This swan is resting peacefully at the shoreline allowing me to get close for this shot. Captured in the open lake at Flamingo gardens in Davie, Florida. Photo taken by Lorenzo Cassina (United States) - Animals/Pets

i took a boat ride around a fishing village on Lantau Island. One of Hong Kong's District of Islands. Having been there before i was ready with camera in hand. Photo taken Hong Kong in November 2012. Photo taken by Tony R. Wagstaff (Canada) - Travel/Vacation

taken in Baton Rouge, LA at the Mardi Gras dog parade 2012. My 22 month old son, Silas was overwelhmed at all the animals, I looked down and snapped photo.He was in awe, and melted my heart. Photo taken by Kayla Jarreau (United States) - People/Family/Friends

This picture is special to me because I have been in love with Irish music and culture for a very long time. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to see Ireland for myself. I even gave my daughter her middle name after County Clare where some of my favorite music comes from. In July 2012 I finally made the trip. A friend of mine (who is from New Quay, County Clare) was getting married and invited my wife and I to come over and attend the wedding. At first I thought "wouldn't that be nice" but the more I thought about it the more I felt like it was in the realm of possibility. We made the trip with our 3 month old daughter and it was one of the best experiences of my life. This photograph shows a moment from the wedding reception when the bride was playing tunes with her Dad (right) and other friends. I am forever grateful for having had the chance to witness such a marvelous cultural event and to have seen Ireland with my own eyes. Photo taken by Johnny Kerr (United States) - Holidays/Events

Editor's Note: Enjoy today's International Picture of the Day selection! Photo taken by Jessica Wießner (Germany) - Travel/Vacation

It was just after a first snow for the season just our normal walk with our two dogs. It was amazing to see how something so ordinary became so magical with snow. Photo taken by Joel Christopherson (United States) - Nature

This photo of Precious the kitty was shot on New Year's Eve Day. Photo taken by Dawn Carson (United States) - Animals/Pets

san francisco's golden gate bridge celebrates its 75th anniversary on may 27th, 2012. someone once wrote in the local newspaper, nearly a decade ago, about how the bridge "has become one of a handful of American symbols that is instantly recognizable around the world. For those of us lucky enough to live within sight of it, who observe it in every season, weather and light, it remains endlessly compelling." Photo taken by Anton Falcon (United States) - Travel/Vacation

I took it during the recent snowfall in England. The snow looked particularly thick so I decided to go out and capture a photo of myself in the snow. Photo taken by Spike Wright (United Kingdom) - Holidays/Events

The picture is taken in Ganga Sagar in January 2012. The pilgrim come to south of Bengal to take holi dip in the Ganges. Photo taken by Aurobindo Saha (India) - Holidays/Events

Taken from Hotel 71 up the Chicago River in March 2009. The picture was taken from around the 12 floor through a small crack in the window, the windows would not open fully. The last Transformers movie had a major scene filmed in front and in the area of the hotel. Photo taken by Derek Bowen (Canada) - Travel/Vacation

This picture special to because it was taken at my Mom's house at Thanksgiving last year. Sunlight through the pines in late afternoon will always remind me of the time I spent with her. Photo taken by Lecel Britt (United States) - Nature

Editor's Note: Enjoy today's International Picture of the Day selection! Photo taken by Sjaan Bax (Netherlands) - Nature

My friend is a very accomplished print artist, and I like watching him practice his trade. Photo taken by Oliver Zimmer (United Kingdom) - People/Family/Friends

A cow is believed to be very sacred by Hindus around the world, specially Indians. A cow is really very useful in all forms. We get Milk from Cow, Some eat its meat, Even its cowdung is useful(It works as fire wood & also some people use it to decorate their house entrance followed by rangoli) Keeping all this aside, people decorate the cow & take it house to house to make their living. Photo taken by Indian Sacred Cow (United Arab Emirates) - Artistic/Creative

My father (also my photography instructor) at his second greatest passion...music. Photo taken by Sean Molligo (United States) - People/Family/Friends

things change, this is my sister at our old elementary school Photo taken by Cassie Michelotti (United States) - People/Family/Friends

Through pinched fingers, a stream of colored chalk powder flows uninhibitedly to leave a wonderful mosaic of flowers, leaves, birds and abstract designs. In South India, Muggulu (as its known in Andhra Pradesh in India) is a treasured art form passed on among women from generation to generation. This festive motif deftly drawn on the street at Hyderabad seemed to me the perfect way to herald 2013. Photo taken by Udayan Sankar Pal (India) - Holidays/Events

Editor's Note: Enjoy today's International Picture of the Day selection! Photo taken by Alexander Karabatsiakis (Germany) - Nature

Editor's Note: Enjoy today's International Picture of the Day selection! Photo taken by Marius Visser (Netherlands) - People/Family/Friends

This was our first and only visit to Paris on vacation in October 2008. This photo sums up our special feelings for the cafe/art scene in Montmartre,and also seeing the Sacre Coeur in the background A very special time for my husband and myself. Photo taken by P M Gracie (New Zealand) - Travel/Vacation

Young Great Egrets struggling to survive cry out to their parents for food. Photo taken by Linn Smith (United States) - Animals/Pets

a photographers pleasure to find a shot like this. Photo taken by sophie gratwick (United States) - Humor

Contrasting harsh rope with soft skin on TMax 100 4x5 Film. Photo taken by JOHN MOLLIGO (United States) - Artistic/Creative