Smithsonian.com

This is an incredible photo on every level. One of the best I've seen in a long time anywhere. I love it!

I think this is the most unique and visually pleasing of all the photos.

As a photographer it appeals because of the difficulty of taking the shot.

As an example of the natural world where three environments are represented it the perfect storm.

Not only is this gorgeous, but makes me-a beginner- really excited to keep learning about photography. Thanks for that.

I dont like it at all.. Looks predictable and fake...

Pictures should make you feel, and this photo makes me feel like im lying on the warm sandy beaches and bathing in the fresh clean water! One of the most beautiful pictures i've seen in years!

Thanks to everyone for their comments! I wanted to address the mistaken idea that this image was manipulated in any way using software. Using a fisheye lens and an 8" dome port with an underwater housing, this sort of split or over/under image is quite commonly achieved. The trick is not in using software but in proper technique. The most difficult part of split underwater photography is to get both the underwater and the terrestrial pieces of the image in focus. I therefore use an aperture of at least f/11, as well as a lot of patience. More split images can be found on my website (oceanstockimages.com). Thanks again to everyone who found this image interesting.

This image is wonderful! The way you made it is so artistical!
Good luck!

This photo is an eye stopper--an awe moment--a smile---

Amazing...even if it were "photoshopped...what a mind! Very forward thinking and inspiring. I love it!

Is this for real???I love it.So clean and fresh and untouched...cheers.

gorgeous imagery

I'm always looking for things in life that are unique, unexpected, simple and an expression of natural beauty...this captures all these and more! This 'sprouting nut' (some say that's me!) has my vote!

This is an interesting perspective. Very simple, very beautiful. Amazing photo. The floating coconut sings. Barbara Lamb

Wow...wish I had been there, if not to take the photo, just to have been there...

Is that coconut smiling . . . or is it just me? But then, I would be smiling too, were I in such a state-of-bliss moment! Are we there yet?

Life looking for a home.

What an extraordinary view! The first comment says that there's something "not right," and it does look nearly impossible, but I'm willing to believe that this is a genuine shot. Not something that comes by every day.

With digital photos, it can be hard to tell if manipulation was involved. But I still like this picture, but it looks fake. If it isn't, then bravo.

There is nothing more beautiful, than a picture so simple. Yet, makes you want to look back to see if you're missing something. Great job Ethan.

Not only is this photograph unique (very) but it is technically flawless. The composition seems almost staged it is so "right." Everything is in focus ! This in itself seems like a very big accomplishment. It nears abstract idealism, yet is so real that it mercifully stops before it become etherial.
The photographic eye takes in the image, but the concept goes much further and leads one's mind to more universal and metaphysical thoughts. This is a really wonderful photograph.

This is unique and wonderful. I can almost feel the water and day. The artful quality makes this fantastic.

Hope Floats,in such trying times!

Life on a water world... what are the odds!

I absolutely think that "Coconut Floating in the Shallows" is the winner of this contest because I find the other photos to be predictable. This photo accurately portrays the way we should all be approaching life in these dubious times: float along, sprout with new growth, and go where the current takes you...I LOVE IT!

there is something not right about this picture. you can't have both perspectives like that.