FROM ICE bubbles to boiling lava, these photographs highlight the stunning shapes and patterns found in nature. The series of extraordinary images were taken by German software engineer Thorsten Scheuermann after he decided to examine his surroundings. A trip to the city of Kalapana in Hawaii, home to the Kilauea Volcano, provided Thorsten with the setting for his lava picture, while a visit to the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon offered him the opportunity to photograph ice bubbles up-close. The 37-year-old, now of Washington, USA, said: 'These are sights that can gain greater significance and have their beauty exposed when excluding everything else around them.'
A baby sperm whale assumed the role of a friendly giant when faced with two awestruck divers .
STARING intently into the camera, a polar bear appears to be lost in thought while relaxing in the snow .
A photographer has captured stunning photographs of the Milky Way above picturesque landscapes in the UK and Italy .
THIS is the awesome moment an Osprey catches its prey travelling at 50mph, giving new meaning to FAST FOOD .
BURSTING colours of reds, pinks and purples give the illusion of a collection of stunning flowers .
SQUABBLING over the last piece of grain, these hungry squirrels are determined to stock up on as much food as possible .
HEART-MELTING shots of a French bulldog and a ten-month-old French baby could be the cutest you’re likely to see .
THIS is the fascinating abandoned house, complete with mystery portraits and homely items, that has been dubbed - crooked cottage .
FINALLY catching a meal, a pair of great white egrets fight over their dinner .
SLEEPING within touching distance of wild African animals might not be everyone's idea of a relaxing break .
A family of foster carers are facing bankruptcy and homelessness after they signed up to a Government scheme to renovate their house to be used for disabled children's short breaks .