Flickr is the web's treasure trove of creativity, from the weird and wonderful groups like Odd-Eyed Cats (population 178) to the deeply committed Monthly Scavenger Hunt (3,260).
With more than 4bn images to choose from, how do you find the gems? We've picked a few of our favourites, for starters.
Half Dome by brainchildvn
Photo by brainchildvn on Flickr. Some rights reserved
Shot on a Canon EOS5D in 2009 is an image that would put Ansel Adams to shame. This photo describes the natural, intricate detail of the textures of the mountain in dramatic monochrome - an almost frightening image of the power of nature and our own insignificance. In one picture. We are not worthy.
Nightly Flower by MSVG
Photo by MSVG on Flickr. Some rights reserved
Taken in June 2010, the secret to this image of the scarlet lily is the perspective which makes the flower seem larger than life, as if it is a statue on the Toronto pavement.
Slip by Thomas Hawk
Photo by Thomas Hawk on Flickr. Some rights reserved
This close-up of a cash register, taken by photographer Thomas Hawk in California, was used in the United Nations 2010 annual report on crime, drugs and terrorism. You can almost smell the varnish of the wood and the dusty buttons thanks to the vivid textures and colours.
Untitled by Grace-Olivia
Photo by Grace-Olivia on Flickr. Some rights reserved
Taken in December of last year using a Canon EOS 450D and red powder, it could be an outtake from the Sony Bravia campaign.
Carnival SF: Demonic Child by tibchris
Photo by tibchris on Flickr. Some rights reserved
This aptly named 'demonic' looking child embraces his heritage at this year's San Francisco Carnival which "showcases the very best of Latin American and Caribbean cultures with a dynamic array of food, music, drumming, dancing, live music, and artistry". And, apparently, face paints.
Lion's Mane Jellyfish by Dan Hershman
Photo by Dan Hershman on Flickr. Some rights reserved
This picture of a Lion's Mane jellyfish was taken in Hood Canal, Washington in 2006. "Their body is about the size of a basketball, with stinging tentacles trailing 20 feet in their wake", says Hershman. It might look like a dream, but being stung might be more than your worst nightmare.
Weird Sky by judepics
Photo by judepics on Flickr. Some rights reserved
Taken with Fujifilm FinePix S9600 in 2007, 'Weird Sky' is so idyllic you'd be forgiven for thinking a little Photoshop was applied, when actually the gold clouds and graduated blues in the sky are created by the rays of the setting sun.
Stranger in a Strange Land by Maggie-Me
Photo by Maggie-Me on Flickr. Some rights reserved
This 'strange' Dalian landscape was created on the program Vue 3D in May this year.
Movement by gcfairch
Photo by gcfairch on Flickr. Some rights reserved
This snapshot of a journey was taken in May earlier this year on a Canon EOS 50D. The train is speeding past the stationary woman in a demonstration of how fast the world is moving around her. Even though there is a second- and possibly third- figure next to her, the strong, contrasting tones of her body, clothes and hair set her apart from the grey blurred world surrounding her.
World's Favorite Sport by vramak
Photo by vramak on Flickr. Some rights reserved
Timing is crucial in this image as the sun is eclipsed by a moving football, captured on a Sony DSC-H7 in 2008. But then we can forget about football for another four years - right?
