The many wonders of nature

Each week's DuPage County Neighbor section includes at least one entry in our Photo Finish photography contest.

Our photo staff picks some of its favorite submissions to run each week and then one overall monthly winner.

This week's entries all focus on the wonders of nature.

Randy Link of Winfield, for example, took his picture at the Grand Canyon.

"When my wife and I were on vacation in Arizona, we were overwhelmed by the awesome beauty and size of the Grand Canyon," he wrote. "I enhanced the tonal values of the image with a program to bring out the dynamic range."

Brian Wallace of West Chicago, meanwhile, captured his image on Palmer Lake in northern Wisconsin.

"I liked the way the pines looked dark as they framed the image of the setting sun on the lake and its reflection on the bottom of the boat," he wrote.

Angela Cichosz of Carol Stream took her picture much closer to home.

"I took this photo as a severe thunderstorm came through the area," she wrote. "It was taken near the water reclamation center in Carol Stream, overlooking a townhouse complex off North Avenue. The photo is an HDR composite of 3 photos combined and tonemapped in Photomatix."

You can check out her results on Page 3.

If you'd like to submit a photo for our contest, email it in .jpg format with at least 300 dpi resolution to dupagecontest@dailyherald.com.

Include your name, address and a phone number, plus a description of where you took the photo.

The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate, good at PJ's Camera, Pickwick Place Plaza, 662 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn.