Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - 2018 Calendar Contest is open for voting!

A great bunch of pictures that I enjoyed looking at. Surprisingly about half a dozen or so were taken in or around places I've been to and it was interesting to contrast what I took with those that made the shortlist here. It also reminded me I must finish off our 2017 family travel calendar before it's too late :(

Looking at several of them had me musing on what works for me as a calendar picture and what my own calendar shortlist has in common with the ones here:

For example - drama works. That's what I liked about "The Doors of Aralsk" even if Giovanni (I'm assuming it's a selfie) needs to remove the arrow from his shoulder :rofl:

I personally prefer a certain degree of abstraction in a picture I'm going to be staring at for a month - that's why I voted for Anne Knoedler's Kolyma River picture (probably my no 1 choice) but also why I passed by Mike Jordan's entry. Other's may have different preferences as it's a great picture.

Thirdly, I can't help but feel an affinity with pictures that obviously required some degree of photographic skill /pain to capture - but that's years and years as a pro snapper talking. I know how hard it can be. James Duncan's Bolivia picture came very close for me but personally I'd be seeing if I could do anything with the file.

Lastly, dreams vs nightmares. Candice Toll's beach picture is how I hope and imagine my trips will work out but more often than not it turns out to be George Guille's stuck in the mud vision that comes to pass.