#50 Fan Photo of the Year: Sharlene Meetsma Hyink‎

Of course, this is a wonderful portrait of a moose couple (Is that meeses?) but what I love about this picture most is the color. 

Ironically, I’m very often the first one in line to convert pictures to black and white but the subtle earth tones in this picture are so sweet. That little hint of green on the right is just a nice little spot of nature’s palette genius.  And notice how the ultra simple backdrop of the grain defines these magnificent creatures perfectly.  (I know this is totally unrelated, but I had an interior decorator tell me once that whenever she needed a new color palette she would simply go look at nature photographs and all of her problems were solved; it makes complete sense. I do not, however, want you to think I have spent much time in my life talking to interior decorators. Maybe two.)

But back to Sharlene—fantastic work!  Stunning.

#49 Fan Photo of the Year: Jacqui Antoine‎

Words barely do justice to the power and courage on display here. Jacqui has survived breast cancer and is using her camera to inspire any woman out there who needs inspiration.  In her own words:

“Self portrait..I am a survivor...10 years post diagnosis and lucky enough to be around to take beautiful images of my children and grandchildren.”

#48 Fan Photo of the Year: Hope Salway Fredrickson

I can’t think of a sport that is better served by showing the whole venue than surfing.

The very idea that little tiny people are so willing to be tossed around by big giant waves in a much bigger ocean doesn’t get much better than this. Yes, if you want to be a serious sports photographer you’re going to want to get in close and use a long telephoto lens, but every once in a while, you just stand back and let the place do the talking, as Hope did. This is truly a spectacular sports photograph. You can even see the board.

#47 Fan Photo of the Year: Mary Day Burgy‎

Mary has used a couple of the photographer’s tools to create separation between background and subject. It’s so important. First of all, she has used a large aperture to put it out of focus. Then, the area behind the all-important ballerina is brighter and lighter than our subject. Together they help make a dreamy  moment into a dreamy, imaginative photograph. It all comes together so nicely here, Mary.

#46 Fan Photo of the Year: Alicia Walker‎

I don’t remember ever recommending that people turn a child’s sick day into a photo day, but I’ve done it so many times myself that I think it’s worth recognizing. There’s a subdued vulnerability here that is sweet beyond words. Your heart is breaking a little bit and you’re loving them a little more than usual and it all comes through in Alicia’s masterpiece.  The lighting and the wardrobe are classic Rembrandt. You could do worse, Alicia. Fantastic.

#45 Fan Photo of the Year: Erica Scott‎

Just about any time you have anyone in a dress getting down into the nitty-gritty of the real world you’ve got a photograph. Boys will be boys, but girls will be boys, too, regardless of what they’re wearing—and vice versa, of course. In the definitive collection of childhood moments there would have to be several photographs that felt like this one. Kids just don’t care about lots of the things that are important to adults and that’s what makes them such wonderful role models. I love this photograph, Erica.

#44 Fan Photo of the Year: Michelle Watson

Our dear friend Michelle claims to be the last New Englander who is still enjoying the snow (9 feet in Boston so far). But it’s easy to see why she’s not complaining when she puts pictures like this in her camera. Look at the quality! Aside from being just gorgeous, this picture is technically through the roof. It’s exquisite. The tones and the sharpness are breathtaking. It’s a snowflake masterwork, for sure. Beautiful, Michelle.

#43 Fan Photo of the Year: Sarah Burness‎

The exchange that happens between kids and creatures is a conversation that leaves us “grown-ups” in the dust. I would love to know what that horse is thinking but based on the look on its face it is definitely thinking something.  This little girl’s generous spirit and willingness to engage are an inspiration. On a very basic level, this photograph works so well because that bright white flower is up against that nice simple dark background and it’s—ding—right in the middle of the frame.  We don’t need to see the little girl’s face; we have her body language. There even seems to be another flower in her hair which just adds to the story. I’m assuming that very shortly after this was taken the horse was similarly adorned.  This is truly a sweet childhood moment, Sarah.

#42 Fan Photo of the Year: Andie Noon‎

It’s a relationship photograph; friends are friends regardless of species. Is there any doubt in your mind how this boy feels about Zippie the hamster? For some reason, in my brain, this picture almost has to be in black and white. It turns it into a timeless childhood moment and a family treasure for sure. Also, Andie has done a masterful job of placing these two in some dropdead gorgeous light for maximum emotional impact. Beautiful light has a way of doing that. If you’ve ever needed to be convinced that people don’t always have to be looking into the camera then feast your eyes on this masterpiece.

#41 Fan Photo of the Year: Andrea Vowell Ryan

Witness the power of scale. Take a little girl out of the picture and all of a sudden we are left with several obvious questions. Put the little girl IN the picture and it reads instantly—just like many of the very best photographs. Andrea didn’t know the little girl and didn’t speak to her but it goes without saying she did you a favor, Andrea! (This is the Garden of the Gods in Colorado.) Sometimes having a person in a landscape shot makes all the difference.

#40 Fan Photo of the Year: Kristi Weber Simmons‎

I’ve often said that asking children NOT to smile for portraits can pay great dividends and with this picture I rest my case. It’s all attitude. Of course, the wardrobe and location decisions – not to mention the editing – are beautiful, but it’s all about her body language and face. Everything else is gravy. Yes, it’s “just” a fashion photograph but several of the greatest photographs ever taken are. Dressing your child or grandchildren up and going out for a “shoot” is a great way to stretch your creative muscles. Beautiful photograph, Kristi!

#39 Fan Photo of the Year: Shauna Kite‎ Bailey

The success of this photograph is built on Shauna’s precisely correct choice of shutter speeds. It was a fast one; 1000th of a second, I’m guessing. Those frozen drops reinforce the soaking wet misery Bailey is experiencing after her much hated bath. Take away the drops frozen in space and it’s still a fine photo but it’s not the same. They make it super real and super wet. Little things that move are affected by shutter speeds, too, not just race cars and football players diving for a pass.  (Of course, Bailey did a fine job of looking as miserable as a creature can look. Shortly after this she ate the camera, by the way. She REALLY hates her bath.)

#38 Fan Photo of the Year: Molly Hover

I can clearly remember this moment in my own life. Standing out on the end of that diving board the water appears to be about 12 feet down—and that’s the low board. Apparently there are lots of people in the world that can relate. Look at all those faces reliving their own historic first jump. I think it’s amazing the way this intensely personal milestone has been beautifully recorded in an overall shot—it’s not a closeup. It’s the other people in the photograph that make it. Everyone is watching, you’re in the spotlight, it’s your turn to reach inside yourself and make it happen. This is a big deal and this photograph totally took me back. This is how photography connects us to each other; it takes us back through the world of someone we’ve never met. Love it.

#37 Fan Photo of the Year: Judy Lynn‎

I was going to make a cheap comment about this being a handyman’s dream but I don’t want to diminish this wonderful photograph. It’s the land of my people, North Dakota; somewhere near Bismarck. This picture works on so many levels. Notice how the blue gray of the sky contrasts the warm tones of the prairie so nicely.  Apparently there was a break in the clouds and the ground is being hit by direct sunlight making it brighter than the clouds—always a photo op.  And that 45° building is such a nice graphic counterpoint to the prairie.  Appreciating a prairie is an acquired taste. Some people—mostly East Coasters—think there’s nothing there. There’s actually an ocean of grass and soil and it is just as magnificent as any breaking wave  at your favorite beach. I think this is one of the nicer North Dakota photographs I’ve ever seen.

