National Geographic Photography Contest Winners 2011 (Boston.com)

[JohnnyRingo]

I was astounded at the depth and scope of most of the winning entries, though like most people a couple left me tilting my head and squinting to see what the judges were looking at:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/01/national_geographic_photograph.html

I always thought the mark of a great photographer is timing. Whether it's a matter of sunlight, perspective, or the subject's activity itself, being there to click the shutter at exactly the right time is key to an amazing photo.

I believe I possess the unique quality of missing nearly every shot for which I have an opportunity. By the time I get the camera up and ready... it's over. I think if I were in Vietnam at the end of the war, I'd be the guy sitting in a cafe with a rum & coke saying "Hey, there goes a young girl running naked down the street!", while some other guy is directly in front of her snapping the photo. I don't know how they do it.

[Mira]

1. Thank you JohnnyRingo.

Thanks for sharing, and thanks for your personal comments.
These are so wondrous, again, I want to smash my camera to bits.

[NV Whino]

2. As always I think some of the honorable mentions are better than the winners

But they are all wonderful.

[Callalily]

3. Some very amazing

photos!