We do it all the time … take snapshots of our loved ones. Any amateur photo-taker does so. The more interested, but perhaps not professional, photographer will focus on interesting people we see along the way in life (say while walking downtown or traveling abroad). However, there is a certain art to photography by a professional. They capture not only the exterior, but also the interior, the soul, of their subject.

The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver that ended yesterday provided photographers with many moments of bliss. Snow is always fun to shoot, but combined with tight, colorful spandex and and extreme athletic abilities, the Vancouver games were a celebration of high speed photography.

We are in one of the most joyous times of year. Spring is slowly sneaking upon those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, and we get ready for the celebration of some fantastic holiday celebrations.

This year, March 1st is a colorful day as the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and other natives of South Central Asia rejoice in the holy day of Holi, first mentioned in an ancient Sanskrit script. While the origins of Holi vary, the implementation of throwing beautiful, vibrant colors on one another stems from the always playful and mischievous Lord Krishna.

Protests are extremely photogenic. They depict many special aspects of modern society and a wide range of human emotions, and when captured right, they are sure to raise interest. Last week an Italian photographer received the World Press Photo prize for his photo of an Iranian woman during protests related to the presidential elections in Tehran. A member of the jury referred to the photo and said: “The photo shows the beginning of something, the beginning of a huge story… It touches you both visually and emotionally and my heart went out to it immediately.”

Today we are featuring a few amazing photographers who will capture your attention with their works of art. You will see high velocity pellets at a complete stand still as particles extrude from the fractured glass ornaments filled with liquids and Jello. You will also see splashes from a single drop of liquid turn into an extraordinary photograph.

One of my absolute favorite photographers that I would love to share with you is Ville Miettinen of Finland, also known by the name of “wili hybrid.” As a self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur and investor, one may, at first thought, expect this man to be void of any definitive sense of creativity. However, an entrepreneurial spirit must not only be nurtured by, but requires, a flair for artistry and adventure. This comes through in wili hybrid’s photography, much of which is HDR and, by some standards, may be considered overdone … but I love it anyway, and I’m sure with an open pair of eyes and mind, you will, too.

The speed, screeching tires, flashing lights, and sirens. Yes, it’s a car chase. Last week at least ten squad cars driven by San Francisco’s Finest zoomed down the streets of a local residential neighborhood. One of our team was able to capture a few photographs of the police cars and SUVs wailing and racing by.

We’re only a few days away from and counting down to the upcoming New Year of 2010. With new gifts, the new winter, and the new year ahead, it’s the right time for a new wallpaper for your computer.

Here we have found the newest, freshest images that make a beautiful desktop background for you to use.

HDR photography has been popular around the web for a few years now. Every day, hundreds of people upload their HDR photos, whether original or digitally modified, in hopes of having a part in this trend. Only a few can be the best, and sorting through the bunch to find the best isn’t an easy job.

Here is the Best of 2009 in HDR Photography.

For a couple of years now, I’ve been following the work of the brilliant, albeit often misunderstood, Edward Olive on Flickr. Every shot has a beautiful glow and is the product of more than just talent.

What really makes Edward Olive’s photography outshine many others? He catches an often seen, but rarely noticed view of day to day life. Based in Madrid, his photographs capture the urban culture of the Spanish hub. Some shots are innocent, some daringly sexy, but all absorb you into a world that feels reminiscent of classic film.