#36 Fan Photo of the Year: Gail Schaible Kreiser‎

There are several factors that make this photograph feel so intimate and private.  The color is subdued and the light feels like it’s fading. We can’t see Gail’s daughter’s face so we’re left to imagine that she’s relishing one of the sweeter smells in this world. She has the experience to know it needs to be savored; it’s her fourth baby. But honestly, it’s the little hairs beneath the mother’s ear that make this feel so amazingly personal. And once again, this is one of those situations that’s been photographed several billion times and yet, I’m not quite sure I’ve seen this version before—not like this. Lovely.

#35 Fan Photo of the Year: Dawn Marie Mayard‎

Okay, first of all, it’s important that you know that neither Dawn or her daughter are in jail for this. At least not now. That may change after we publish it on our Facebook page, however. This is a crazy good photograph. Talk about real people living their real lives in really unpredictable ways— amazing. I’m going to let Dawn tell the story:

“Something funny or at least we thought so! We went to the grocery store and my daughter Hannah couldn't decide on an ice cream flavor. She opened door and climbed up to see what the top shelf had and I felt she was taking too long so I closed her in it very briefly and pulled out my cell phone to capture the moment! I don't think she'll ever look at ice cream the same again—it was just one of those silly hilarious moments—we laughed so hard wondering if we were going to get thrown out of store. Obviously, I do not recommend anyone to do something like this. It was just one of those spur of the moments times! No thinking or preparation involved.  Hahaha!

#34 Fan Photo of the Year: Ashley Teal Beaty‎

I think it’s that they’re only touching at his lips and the top of the baby’s head; that’s what makes it so delicate and sweet. That little boy is being so careful—holding his hands back—and trying not to, let’s just say it out loud, dump the baby into the pond.  Although an unfortunate incident like that certainly would have produced some interesting photographs, I’m SOOOO glad it didn’t happen. 🙂  In all seriousness, the body language in this photograph is absolutely priceless. Notice how you can’t see their faces and you don’t care. Sometimes faces add nothing—in fact, they can be downright distracting. Beautiful photograph, Ashley.

#33 Fan Photo of the Year: Leila Thompson Flavell‎

 This is a masterful example of what detail in the shadows adds to a photograph. Yes, I realize that the northern lights are drop dead gorgeous, but the thing that makes this photograph for me is that we can see detail not just in the side of the church but even a hint of the door and the window on the dark side in front. Spectacular! Detail is scrumptious!

#32 Fan Photo of the Year: Tom Reese‎

Tom has been taking pictures all of his adult life so I’m probably making some inaccurate assumptions here, but I feel like we have watched him grow into a photojournalist in the last few years. He is constantly stepping back and evaluating an entire situation—even when it’s a self-portrait of himself with a grandson. He senses what’s important—and what’s not—and then he goes for it.  And by “stepping back” I don’t necessarily mean he shoots lots of overall shots (which he does). He steps back and sees the humanity in a situation. He regularly finds humor and irony and occasionally some pain. He is living in the moment with his camera. Like I said, he’s a photojournalist.

#31 Fan Photo of the Year: Tracy Auton Stuit

This is the third FPOTD in 2015 for Tracy. I do like to spread it around a bit, but I also don’t feel like this is a situation where “taking turns” is what it’s all about. On one hand, I try to choose photos that will inspire and teach, but on the other I don’t want you all thinking that Tracy is teacher’s pet or something. What can I tell you? She’s a good photographer! So I know I’m walking a fine line here, but I can’t mince words here. These are simply the most beautiful photographs of frost I have ever seen. Yes, luck is involved anytime you photograph the natural world, but let’s face it, you need to know what to do when it’s time to get lucky. That’s what experience and practice with your camera gives you. Tracy,  I’m so thrilled for you—insanely jealous, mind you—but thrilled. It’s just a thrill to look at them much less shoot these photographs. Congratulations!

Author's note: I showed several of Tracy's photos in the original post...one more beautiful than the other.

