Photographer: Tim Nicol, Republic, Ferry County

Photo taken: Dec. 17

Photographer's description: “Photographed this whitetail spike in my yard in Republic, with a Nikon D200 with AF 18-270 Tamron lens at ISO 200, 270 mm, f/6.3, 1/250 of a second.”

Expert says: “Great moment, clean background, beautiful subject. I immediately smiled when I saw this serene photo. The photographer well-utilized his unique zoom lens to go in tight on the whitetail’s head, showing the deer’s antlers coming in as well as snowflakes falling on him as he licks his nose. Having the deer staring straight at the camera creates an immediate connection with viewers.”

-- Katie Greene, Seattle Times photo staff

Share your recent photo from around the Northwest. Submit online at seattletimes.com/northwestphotos (and see an online gallery of other Reader’s Lens photos). We judge the best and award a prize every December.