CultureMap has consistently illustrated its articles these past five years with outstanding images from freelancers, contributors, staff and a team of incredibly talented photographers. "Best photos" would be a very difficult choice.
Rather, let's turn to our ongoing Pix of the Day series in which all of the above, including CultureMap readers and the general public, have shared their favorite photos. From crybabies to the magnificent Space Shuttle Endeavour soaring above, these are our Top 5 Pixs Of The Day.
By the way, many, many thanks to everyone for making CultureMap so beautifully, artistically and accurately visual.
Whoo's there?
Many of us at the office still keep this one up as a screen saver: Four darling owlets that CultureMap reader Annie Kansas photographed while in the carpool line at Roberts Elementary School. The parliament of preciousness created lots of interest among teachers and students at the school.
Possible grown and gone now, these owls still ring nature's bell for us. And "Batty," that upside-down bird, brings a smile to this day.
Cheers to Endeavour!
The Space Shuttle Endeavour safely landed at Ellington Field in September 2013. The excitement brought out the photographers in us all to capture the space craft piggy-backed in the skies above Houston in a victory-style fly-over. CultureMap, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and other organizations welcomed submitted images as people were out on a beautiful morning to snap Endeavour overhead.
Waaaaaaah!
Most children are thrilled to pose with St. Nick. But definitely not these youngsters, as snapped by Michelle Watson in December 2012 as part of John Daugherty Realtors' "Photos with Santa" event. Huggable in all their innocence and honesty, these babes are just too precious in their brief moments of despair. Giggle at bit, laugh out loud or say, "Awwww," as you view the slideshow.
You'll again see the happy ending.
It's just bigger in Texas
The Super Moon never looked more super than in these pics submitted by readers and tweeters. From Houston to El Paso to Dallas to Austin, these amazing photos captured the phenomena. Check out the lead photo, in which Sergio Garcia Rill presented a composite photo made out of 37 individual shots showing the progression of the moon above downtown Houston. Wow!
The Beard
Nope, not him, but yes, it's Mayor Annise Parker, showing her support for James "The Beard" Harden at a Houston Rockets home game. KHOU photographer Jill Courtney spotted the mayor courtside and snapped this pic.
CultureMap is celebrating its fifth birthday with a big party on Oct. 10 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the new JW Marriott Houston Downtown, with a portion of proceeds going to Casa de Esperanza. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.
Got a great photo of a Houston happening or everyday occurrence? Send it to barbara@culturemap.com, along with details (who, what, where and why it's special). It might make our Pix of the Day.
Is that Mayor Annise Parker, or a shorter version of James Harding spotted at the NBA All-Star Game in February 2013?