#30 Fan Photo of the Year: Jill Orme‎ 

It’s really, REALLY sharp. Yes, Jill owns a wonderful camera with amazing optics, but she’s been practicing and that’s what it takes. This is not easy! I can just see her out there in her English garden with her beloved flowers learning to love the creatures that live there with her camera. You need special equipment to get THIS close. Whether you have a macro lens or extension tubes your focus needs to be beyond precise. Look at the incredible detail in those eyes!

#29 Fan Photo of the Year: Katie Mraz Blackwell‎

Yes, it’s a little soft in focus, but I couldn’t care less. Sometimes a little technical deficiency just adds to the feeling of real life marching on—even if it’s in heels.  The messy background, the tilt, the angle all work together and take us into the world a little girl AND her mother. Remember this photograph the next time you capture a slightly out of focus real moment.  Viewers love real moments and will accept a little digital noise and less-than-perfect color to look at one. Love it.

#28 Fan Photo of the Year: Kimberly Rickard Black‎

I’m just going to say it out loud. I don’t care if this page is called How to Photograph Your Baby, I’m going to put great bird photographs on this page as long as I can breathe. And however long that is, I’m sure this is going to be among the best. This picture is just insanely wonderful. Look at the juxtaposition of those wings relative to that flower. Only God and a few humans can shoot a photograph this good. (I didn’t mention the digital noise because I didn’t notice it.)

Author's note: We changed the name of our Facebook page to How to Photograph Your Life after this post. Finally.

#27 Fan Photo of the Year: Kim Stacey‎

It IS a great day. Winning a photo contest leaves a warm feeling in your belly forever—especially with a spectacular image like this. This one jumped off the Facebook page for me. Here are Kim’s words:

“I finally got my nerve up to enter my first photo contest. I sat all day brooding because I didn't hear any thing. Then at 4:30, I go the email. I won! Best in show at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Nick, THANK YOU!!!! I love my hobby and am gaining confidence! What a great day!”

 Winner. No-brainer. Excellent job by the judges.

#26 Fan Photo of the Year: Amy Rogne Nichols‎

She’s had it, she’s done, the party’s over. It was good while it lasted. This may be one of those situations when the photograph of the event IS the event – it’s that good. The picture within the picture contradicts what we see in the actual moment—what a wonderful storytelling technique. She’s a complicated personality! Notice how it all works with the composition and the body language, of course. This is one of the nicer one-year-old shots we’ve ever seen here. Congratulations to Amy and, of course, our gracefully aging subject.

#25 Fan Photo of the Year: Nicole Ethridge Brown‎

I’m not sure if Nicole dressed her daughter for this photograph or if she just happened to be wearing bright, eye-catching clothing, but it certainly works, doesn’t it?  I can remember thinking as a young photographer in Fargo, North Dakota that all that flat space was so limiting visually. There’s just nothing to photograph out there in the prairie. Nicole has proven me wrong so many times over the past few years that it’s laughable. This is yet another beautiful addition to her ever-growing pile of masterpieces.

#24 Fan Photo of the Year: Tricia Miller

#23 Fan Photo of the Year: Kim Anderson‎

It’s all natural light and it touches our emotions. The “backlighting” of the sun is making his hair sing and a patch of brightness is bouncing off the ground (maybe off of water or concrete) and its making his face glow. If you saw this scene in a Hollywood movie you’d say it was gorgeous and it is, but here it just happened without light stands or a union crew. Mom is proud of her boy who’s just had a personal victory at swimming lessons and we feel it through the lighting. It draws us in and keeps us there. This is simply a beautiful photograph. Nice work, Kim.

#22 Fan Photo of the Year: Marcia Gentry Richardson‎

The new house is finished and they’re waiting for the furniture. James, the grandson, is finding his way in the place where the memories will be made. It’s all about “where” here and that’s why Marcia has shot the wide view; there will be plenty of time later for smiling faces taken in beautiful light bouncing off of hardwood floors. Now it’s about place and not people. Marcia has wisely taken advantage of the fact that it will not look like this for long. There are certain photographs that have to be taken today. Beautiful picture, Marcia.

