Pictures We Love: Best of October

Tadpole Run

Photograph by Eiko Jones, Your Shot

Resembling an alien swarm, tadpoles swim through a jungle of lily stalks in this picture submitted to National Geographic's My Shot photo community on October 10.

Why We Love It

"This image is a wonderful illustration of how a camera can turn into an escape route. I’m looking at a cryptic world, discovering a new and unusual perspective: eye to eye with tadpoles, part of a scene I don't want to leave."—Amina El Banayosy, photo intern

"This isn't your typical underwater scene. The color, light, and content are unique. The tadpoles remind me of an army in formation ... "—Monica Corcoran, senior photo editor

Published November 5, 2012

Melt Down

Photograph by Massimo Margagnoni, My Shot

Iceland’s Skógafoss seems to melt over the rocks in this long-exposure picture of the 197-foot (60-meter) waterfall. Like many of Iceland’s falls, Skógafoss comes with a legend: A chest of gold buried by a settler is said to be hidden there. (Related: "Iceland's Resilient Beauty.")

Why We Love It

"We often see long-exposure photographs of waterfalls, but this picture breaks the mold in a lot of ways. The lines of the water are elegant as they disappear into the dark space beneath. The picture is also refreshing, because the photographer’s use of negative space emphasizes the horizon line."—Janna Dotschkal, associate photo editor

Published November 5, 2012

Mountain of Mercy

Photograph by Hassan Ammar, AP

Pilgrims to the Muslim holy city of Mecca pray on the nearby Mountain of Mercy on October 25. During the hajj pilgrimage—a religious duty for Muslims—millions of the faithful stream into Saudi Arabia to pay homage in the birthplace of Islam. (Video: Mecca during the hajj.)

Why We Love It

"The softness of the multilayered, pastel background contrasts with the men and women in the foreground."—Amina El Banayosy, photo intern

Published November 5, 2012

Making Tracks

Photograph by Alexander Zozulya, Your Shot

A lone traveler is caught in the act of leaving footprints in well-tracked snow in the Gomel region of Belarus on October 6.

Why We Love It

"You can tell that the photographer was paying attention to the composition of this image. The footprint trails lead the eye around the frame, and there are interesting details sprinkled throughout."—Chris Combs, news photo editor

Published November 5, 2012

Chihuahu-ahhh

Photograph by T.C. Morgan, My Shot

A young Chihuahua is captured mid-yawn in this picture submitted to National Geographic's My Shot photo community on October 7. According to the American Kennel Club, the Chihuahua is one of the 15 most popular dog breeds in the U.S. (Why are there so many different dog breeds?)

Why We Love It

"At first glance, it's just another cute Chihuahua. But let your imagination go and his slits-for-eyes follow you across the room as he laughs incessantly at your human foibles."—Monica Corcoran, senior photo editor

"The mix of candy colors and soft pastels in this image is nice."—Chris Combs, news photo editor

Published November 5, 2012

Pelican Plumage

Photograph by Jochen Luebke, European Pressphoto Agency

Raindrops glide off a brown pelican's feathers at Germany’s Hannover Zoo on October 4. The North American population of brown pelicans was once devastated by chemical pesticides but has since recovered—the species was removed from the U.S. endangered species list in 2009.

Why We Love It

"This image seems nearly black-and-white, because the feathers are such a beautiful bluish gray. The opposing directions and sizes of the feathers create a nice, subtle tension in this photograph."—Janna Dotschkal, associate photo editor

Published November 5, 2012

Under Gangnam Style

Photograph by Lam Yik Fei, Getty Images

A resident of the Guryong slum in Seoul, South Korea, passes a makeshift church on October 30. In the background skyscrapers rise in the Gangnam district, known for material excess.

Why We Love It

"There's a lot of depth to this frame, and the pops of brightness and color help your eyes navigate the composition, from the illuminated grass in the foreground to the neon cross above the church and, finally, to the skyline in the background. The moodiness of the image is intriguing, and the abundance of details keeps your eyes lingering."—Ben Fitch, associate photo editor

Published November 5, 2012

Shelling in Syria

Photograph by Narciso Contreras, AP

A man is carried to the hospital after being severely injured by an artillery shell in Aleppo, Syria, on October 23. According to the Reuters news service, at least 20 people were killed when shells launched by government forces landed near a bakery in a rebel enclave of the contested city.

Syrian rebels are attempting to overthrow the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Why We Love It

"The aerial view creates distance between the scene and the viewer while maintaining the privilege of being close enough to become a witness … Compositionally there is very little that could divert our attention from the man in the bright shirt ... The dignified manner of how he is carried, his facial expression, and the positioning of his limbs make him all so human. He could be my neighbor.”—Amina El Banayosy, photo intern

"The palette of muted, gray tones reflects the somberness of the situation. Amid what must have been a chaotic and frightening scene, there is something gentle about this moment, as the group delicately carries its wounded peer to safety."—Ben Fitch, associate photo editor

Published November 5, 2012

Taxi's Waiting

Photograph by Vivek Prakash, Reuters

A taxi driver waits for customers in front of an apartment building in the suburbs of Mumbai, India, on October 3, 2012. In Mumbai, black-and-yellow taxis, which lack air conditioning, are the economical option over cooled blue-and-silver cabs.

Why We Love It

"This portrait provides great context. It makes me curious and want to know the story that hides behind this scene."—Amina El Banayosy, photo intern

"The moment captured in this environmental portrait makes me think of what it's like at the end of the day for all of us. A grid of lit windows in an apartment building provides a perfect backdrop for this portrait of a man and his taxi. On his face I read a sense of pride for his work and his machine, and of repose—a quiet moment at the end of a long and busy day.”—Katel LeDu, director of photography

Published November 5, 2012

Pictures We Love: Best of September

Photograph by Mohammed Salem, Reuters

Published November 5, 2012