The picture that I entered first was a waterfall taken with my old Nikon Coolpix. I was still debating what else to enter, I thought waterfalls would be a pretty common entry so I was thinking the dragonfly had a little better chance. I also liked this head shot of the blue dasher. I must say though that the damselflies are my favorite odonata. I had fun this summer photographing them - I had hoped to get out to some of the lakes to find more but never made it past my own pond and the creek. They are a bit more of a challenge than the dragonflies due to their small size but if you are patient you can get pretty close to them. Here are some of my favorites from this summer ... This is an american rubyspot, their coloring looks more like it's been drawn on ... Here is a blue-fronted dancer ... An eastern forktail that was just developing it's color - I have a whole series showing the color development but haven't had time to process them.... An ebony jewelwing ... they look like butterflies when they fly across the water ... And a mating pair of double-striped bluets ....

Such a "peaceful" picture. I voted; hope it is the winner. Sue

Hi jin - Thanks again for your encouragement! I believe that ARS posts second place winning photos on their website, while the winning pics are printed in the ARS magazine in the annual spring photo issue and some first place pics are printed in subsequent issues. I heard the head judge Curtis say that this was a magazine contest so that seems to be the focus of where winning photos are showcased. I think the first prize photos are judged together and a "best of the best" is on the magazine cover of the annual issue. My black and white photo is too unconventional to be #1 but I'll be happy for the winning photo and photographer! I'm not sure about entering the calendar contest because the image quality has to be extremely good. My photos are taken on an iPhone 8 with only 12 megapixels. To get the image quality needed for a calendar I need a digital camera with 20-24 megapixels. I've been researching cameras and would appreciate suggestions. I'm not a techie person and working through all the menus in modern digital cameras isn't my idea of fun so if anyone has suggestions on an easy digital camera with 20-24 megapixels I would appreciate it! I don't mind a camera with interchangeable lenses but a really high quality camera with a built in lens would be ok too. flowers - your good wishes are much appreciated! Hoping your spring flush is wonderful! HalloBlondie - thank you so much for your kind comments! In your cold climate it might be awhile before you see some roses but I hope they are really lovely this year, especially your David Austins! You do a great job with your roses! Perma n' Posies - Thanks for your comment! I really appreciate your kind words. Ann

Just realized you did show it with no mat -- I think that is better, but would try a black mat too. I think it needs something -- the no mat looks a bit severe or off. Trying to figure out what the fix is. Can you try a little less mat on the NYC photo? If not, it is a classic look and works, so don't fret over than one. I like the way turf church looks framed. Good choice with the double matting. I bet the lupines would look great too. The landscapes really are lovely and I hope you find a way to enjoy them at home. Does your .TV have a screensaver? You could display them all! The vertical rainbow is really unusual, and I like that about it, but the idea of a fallen rainbow makes me sad at the same time. It's interesting the impact that image has.