#21 Fan Photo of the Year: Pam Leland Trevathan‎

I need but two words. She’s two.
Crazy good photograph.

#20 Fan Photo of the Year: Karen Messmer-Wilson‎

Karen’s grandmother is going to 100 next month and the family is planning a big celebration. (This is her with Karen’s daughter.) I wish I could be there with my camera to document the whole affair, but mostly I’d like to photograph Karen—the granddaughter with the camera—taking pictures of the elegant superstar. Talk about priceless.

#19 Fan Photo of the Year: Kelly Ault‎

If you’ve attended my “Worlds Greatest Photo Tip” webinar or my “Intro to Portrait Photography” webinar you’ve heard me talk about the importance of separating your portrait subjects from the background. I use very heavy-handed, broad brush examples; dark backgrounds look good behind light-colored subjects and vice a versa.  So when a delicate, sophisticated masterpiece like this comes along I can only stop to admire it. Kelly has beautifully separated the light-colored hair from the light-colored background. The separation is barely there BUT IT’S THERE and that’s what makes it work so beautifully. It’s just barely there. There are so many works of photographic art hanging in galleries and museums that rely on this masterful control over the medium. I love the way we can see those little wisps of blonde hair up against the only slightly darker background. Of course, the face and the composition and the mood  are all spot on here, but for me, it’s that little bit of separation that makes me wish I’d taken this photograph.  When I am hanging out with my fancy, big time photographer friends I often tell them how proud I am of the work that appears on this page and in our photo courses— photographs taken by our students. It’s pictures like this that immediately come to mind. I wish I had taken this photograph. What else can I say? I wish I had taken this photograph.

#18 Fan Photo of the Year: Sarah White‎‎

I’m a total pushover for kids and tools. Although my father had many wonderful qualities including being the neighborhood go-to-handyman, he did a less than stellar job of teaching all of his children how to use tools. (I guess that explains  why a couple of my siblings can’t pound nails straight. Don’t worry, neither one of them reads my Facebook page regularly so I think I’m safe here.)  But it does my heart good to see this little guy getting in there and doing some destruction. This is a beautiful, simple storytelling picture. Sarah White is a master at these. Another ball out of the park for Sarah.

#17 Fan Photo of the Year: Cortney Wiyninger's Son

This story from Courtney does my heart good:
“My 9 year old is entering a photography contest for National Geographic for Kids, so we got our rears in gear Saturday morning at 5:30am to catch the sunrise (per your greatest tip, all day I kept repeating "light is so important, we want good light"). My crummy tripod broke at the actual location we wanted, so thinking we missed our chance we headed home. The light was BEAUTIFUL while we were driving of course. I spontaneously decided to pull over to try and catch the rest of the sunrise, and we found the machinery, woods and glorious light. Brady sat in the middle of the road, used his knees as a tripod, and the turkeys were a happy surprise! He's incredibly proud of himself, and I (totally unbiased of course) think he should be! He took some other beautiful photos this weekend, but this one takes the cake.” I agree.

#16 Fan Photo of the Year: Terri Campanale Rossler

Last week, on a webinar, Cathi Nelson from the Association of Personal Photo Organizers  asked me why I photograph my family. Obviously, I want pictures of my kids, but I also try to say something about the human experience when I’m doing it. That’s what this picture by Terri does for me.  It says something about being a sister or having a sister or regretting having a sister or whatever. But it makes a comment about what it means to be a sibling and I love it for that and I don’t even know these kids. That for me is what great photography is all about; good photographs take you into the situation and touch you just like this one touched me.

