Pictures We Love: February

Hazy Shade of Winter

Photograph by Li Xin, Your Shot

Goldfish breathe easy while a noxious haze settles over Beijing (map) in this photo submitted to National Geographic's My Shot photo community on February 4.

Weeks of near catastrophic pollution levels in January prompted school and factory closings, according to the Associated Press, and caused an increase in hospital treatments of respiratory and other health problems in the Chinese capital.

Why We Love It

"This photo might look effortless, but I think it shows a close attention to compositional details, such as the water level in the fishbowl."—Chris Combs, news photo editor

"At first glance, this image conveys a dreamy, peaceful quality. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this effect has been produced by the harmful smog that engulfs the city."—Lydia Mihaychuk, photo intern

Published March 4, 2013

Driver Deluged

Photograph by John Kolesidis, Reuters

A man rescues a woman trapped by floodwaters from her car in a suburb of Athens, Greece, on February 22, when the capital city suffered its worst downpour in more than 50 years.

One woman died after becoming trapped in her car, according to Reuters, which reported that more than 90 calls were received from distressed commuters during the storm. (Watch: Floods 101.)

Why We Love It

"This moment is definitely terrifying. Where is the water coming from? How are these people going to escape? You can see the desperation in the woman's face."—Janna Dotschkal, associate photo editor

"This photo is full of energy and drama. Every inch of the frame imparts information—the broken tree limbs, debris, and cars come rushing by in the roiling water. The fearful expression is real and powerful as her door slams against the car, practically ripped from its hinges."—Monica Corcoran, senior photo editor

Published March 4, 2013

Mortal Coil

Photograph by Beawiharta, Reuters

Snakes are set to dry in coils at a slaughterhouse in the Indonesian province of West Java (map) in an image taken on February 8. Snake meat is believed by some to have curative properties, while the skin is sold for handbags, shoes, and belts.

Why We Love It

"The coiled bodies of the snakes create elegant, abstract spirals that distract from the fact that these animals have been slaughtered for their meat and skin."—Lydia Mihaychuk, photo intern

Published March 4, 2013

Training Day

Photograph by Muhammed Muheisen, AP

A lone dog looks on as kushti wrestlers attend a daily training session at a club in Lahore, Pakistan (map), on February 26. Also known as pehlwani, the sport's roots on the Indian subcontinent are said to be thousands of years old.

Why We Love It

"The photographer was smart to catch the wrestlers as reflections, since many interesting details would have been lost had the photographer turned around to shoot them straight on. The loyal dog watching them train is a nice element, while the reflections add depth to the frame. However, it's the poster above the mirror that really interests me. It serves as a testament to the years of tradition tied to the sport, and symbolizes the status and recognition the athletes are working toward."—Ben Fitch, associate photo editor

"This is not your typical gym scene showing glistening hard bodies and shiny machines. The photograph does not glorify—even the poster portrays the wrestlers as they truly are."—Monica Corcoran, senior photo editor

Published March 4, 2013

Portrait With Rifle

Photograph by Benjamin Eagle, My Shot

A tribesman poses with his weapon in a village in Ethiopia's Omo Valley in this photo submitted to My Shot on February 4. The Omo Valley is home to a tribal population of roughly 200,000, including Mursi, Kara, Hamar, and Suri. (Explorer dispatch: "Africa and the AK.")

Inhabiting a swath of southern Ethiopia near the Kenyan border, the tribes are supported by the 500-mile-long (800-kilometer-long) Omo River. (See pictures of Africa's last frontier from National Geographic magazine.)

Why We Love It

"The expression and body language in this photo are assertive but not menacing. The light hitting the man's face effectively highlights his expression and face paint."—Janna Dotschkal, associate photo editor

Published March 4, 2013

Serene Swim

Photograph by Zhipeng Gao, Your Shot

Snow Yang relaxes in a natural hot spring called Blue Lagoon in Iceland in this photo submitted to My Shot on February 10. Often visited for their curative properties, hot springs are popular throughout the world.

Why We Love It

"This photo is perfectly tranquil—it's actually nice that the exposure is a bit dark. It makes me think of dusk in the summertime."—Janna Dotschkal, associate photo editor

"A beautiful, serene moment that transports the viewer to this preternaturally blue lagoon. The red lips and nails add a touch of personality and a dash of color."—Monica Corcoran, senior photo editor

Published March 4, 2013

Bell Ringers

Photograph by Arsen Miletic, My Shot

In Rijeka, Croatia (map), masked Halubjanski bell ringers force away winter with noise from the bells tied around their waists, according to photographer Arsen Miletic, who submitted this photo to My Shot in February. The "small child [is] carefully watching how it is done by his father and friends," Miletic said.

Why We Love It

"This photographer pulled out a very human angle from an unearthly-looking festival. Holding back from the action instead of wading into the fray can pay off sometimes!"—Chris Combs, news photo editor

"I love how unexpected this photo is. It draws you in as you try to figure out what is going on and creates a tension between the masked individuals and the two figures standing before them. It also showcases a unique cultural tradition that those outside of the town of Rijeka would not otherwise get a chance to see."—Lydia Mihaychuk, photo intern

Published March 4, 2013

Backstage

Photograph by John Minchillo, AP

A model is prepped for the Jeremy Scott Fall 2013 show on February 13 in New York. The fashion press convenes in the city twice each year for a week of shows known as Fashion Week, when top U.S. designers showcase their collections for the upcoming season.

Why We Love It

"With so many photographers covering fashion week, an image needs to be especially original and fresh in order to stand out amongst the hundreds of pictures from the events and runways. Here, the photographer used a technique that allows us to see multiple shots in one unique frame. The resulting image is a thoughtfully constructed collage of sorts, providing us a look into the inspiration, tools, and process of preparing a model for a show."—Ben Fitch, associate photo editor

"I'm sure that some would consider this photograph gimmicky or non-journalistic, but I appreciate the way that it evocatively shows many aspects of backstage mania in a single, understandable frame."—Chris Combs, news photo editor

Published March 4, 2013

Cemetery Shelter

Photograph by Marko Djurica, Reuters

Bratislav Stojanovic, a homeless construction worker, holds a candle as he sits in a tomb in the southern Serbian town of Nis on February 9. After living in a series of abandoned houses, Stojanovic settled in this cemetery 15 years ago, according to a report from Reuters.

Why We Love It

"The contrast between the dark, muted scene above ground and the golden glow emanating from the tomb below creates an interesting juxtaposition and draws the gaze to the figure who is the focus of this image."—Lydia Mihaychuk, photo intern

"To think that this person has lived here for 15 years is unbelievable. The photo raises more questions than it answers."—Monica Corcoran, senior photo editor

Published March 4, 2013

Pictures We Love: Best of January

Photograph by Ali Usman Wahyu Hidayat, My Shot

Published March 4, 2013