasure of viewing your work!”

First: Hella Kids
Why Chana chose this photo: “This photo spoke to me on so many levels. I love how close the crop is, creating a feeling of intimacy. It pulled me in and made me feel like I was a part of a sacred moment. I love how it’s back lit with a gleam of sun on the shoulder. I’m a sucker for photos that make me feel like I’m witnessing a moment frozen in time. It’s pure love caught on film. Adore it.”

{Hella Kids}

Congrats to the winner! Great job, and please feel free to grab the Fact: I’m Awesome button! Because You are awesome!!

Second: The Cowan Chronicles
Why Chana chose this photo: “I love the perspective of this photo. It’s not a super close crop yet the photographer created an image that still features the subject as the main focus. I love the angle of the bench, how it creates a pathway to the boy. The expression on his face is quite strong. He seems so content being still for the moment, something that is so rare for a young child. His peaceful demeanor is beautiful. He seems so open, and captivated and as though he’s preparing for his next adventure.”

{The Cowan Chronicles}

Third: Holly Days
Why Chana chose this photo: “This photograph tells a story, and I respect that, it is not an easy task in photography! I was drawn to this photo because it felt so rich and full of history. I love the mini guitar and the rugged age showing in the man’s hand compared to the soft sweet skin of the child. It’s past and future. It seemed cultural to me, I felt as though the man was teaching his child a passion of his. I admired feeling as though I was peeking in on a very personal bonding moment between a father and his child. “

{Holly Days}

Fourth: Continuous Shutter
Why Chana chose this photo: “I know some may be gasping at the idea of choosing a dog over some of the adorable human faces entered in this challenge. But, hear me out. I realize that to those (most) who own pets, the love they feel for that animal is exactly like the love one feels for their child. And I kept coming back to this photo because, for me, it captures the flawless love a dog has for it’s owner. I love how his/her ear is perfectly flopped over on it’s head. The expression in their eyes is the true reason I couldn’t stop staring at this photo. There is just the perfect glimmer of sparkle hinted in those eyes, as if he/she is waiting for the owner to come up with something special and wonderful for them. I see pure devotion in this photo. I see total and perfect un wavering love. And if that’s not simply beautiful, I don’t know what is! “

{Continuous Shutter}

Fifth: Buckeroomama
Why Chana chose this photo: “I found this photo to be just lovely. I adore how she is caught in a moment, enjoying the freedom of riding the carousel. I love how the photographer caught the expression on her face, which is pure joy. I felt as though I was standing right there clapping for her! It’s the right amount of movement. It creates a great energy that is mixed with the feeling of a moment frozen in time. You know by the gleaming smile on her face, that she is overflowing with happiness. So many emotions radiate from this photo!”