#15 Fan Photo of the Year: Nicole Harrington Rich

This one does seem to be begging for a caption contest, doesn’t it?
“Okay, but this is the last time before bed.”
or
“Okay, but I get to sniff your behind later.”
or
“Did you get the shot yet? I’m suffocating here.”
But seriously, I love it when human beings just throw personal hygiene out the window in the interest of good photography and this is certainly good photography—and questionable personal hygiene, of course. (Personal hygiene went out our window several years ago, believe me.)There are two priceless expressions going on here;  you couldn’t set this up in a million years. Absolutely hilarious.

#14 Fan Photo of the Year: Kristina Marks Thompson‎

I saved this one especially for Christmas day. Evan has been waiting for this baby for five years. Finally the little brother arrived, placed through adoption. A baby video monitor that Kristina  could control from another room snapped the picture without Evan knowing it. The power of photography has very little to do with high-resolution or good optics. On a personal note, I was so intimidated by the joy in this photograph. I just worried there were no words that could do it justice.

#13 Fan Photo of the Year: Jeanine James‎

Conflict is one of the main ingredients of good storytelling even if it’s subtle emotional struggle. First of all, he’s packing heat—a sign of confidence. But his body language indicates that he’s holding on for dear life on a buggy ride so there’s a little insecurity lurking around in there somewhere. Anyway, put the two of them together and it’s a story. One of the great story lines of any age is people breaking through barriers as we learn and grow up.  But what I really want you to notice here is how elegantly and simply Jeanine  reduced the storytelling elements with her long lens and her cropping composition. There are no faces here and there’s no background to speak of.  It’s essentially a cowboy and his guns holding on for dear life as they pick up a little speed.

#12 Fan Photo of the Year: Lori Ruf‎

 The more I look the more I love it and I’ve been looking for quite a while now. This picture works on so many levels—and breaks a significant rule in the process.  Isn’t it fun to rejoice in such a delightfully distracting background! Seriously, notice how your eyes keep going around and around the three points of the compositional triangle here and all three faces just make you happy to be alive. The random cropping of the biggest baby at the top right make the whole picture feel spontaneous and energetic. The tilted horizon just adds to the effect. And Debbi Lucas’s Cohen’s comment just cracked up everyone at my house: Triplets are so great! The one in the back is growing so much faster! GREAT photograph, Lori!

#11 Fan Photo of the Year: Liz Sharp Griffin

Don’t feel bad—I had to look twice myself. When what fun!  (To be honest, my first reaction was that I should probably delete this post because I thought someone was selling handbags. Maybe that’s a guy reaction.) It’s just fun. That’s why I had to post it.  It’s so nice the way the name on the bag is color-coordinated with the eye, isn’t it.

#10 Fan Photo of the Year: Rochelle Hepworth‎

My first reaction to this photograph was: Where are all the other photographers? How could there not be 23 other photographers  shooting this incredible scene? The answer, Rochelle explained, was that it was pouring rain and they were all staying dry. Rochelle set her sights on a sunny day and had to deal with what many people consider to be less-than-perfect conditions. She chose the wardrobe and props carefully and smiled all the way home. Fantastic photograph! (By the way, your camera is much more resistant to water than you may think. Just have a dry cloth with you and wipe it off.)

#9 Fan Photo of the Year: Kim MacDonald Cameron‎

Well, the color is certainly right for Halloween! I have to believe there’s some frightful spirits in there someplace. I’m not sure Kim intended this a Halloween picture but it’s a good one. It has mood and lighting and mystery. What more can we ask? Have a great one everyone and be safe!

#8 Fan Photo of the Year: Brenda Akins

 At first, I thought this was one of those slightly over the top portrait sessions. I could just picture Brenda and her daughter driving down the road and spontaneously wandering out into someone’s pasture for a quick portrait—after all, the light is beautiful. But then, the words completely turn the story around. Brenda’s daughter has just graduated from college and the cow is her college graduation gift. She has been a cow girl since she was a kid. Talk about words and pictures changing everything!

