Photograph by Janet Burgart
Pleasant View, Tennessee
It was just a perfect moment when this butterfly presented itself.
Photograph by Sandra Colson
Jemez Springs, New Mexico
This is a photo I took during an artist's tour of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. I fell in love with this magical spot. I have always loved rocks, and the colors of the rocks and the dried grasses were spectacular. When we left, I heard the call of an elk from somewhere in the trees behind us.
Philadelphia
You don't have to live in the tropics to experience the beauty of this tropical flower. Its red is very inviting!
Photograph by Scott Schilling
Yosemite National Park, California
In this clearing, an autumn storm departs Yosemite Valley with El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls emerging through the mist, as viewed from the Merced River.
Photograph by Sharleen Nelson
Clear Lake, Oregon
This shot was taken during a camping trip at Clear Lake near Willamette Pass.
Photograph by Erika Lyn Smith
Saint Charles, Missouri
I am a self-taught digital photographer. I only recently began taking pictures again in my late 30s. I am now 41, almost 42. My husband calls me a "drive-by shooter," as I have taken many wonderful pictures as I drive by. I have learned to follow your instinct and never let anyone steal and kill your dream.
Photograph by Karen Legeyt
Redding, California
I had just gotten into a big fight with my father and went out into the backyard in tears with my camera and macro lens. To calm myself, I just started shooting into the juniper bush and noticed the web covered in the early morning dew. Later, I was surprised to see such an unexpected thing of beauty created out of so much pain.
Plymouth, Michigan
I've always loved autumn. In fall 2008, I was with my mom as she drew her last breath, and I was afraid her passing might take the color from the season. But the opposite happened. When I saw the trees kissed by the golden autumn sun, their leaves were more vivid and alive to me than ever. To everything there is a season. I get it now, and it's all okay.
Minneota, Minnesota
A turbulent and dark time in my life aided in my quest for photography. It has opened my eyes to the beauty that surrounds us in so many ways. Some of the most beautiful photographs imaginable are within a few miles' radius of where you are standing right now.
Photograph by Teresa Monares
Stover, Missouri
This was a pleasant surprise I found while watering my zinnia flowers. I grew up helping my father feed the animals at our local wild animal park, where he was in charge. He would often bring home newborn animals whose mothers would not feed them, so we could take care of them until they were strong enough to care for themselves. I continue to do so with the many creatures that we are blessed with on our 20-acre property. I am grateful for the opportunity.
Photograph by Irene Callender
Concrete, Washington
I am a 60-year-old grandmother and have in the last five years become very interested in photography. The Internet has taught me much about digital photography.
Photograph by Karen Welsh
Hawaii
This flower is the reason I moved back to the Hawaiian islands. I love plumeria blossoms. They are both beautiful and fragrant.
Asheville, North Carolina
This is called "Even the Rocks Cry." This is a very sentimental picture for me. A friend was expressing thoughts through the camera lens.
Byers Peak, Fraser, Colorado
Taken the day before an avalanche.
Photograph by Karen Welsh
Sonoma County, CA
Taking digital pictures has been a salvation for me, as I wound my way through a complete hysterectomy at 40 and the ensuing years of menopause. My favorite pictures are those directly from nature. I always feel the presence of God in such a strong way when I'm behind the camera lens.
Photograph by Heather Sharp
Wilson's Promontory, Victoria, Australia
Tranquility in reflection, taken while I was on holiday.
Photograph by Claire Cook
Sequim, Washington
I took this photo, "Lounging in Lavender," on a road trip. Whenever I need a moment of peace to balance my crazy life, I find myself returning again and again. Can't you just imagine putting up your sneaker-clad feet and breathing in all that amazing lavender?
Photograph by Patricia Davis
Addison, Vermont
The monarch butterfly pictured in my photograph, taken at the Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area, is inspiring to me because millions of these butterflies fly over 2,000 miles to winter in Mexico. They fly back to Northern climates to mate. To me, this is an awesome event, repeated year after year.
Photograph by Michele Mohr
Bavarian Alps
This picture is the view from my parent's home in the Bavarian Alps. It was taken during Christmas last year.
Minnetonka, Minnesota
"Eternity" was taken in October 2008 along the shores of Lake Superior. It was taken in memory of a dear friend of mine who passed away unexpectedly.
