Judging this contest proved a bit tricky. Many among the excellent submissions show very beautiful sky and clouds
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
First place goes to Sam Rua and his September thunderstorm.
![](https://pbase.com/image/145850314/medium.jpg)
I was asking for interaction between the clouds and the earth, and boy, interaction it is. This photo is surreal! And it grows on you the more you look at it. Do drop by Sam's gallery to see the rest of his thunders - what a collection. Congratulations Sam!
Second place goes to Allen Hart, for the simple elegance and elegant simplicity of this tranquil photo.
![](https://pbase.com/image/139782980/medium.jpg)
Third place to Ken Zaret for this amazing find. It looks almost three dimensional. Plus, the organized chaos of these clouds and the composition caught my eye instantly. You must have been flying really high….
![](https://pbase.com/image/159717124/medium.jpg)
Then, three honourable mentions:
*** Andrzej Zmuda - very brooding, dramatic shot. I love the composition, and the aggressive, almost predatory looking peaks. If there is hell, it probably looks a bit like this. Also, judging from your whole gallery, you must have made quite an effort to take this shot. Bravo!
![](https://pbase.com/image/148874779/medium.jpg)
*** Terry Bowker – for this eternal classic, minus the usual snow cap
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
![](https://pbase.com/image/126153722/medium.jpg)
*** Markus Grompe – for this beautiful illustration how dense local fog can be – and vice versa. And what it can do to a city...
![](https://pbase.com/image/139372039/medium.jpg)
Again, thank you very much to all participants, and Sam, now you !