The photos are wonderful!

I was thrilled to be last!

I was worried I was going to win for a while, but am grateful for the much more coveted second place. .

My photo is from the ruins of the Treadwell Mines on Douglas Island near Juneau. From 1883 to 1917 nearly $70 million of gold was mined from this spot. Over 2,000 men were employed making some of the highest wages in the country at the time. All amenities were provided for the workers, including a swimming pool and other recreation. In 1917 a very high tide flooded some of the shafts, and shortly after the mines were forced to close forever.

It's very eerie to walk among the old buildings and rusting mining equipment and think of the hundreds of hard-working men who made their livelihood here almost a century ago.

I have always loved your photos. I hope someday to have an eye to the scene as well as you do.

really great shot

Thank you for the beautiful choices this month!

Beautiful photo!



I love hearing the history behind your photo, Blue!





I found the rather romantic, shabby chic cottage while walking the streets of Copenhagen last June.
I looked through an opening--for construction trucks--and there was this gorgeous old cottage sitting
among modern buildings--with construction going on across from it.

You can find the most amazing things when out for a walk!

Congrats to the other winners!

And am in shock that I actually won

Much of my photography has been done using a Kodak point 'n' shoot, including the one for this contest.
I did recently buy a closeout on a Nikon D3200 with two lenses, and am getting better with it, but wow..am just floored to win this contest go 'round.

Not professional in the least, am in awe of those here with so much talent, especially as evidenced by the entries throughout the contest this month.
My hat is off to you!

near the entrance path to Moonstone Beach, near San Simeon.

of how you took that gorgeous photo, Whoa_Nelly.

Nature provides such awesome beauty. An ever-shifting rotation of vibrant colors.

I'm driving some friends to the airport late this afternoon. I'll be reminded of nature's beauty as the sun slowly sets, changing brilliant colors along the journey.

Congrats to all the finalists and contest entrants for the wonderful photos!

Much appreciated

and congrats to the winners (bluedigger, you got my vote)

i entered on a lark and was shocked to make it past the prelims. it was great fun

And thanks to all contestants. A fave DU event!

That photo was excellent, and was a perfect example of the theme.

Also to all who entered, your talent makes it so hard to choose.

Excellent entries all the way through from beginning to end.

I love looking at all the photos that are in the competitions.

Congratulations to all the winners and all those that entered the contest. Bravo all..... and you all make me proud to be a member here.

Many thanks to all who participate & manage the contests.

I love reading these stories about how the photos were taken. Please keep them coming.

Have a wonderful day, photographers. Thank you for sharing your photos!

Thanks, Mz Pip!!!!

the ugly we are reading these days.