Three days ago we said good bye to 2025. I said it happily. Yes, sometimes a year isn’t a spectacular one. But, I did find some favorites and I’ll tell you why I chose them. To celebrate, the entire Lens-Artist team is hosting. Have fun!

My longest lens is 300mm. Even with the extra length a crop sensor camera gives, it is still limiting. So when I can catch birds, I’m happy. My first picture is of a sandhill crane. Fortunately, it was in a pool of water closer to the road. Usually they are too far away for me to get a good picture.

Next is a swan trying to sleep if only the photographer would let it.

Finally we have an egret coming down into the nest carrying a twig.

My next picture shows us how creative we can get. I love to people watch when I’m in Old Sacramento.

My first, and maybe only, rodeo shows the punishment on both the humans and animals. Why?

While visiting my Reno family, my son took me to see the wild horses. I saw this mare and colt just after he was born.

You know how much I love to photograph flowers.

I love the zoo animals, especially the giraffes. This is mom looking after her young one.

These are some of my favorites. It was a difficult task to pick out just a few from a whole year. My back injury has prevented me from processing pictures from my cruise through the Panama Canal, and right now it is telling me it’s time to visit the couch!

What wonderful last chance photos you all posted two weeks ago. It’s great to be given a last chance! I look forward to seeing your 2025 favorites. I’ll be leading the challenge next week. How exciting, a new year and a new challenge! Stay tuned. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

41 thoughts on “Lens Artists Challenge #379: Favorites of 2025”

  6. The birds and horses are my favourites.
    I was on the fence about bull riding. I watched a documentary about the farms where the bulls are raised and the care they receive before and after each show is amazing. Australia has a farm especially for retired bulls. These animals are so quite and not very aggressive.
    The human riders on the other hand are walking wrecks so that part of why I understand.

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  9. How special to see the wild horses? I find those moments so tender, and you captured with the sweetness it deserves. Much like the giraffes.

    The Sandhill crane is a brilliant capture. So much energy and vision from both you AND the bird.

    The dogs in old Sacramento made me laugh. Great find.

    Feel better….🤗

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  10. These are wonderful Anne, and amazing to have such a terrific set in light of your back injury. Hopefully it’s feeling better. Of the images, I most loved the crane, the two little dogs (so sweet!) and the newborn colt. Wishing you a lovely and healthy 2026!!

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    1. Thanks Tina! I saw the mare stand up after she gave birth and the newborn trying to get up. As soon as the colt got up it started nursing. I have those pictures also. What a treat that was. My back is a slow recovery. I need to rest in-between activity. I really want to get out with my camera!

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  11. Anne, I can see why these were your favorite photos. You captured unforgettable moments, such as the swan trying to sleep and that little colt. Those moments are precious. I loved that macro. You inspire me to pursue more macros this year.

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    1. Thanks Rupali! The horses were a great find. I saw the mare stand up after giving birth and the colt nurse for the first time. Then the stallion came into view and I got several images of the family. It was amazing.

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  19. Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #379 – Favorite Photos of 2025 – This is Another Story

  21. I am so in love with your bird photos, Anne! I hope you get out soon to take more wildlife and nature images. My favorite is the egret coming in for a landing. You captured it with just the right display of slow-flight in approaching to land.

    For some reason, your post didn’t show up in my reader when it was published. This morning, I used the link in my Lens-Artists page to visit. I see it’s tagged properly, so I’m not sure what’s up with that.

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    1. Thanks John! I’ve given up on WP. While it works most of the time, it’s frustrating when it doesn’t. The egret was flying into its nest. Every April I visit the tree where the egrets and herons nest. I am getting a little stir crazy!

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