I always love this thread. Each and every one of these images is special and it's always great to see what people have done this year and what they like in their own work. For me, while it has been fairly good year photo-wise, it has been very difficult personally, and it will be one that I look forward to putting behind me.
As for my favorite image of the year, it seems to change continually. So you get what I'm fond of at the moment - subject to change without notice. Watch this space for my flip-flopping choice. Offer void in Kuala Lampur and the Nettherlands. Use at your own risk. Happy Hollidays everyone!
to each and every photographer who took the time to post in this thread, THANK YOU! This has been one of the best topics that I have ever had the chance to view here on FM. Each and every photo is a priceless treasure that will be enjoyed by generations to come. Thank you.
Mr Zoom wrote:
Side note: This photo has been so popular on SmugMug that it has been stolen twice and won two Picture of the Day contests without my knowing about it until much later. I'm so flattered I encourage you all to please steal my pictures
Ken
Ken, could you send me the High res version of your photo I was getting ready to enter your shot in a local photo contest (I would be taking all credit, of course) and they want a 12x18 print out for me to submit, that low res version you posted is not going to cut it. JK
I posted earlier (on the second page), now that more of you have posted, Great Job and Wonderful shots!
This shot is of a young Cooper's Hawk that I had watched since it was a little white ball of fluff. It was one of four that grew up in an area about a mile from my home. It was great watching these guys and their very protective parents. We had one of our occasional rain storms and I went out the next morning saw this young one trying to figure out a water puddle. I was able to watch this guy for about thirty minutes as he or she tested, tasted and finally apparently played in the puddle -- always with the hawk eyes that are so serious. I believe the hawk was staring at it's reflection as it stayed in this position for several minutes. This is not one of my best shots but it is a favorite one that will always bring back good memories to me. I hope you enjoy it. Steve W
Edited by alameda on Dec 30, 2007 at 08:59 PM GMT (Reason: photo lost ? )
After years of reading and admiring everybodys fine work here, I decided to start contributing. I'm certain we all feel that just picking one image is about as challenging as actually getting a great shot... this is my submission.
This is one I like a lot, C&C welcome, I need to improve in processing skills. That is going to be my New Years resolution. Next year I hope to have a real wowzer like all the great photographs in this post.
Here is one of my best, and probably my favorite. I've always wanted to see grizzly bears in the wild and finally here in Canada I was able to do it!
The photo was taken in Bute Inlet, British Columbia in September, I was standing on a small peninsula in the Orford river while the bear was fishing for salmon next to me. The sea gulls took whatever the bear had left over.
I was getting ready to enter your shot in a local photo contest (I would be taking all credit, of course) and they want a 12x18 print out for me to submit, that low res version you posted is not going to cut it. 
