Keen photographers from all over Leicestershire have been inspired to get snapping for our love- themed competition.
While many have been capturing loved-up animals, heart shapes and tender moments, Nick Grassby, of Whetstone, decided to turn the theme on its head with his picture of an unwanted teddy bear.
The 64-year-old has called his picture Unloved.
He said: "I came across this on my wanderings by Ashpole Spinney, near Cosby. Someone had hung it in a tree. The poor old bear was covered in moss and spiders' webs, it looks as if it had been there for months.
"If it's still there next time I'm up that way I'll have to rescue it and take it back home."
Budding photographer Bethany Morrison, 16, was inspired by romantic candle-lit dinners when she set up her Burning Love picture.
Bethany, of Wigston Fields, said: "I like how the lights stand out. I'd to use a lot of candles to create the effect.
"I really enjoy taking pictures, particularly of nature and flowers and landscapes, but portraits are my favourite.
"I'm starting a photography course at Leicester College in September."
Neil Cooper, of Loughborough, took inspiration from a charity shop for his photograph, while Johnathan Cuvelier chose his cat, Taz, as his model.
Claire Robins, of Western Park, Leicester, took a picture of her three-year-old daughter Florrie and Florrie's great-grandmother, Edna, 96, looking at photos together.
Mrs Robins said: "Both Florrie and Edna love looking at photographs, especially of family and friends – it gives them a lot to chat about."
We are offering £100 of Jessops' vouchers for the best picture on the theme of love. Readers have until May 13 to e-mail in their photographs.
Please include a short caption explaining each picture, as well as your name, address and contact details, and put "Love Photo Competition" in the subject box.
picturedesk@leicester mercury.co.uk
