BURSTING colours of reds, pinks and purples give the illusion of a collection of stunning flowers. But these images are in fact amazing long-exposure shots of fireworks. These vibrant photographs were captured by Californian amateur photographer Alan Sailer, 58, when he decided to look into the shapes and colours of fireworks. 'I wanted to capture the fireworks at the precise moment they burst, to give them the look of a flower,' said Alan. 'I decided to take them with the focus varied just as the firework explodes, so I could focus on the colours and different shapes that each firework contains
A brave praying mantis makes an unusual friend in an Oriental garden lizard .
Like a scene from a fairytale, THOUSANDS of fireflies create an enchanting glow as they dance in a forest .
HIDDEN in the middle of the Mojave Desert, a secret oasis awaits intrepid travellers .
A SPECTACULAR array of stars fills the night sky as they soar over this active volcano .
PAWS for thought as you feast your eyes on this rare bear bathing session .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
LIKE SUPERMAN carrying a slimy Lois Lane through the air this frog is treating its mate to a flying lesson .
Leaping out of the ocean, a group of gentoo penguins fly through the air before landing safely on an iceberg .
The dog having been pulled from the car - A police officer smashed a window in the blue Chrysler car to free the dog which was in visible distress .
TRYING their best to wriggle away, three adorable tiger cubs receive their health checks at Chester Zoo .
HUNDREDS of hot air balloons decorate the sky above Turkey as the rising sun illuminates the spectacular scenery below .
STARING intently into the camera, a polar bear appears to be lost in thought while relaxing in the snow .