What makes a photograph good? What makes it great? As a digital photographer, I look at my and others' work and ask myself those questions all the time. My take on it is first you have to master your equipment, and then you have to master how you see. You may have great artistic vision, but if your photo is poorly exposed, it's not going to be great, or possibly even good. You may luck into a great photo because you happen to click at the right moment, but then, can you really take credit for it?
My two big insecurities are, I feel like in some ways it is your equipment - say, the newest Nikon and best lenses vs. my Sony a200 and Sigma lens from Ritz's going-out-of-business sale - and I feel like it is where you live and what you have access to. The photos that really wow me are of beaches in Australia, wildlife in Colorado. There are no mountains or mountain goats or mountain lions within driving distance.
But, I keep trying. I am learning to look, and looking to learn.
Anyhow, I have spent several days on a new photography feature, combing dA for good or great photos. I looked strictly at newly submitted work, the majority of which was under-whelming. But I was able to gather a selection of good images, and a few outstanding images (at least IMO), to share here.

... to for including Upset Sea Gull in his weekly features

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