This picture captures the very essence of my dog Marty. He's named after the Buffalo Sabres goal tender, Martin Biron. Photo taken by Jeff Gerew (United States) - Animals/Pets

I just love the contrast between the bright, sunlit foreground -- and the ominous, dark and foreboding stormclouds in the distance. I took this picture in October, on my drive to work near Keeler Township, MI. Photo taken by Dan Selvidge (United States) - Artistic/Creative

I snuck up behind my sister in law just as her husband stole a kiss. The picture was taken while we were riding on the Ferry to Block Island, RI. Photo taken by Janice Forrest (United States) - People/Family/Friends

This picture was taken/made last summer. Photo taken by Evy Johansen (Denmark) - Artistic/Creative

Pictured here, a friend's child, peeking at me during a summer barbecue in Cortlandt Manor, New York. Photo taken by Andy Williams (United States) - People/Family/Friends

The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Photo taken by Grace Moon (United States) - Travel/Vacation

The fall colours began to appear here this year long before either the weather or the calendar said that fall was here. I shot this pretty autumn coloured leaf after a brief shower in late August. Photo taken by Gerda Grice (Canada) - Nature

This picture of my 22 month old granddaughter Jayde was taken in September. Jayde was diagnosed with Leukemia in April 2004 -- and the scare that we went through makes every picture of her is special to us. This one however, was taken at the right moment where she seems deep in thought and when the sun was setting, giving this awesome glow over her. It was as though it were her own personal "sunset." Photo taken by Wendy (United States) - People/Family/Friends

I love this photo because it's a brief moment when all five of my Jack Russell puppies are actually still: they were just waking up from a nap. They're usually boundless bundles of energy. I took the photo in my backyard on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004. Photo taken by Rachel Pennington-Smith (United States) - Animals/Pets

I rarely see these schooners anymore. But last week, upon arriving at Lighthouse Point one hot summer evening in CT, one sailed by! They make me think of how it must have been sailing in the "Old World". Photo taken by Dolores Neilson (United States) - Travel/Vacation

These cows look mad, but they are very gentle. Perhaps its the pictures perspective that gives them that look. The picture was taken on a farm in upstate New York (Monticello) this summer 2004. Photo taken by Dean McManus (United States) - Animals/Pets

You can tell the season by the flowers that are in bloom. It's autumn again! Photo taken by John Snider (United States) - Nature

Beauty in nature is everywhere. This little guy had strayed onto a sidewalk. I got down to its level and started snapping pictures when it sensed my presence and looked right at the camera. I thought this photo depicted the snail in an unusual moment of communication. The photo was taken on August 30, 2004, in Oregon. Photo taken by Emma Louise Butler (United States) - Nature

I was able to watch and listen to this incredible 91-year young blues man perform at a recent music fest. Photo taken by Wendy Goeckner (United States) - People/Family/Friends

While on vacation in Ireland, I took this picture cycling along the back roads of rural County Mayo. There were so many breathtaking views of lush green rolling hills, but this particular scene revealed the isolation and tranquility I enjoyed most. The picture was taken with Kodak APS400 film. Photo taken by Shannon Connell (United States) - Travel/Vacation

A special point of view -- of an ordinary photographed subject. Photo taken by Netzach Farbiash (Israel) - Animals/Pets

This picture is special because it was one of my first! I am an amateur trying to develop "the eye." It was taken on June 25, 2004 in Milford, New Hampshire Photo taken by Valentin Enriquez (United States) - Holidays/Events

This photo was taken this past summer at Summer Camp, where many new friends were made. Photo taken by J. A. Korpershoek (Canada) - People/Family/Friends

The setting sun reflects on a collection of pumpkins getting ready for Halloween. Photo taken by Gordon J Evans (United States) - Holidays/Events

This picture was taken in Bowling Green, Kentucky at an International Heritage Festival. In my mind it captures the creativity of a musician that is playing a melody in his mind rather than to the outside world. Photo taken by Mark Scherer (United States) - People/Family/Friends

Water has a unique place for all of us as an essential of life. From our earliest times, mankind has held water dear, and invested it with special and sometimes mystical powers. Our whole cultural, literary and artistic heritage is steeped in references to water. It is a very precious resource, but today we often fail to recognise its value. Photo taken by Nedim Muhic (Bosnia & Herzegovina) - Nature

This is the picture we see from our window. Taken October 13, 2004. Photo taken by Doris Egolf (United States) - Nature

This flower, just like one of thousands in my garden -- but this one just stood out against the clear blue sky. Photo taken by Luis Gonzalez (United States) - Nature

I was setting up my camera and tripod to photograph the father of these two kids. I looked over my shoulder and was surprised to see these youngsters wrestling for position on a rock so they could see what I was doing. This image was captured on August 8, 2004. At nearly 14,000 feet elevation, it was a beautiful day on Mt. Evans in Colorado. The mountain goats are very gentle creatures. Photo taken by Richard Hahn (United States) - Animals/Pets

This is a beautiful picture of my four girls taken in our backyard after swimming. Claire, age 3 1/2, and her identical triplet sisters, Mary Jane, Campbell and Grace, ages 2 1/2. They love freezer pops and Mom doesn't let them eat them inside (very often). Photo taken by Elizabeth A. Tiffin (United States) - People/Family/Friends

Everyone loves a Slinky! This is one of my favorite subjects to photograph as a slight change in angle or camera position can produce very interesting abstract shapes. Photo taken by David S. April (United States) - Artistic/Creative

It's fall in Minnesota, and this is the river we live on. I LOVE the colors of this time of year! Photo taken by Joan Soles (United States) - Nature

Boo-ooo! Photo taken by Evy Johansen (Denmark) - Holidays/Events