I was another one of your 17 sevens. Admittedly, there is no real focus for my interest, but I liked the mysterious expanse of a beautiful shade of yellow. Maybe if the stuff floating in it were more interesting... you should've thrown some Barbies in there! ;)
geothermal..hmmmm who's entry could that be????? lol...seriously, I never saw this photo when I voted the challenge but I think it's a very unique shot. I love the colors and the foreground made me think ewwwwwww mud between toes. I like the picture.
I don't find this shot boring at all. In fact, I was one of your seventeen 7's. The colors are marvelous and the steam is so cool. Nice choice on the crop & composition accenting the golden tones in the foreground yet pulling the eye deeper into the picture with the interesting smoke and vibrant sky. Nicely done. Just a challenge full of very good competition.
8 - Really like the perspective in this, including the angle across the water and the showing of the 'steam'. Like the elements in the water, just wish they were more defined. Overall very clean and nice colors - but wonder about them 'boosted' just a fraction, whether that may have given this a little extra. Could just be another case of 'this size doesn't do this justice'. edit:to add comments