America’s Favorite Photos
Rekindling America’s Appreciation of Photography

Good to the last drop!

Photo is of my father toasting my dog Marfa not long after he started his significant cognitive decline from a diagnosis of vascular parkinsonian. I have always felt like this photo should be on a magazine cover or article about aging and pets. He passed away in March of 2026, so this has become one of my most treasured photos. He and Marfa were 2 peas in a pod and this photo, to me, illustrates that perfectly.

Photo entered by
Melissa Kirkendall Profile

I am a filmmaker and photographer living in Northern New Mexico. I am drawn to the subtle magic of the everyday and the natural world. For me, inspiration comes from pausing to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, capturing that brief spark of beauty, and holding onto it before it slips away.

Finished 46th in the Final Round of the May 2026 Competition
View Final Round Photos →
Previous Rounds

1st in their Group in the Semifinal Round

1st in their Group in the Quarterfinal Round

1st in their Group in Round Two

1st in their Group in Round One