The Top Photos of 2016 Are a Whole Lot Nicer Than the Year Itself Was
Despite 2016 being a decidedly difficult year, there are a whole lot of beautiful photographs that came out of it. Following its annual tradition, Flickr just released the year's top 25 photos, and though the photos vary in subject, they are all absolutely stunning.
To recap, the photos are selected by analyzing the photos with the most amount of "likes," in addition to how often each individual photo was favorited and viewed. This year's overall top photo comes from Giacomo della Sera and depicts a calm moment on a river in Aveiro, Portugal. The photo currently has more than 153,000 views, 8,000 faves, and 500 comments and counting!
Ahead, check out some of the other breathtaking shots that made the list, with quotes from the photographer or descriptions of the photo.
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Every Forgotten Dream
Sunlight passes through a fence in this serene photo by Flickr user Tom Davies.
Rainbow Ridge
According to the photographer, Zachary Gertsch, his inner dialogue while taking the picture went a little something like this: "Why am I standing out here in the rain? To get a shot of a rainbow, of course."
CRS-8 First Stage Landing
This was taken by the SpaceX Flickr account from a remote camera on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship.
Choose Your Camera Wisely
Shoppers inspect cameras in the photo by Flickr user Max Gor.
Frames
This stark black-and-white shot by Flickr user Dragan Brankovic highlights windows of differing sizes.
The Lonely Tree
"Probably the most photographed tree here on Flickr it's the lonely tree of Wanaka! Living in Queenstown just across the mountain from Wanaka I always wanted to get some astro shots with this in the foreground (even if it meant wading out into the lake) but I never got round to it so a long exposure daytime shot had to do." — Flickr user Tom Hall
Sunset on Place de l'Etoile After a Rainy Day
The Arch de Triumph is reflected onto a puddle in this photo by Flickr user Loïc Lagarde.
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President Obama greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the entrance of the Map Room in this official White House photo by Pete Souza.
A Wonderful Day
"This place is outstanding. If you ever visit the Maldives, go to Lux* South Ari Atoll. The 10km long house reef and the white sandy beach and amazingly blue lagoon puts you in heaven every single day. Incredible hospitality and kindness. Tranquil and zen. Paradise underwater and above." — Flickr user icemanphotos