Breathing Space: July 2009

Photograph by E.G. Kight

Sanibel Island, Florida

Sanibel Island is known for its many shells—there are millions of them.

Photograph by Julie Neal

Supai, Arizona

I took this amazing photo during a hike with my two best girlfriends. We spent three days in the Supai Indian Village; it was a trip of a lifetime. The Supai tribe was hit this past fall with massive flooding. The falls that we climbed, hiked and swam in are forever changed.

Photograph by Gregory Tapler

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

I love photography. I love nature. I want to inspire others to find peace and calm in their every day. These flowers are from a series I titled "Backyard Flowers." It's an attempt to share the beauty that surrounds us—a beauty that many of us tend to overlook or ignore. If one person stops to take a breath while viewing one of my photographs, I have achieved success.

Photograph by Dana Atkinson

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

I travel to Africa annually to disconnect from everything. I go to reconnect with nature and my inner self. My hobby during my visits is photography. For this shot, my guide and I were just entering the Serengeti. These thirsty zebras had been traveling with the great wildebeest migration. When arriving at this watering hole, they were very leery of the crocodiles that awaited their arrival. It took several hours and shots to get this picture.

Photograph by Sharon Rhoades

Allegany, New York

How the morning sunrise reflects off the water is peaceful and breathtaking. We vacation in Allegany every summer, and I just love the nature that is there to take pictures of. I am usually the first up, and I'll sit by the water with my camera and just take pictures.

Photograph by Alex Stross

Yosemite National Park, California

My husband took this photo on our way back to our hotel after a day of hiking in the beautiful park. I was reluctant to stop on the very steep and winding road, but thankfully Alex insisted!

Photograph by Anna Bruni

Trapani, Italy

Sun, colors—the beauties of Sicily.

Photograph by William Kaufman

Schaumburg, Illinois

I love to take close-up pictures in nature. I had an old camera, but this year I was able to save for a new one. Recently, it seemed like there was one or two days when all the flowers on the trees came out in bloom, so I went out and caught some pictures on my new camera. I'm sure glad I have this chance to share some of the beauty out there.

Photograph by Shirley Caldwell

Newfoundland, Canada

The ocean wore down this rock over many years, creating this arch.

Photograph by Noppadol Paothong

Southern Missouri

Following a big rain in mid-May, I set out to the southern part of Missouri to pursue a photo shoot of the springs. With heavy rain a few days earlier, the water was moving very fast. I used a slow shutter speed to make the water blurry, and I waited until clouds covered the sun, so the light wouldn't reflect on the surface of the water. Overcast weather often gives an overall neutral tone for low-contrast photography and gives more color saturation.

Photograph by Karen White

Devonshire, Bermuda

Sunrise over Devonshire, Bermuda.

Photograph by Patricia Hopkins

Monument Valley, Utah

The sunrise and sunset over Monument Valley, with all of its sight and sounds, provides a wonderful spiritual experience.

Photograph by Juliana Bennici

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

A sure sign that spring has sprung in Niagara!

Photograph by Michael Hogan

San Simeon, California

I shot this photo earlier this spring in San Simeon, California. I think what is most interesting about this photo is that you would never realize this beautiful scenic view faces the Pacific Ocean. I think it is fascinating how the landscape changes as you make your way up and down the Pacific coast.