I too, was one of you 10's; I could not agree with MM more. I am new to photography and I certainly do not have a technically trained eye. I am learning every day. However I do know what pleases the senses and this picture is absolutely astonishing! To date, bar none, this is my favorite DPC photo. I have returned to it time and time again and still cannot put a fix on exactly why the photo invokes such a strong reaction in me. Thanks for your effort.
This image alone will probably be enough for me to leave DPChallenge when my subscription runs out. It's absolutely incredible in every way. I look at your scores, and I only see three 10's... equal to the amount of 2's and 3's you received. It finished 98th. This is a top 5 image in any challenge its entered in to me. Wow. I'll just never understand the voters here. Absolutely brilliant piece of art, and WAYY better than the score it received.
I love it, i hate it, i love it, I hate it. Beauty, despair, angst and demand all in one face. I'm not entirely sure why this photo jumps out off the page but it does and you have truly caused a reaction which is what it's all about. excellent.