I took this shot at Freeman Kame in Kane County as a flock of Egrets was leaving one of the few watering holes left in the area for them to feed. I processed this shot in black and white in hopes of making the detail of the feathers and face stand out.

Bob Williams of Huntley

This water lily looks like it was on fire with the color contrast of a yellow center and purple flower at the Chicago Botanical Garden on July 15.

Linda L. Sarmento of Wildwood

Two goats stand on the roof of Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay, Wisconsin in Door County on June 17. The restaurant is famous for the goats grazing on the roof.

Marty Krogh of Ingleside

A group of kids are reflected in a side mirror as members of Mundelein Stallions U15 Lacrosse team stand around at Mechanics Grove School in June waiting to be picked up from practice.

Teri Herchenbach of Mundelein

Michael took this photo of the sunset over Route 31 in West Dundee with his dad's camera phone.

Michael Meyer, 11, of West Dundee

Abe Baroud fishes off a dock as the sun goes down over the horizon.

Jamir Baroud of Barrington

A jellyfish swims against a deep blue hue at the Jellies exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium on July 16th.

Paul Columbia of Arlington Heights

A school of fish rush by at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.

Chuck Bennett of Mount Prospect

This was taken in Munich 2008 during the 500 year celebration of forming of the city of Munich.

Lena Conway, from Naperville

This photograph was taken in Sawyer, MI last summer. I call it Paddling at Dusk. It was a peaceful night on Lake Michigan.

Leo Modica, from Wheaton

I was riding my bike one day last month next to a lake in Carol Stream when I found this guy sitting smack dab in the middle of the bike path. I thought he'd make a great photo, so I got down on my hands and knees to take a few shots. You could say I got a frog's-eye perspective! He didn't move the whole time, and I'm very proud of how the picture turned out.

Jamie Galen, from Carol Stream.