Sarasota is famous for gorgeous beaches, but our vast inland forests are just as beautiful, as this image by Brian David Braun reveals. After a controlled burn in Myakka State Forest, Braun, who lives nearby ("A Florida panther comes right into our yard"), staked out a spot by this pond, hoping that the lingering smoke and early-morning fog would catch the first shafts of light. "It’s one of my favorite photos ever," he says.

Photo by Brian David Braun | briandavidbraunphotography.com