#7 Fan Photo of the Year: Beth Thomander

Every winter someone posts a picture of something frozen that’s mind-blowingly stunning, but I don’t remember the bar ever being set THIS high before the first of November. ( I guess it’s one of the benefits of living in Nova Scotia. You get a head start.)  It’s a dewdrop; a FROZEN dewdrop.  How many of those of you see in your lifetime? I grew up in North Dakota. Maybe I was surrounded by them and just never got down on my hands and knees low enough to notice the beauty around me. But here it is, a nature photograph masterpiece by Beth!  If someone can top this this winter I will be amazed. A frozen dew drop! I just love it.

#6 Fan Photo of the Year: Angela Downing

On some level every single back to school photo isn’t about going back to school but about growing up and leaving. There was an audible “wow” in the room when I saw this shot and I was alone. It’s beautiful and it breaks my heart. (That’s going to be Alexander in about two years…maybe even next year.) The light, the moment, the color, the composition, and the fact that I can’t see his face—that could be MY child—have all conspired to break my heart. The boys PROMISED they wouldn’t grow up. Two pages. Major magazine. No problem. Great job, Angela!

#5 Fan Photo of the Year: Tammy Thomas‎

Honestly, at first pass on the Facebook page I flew right by it; I thought someone had made a little snowman face on top of the mound of snow. Then it hit me—that was a picture of a snow owl! I went back and Holy Cow!  (There was an article in the New York Times last week about how the population of snow owls is exploding all over North  America. They have even been spotted in Mexico.)  Fabulous fabulous bird photograph! Love it! I would love to hear the story behind it, Tammy.

#4 Fan Photo of the Year: Pam Byrd Stone‎

I pretty much had the same reaction. Getting close to the head of a large mammal is a surefire way to conclude that we live on a really amazing planet. I photographed a tiger once from about 18 inches away. The head of a tiger, for those of you that have never done that, is about the size of the tire on your car which is another way to say that when you get this close to a camel you think you are meeting and greeting a creature from outer space. Hence, the dropped jaw. My mouth is still open.

#3 Fan Photo of the Year: Susan Troutt Lawrence‎

If it gives me a chill up my spine I generally make the picture a Fan Photo of the Day. I got a chill. They were at the zoo and Susan’s little one said “She’s looking at me, Mommy” and then put her hand on the glass. The gorrilla followed suit and so we have a meeting of species. What makes it work so well is that we have no faces; just a gesture that both of them—and we—understand. The little bit of blur and fly by the seat of your pants composition just add to the spontaneity of the moment. It’s a grab shot that grabs the heart. I would love to show this picture to the gorilla. THAT would be a great picture, too. There’s an assignment for you, Susan. Amazing photo!

#2 Fan Photo of the Year: Christy Eilers Wade‎

Christy’s oldest recently turned eleven and when the big candle blowout moment came her daughter “wanted a piece of the action”. She didn’t get it as you can well see in this beautifully told one-photo picture story. A nearby quick thinker saved the day, once again allowing our also quick thinking photographer to capture a moment that defines not just the event, but the relationship. Spectacular picture, Christy!

#1 Fan Photo of the Year: Sue Ellen Legan‎

I know in advance what kind of response this photograph is going to get—huge!  This is a tremendous storytelling photograph; somehow she got water in her boot and she cleverly came up with a way to dispose of it. The color and the composition of the butterfly net are all just extras to be savored.  Sue said that every time her daughter waded into the creek she had to undo the damage. She also knew that she had a great one the minute she pushed the button. You absolutely did, Sue! Fabulous.

Reader's Choice Fan Photo of the Year: Renee Liddick Hall

Renee's photo has gone viral on our page and earned the distinction of being the most liked and shared photo of the year. So here's a special shout out to you, Renee!

I just walked in the door from the drive home after Christmas at Grandma's and found this. (No ice storm on the way home, by the way.) It got a big belly laugh from me—after a second look—so I knew I had one you would like.

Anyway, it's a great week to sit back a little and appreciate just how clever and funny so many of you are. Thanks so much for this, Renee.