I always look at an image for the challenge topic, of course, but also how I like it outside of the challenge topic.
This wins on the former (It fits the topic perfectly), but it doesn't work at all for me as a photograph outside of the challenge.
I didn't vote on this, but I'd have given it my lowest score, due to it not being a wonderful photograph on its own standing.
However, I'm only one person... *grin* And I'm only telling this to help you understand other people's ideas, not to criticize.
And I thank you for your feedback, Lydia!
This particular one was shot with the sole purpose of entering this challenge, It's not a picture I'm fond of, and I'm aware of the fact that it has only one leg to stand on!
Maybe this is an error I make, sometimes I tend to give too much importance to the challenge fitting, rather than the absolute value of a photography.
Anyway these are all different yet valid points of view.