Exclusive Edition - The Ultimate Field Guide to Photography: Buy Now!
Home
Animals
Daily News
Environment
Games
Green Guide
History
Kids
Maps
Music
Photography
Science & Space
Travel & Cultures
Video
National Geographic Channel
Magazines
National Geographic
Traveler
Adventure
Shop
Subscriptions
TV & Film
Travel With Us
Our Mission
Visit our Online Shops
Books & Atlases
Clothing & Accessories
DVDs
Maps
Catalog Quick Shop

Sign up for free

Newsletters

Once a month
get new photos
and expert tips.

Sign up

Photo of the Day
April 02, 2005

|

 

Photo: Mass Incense

Mass Incense, Vatican City, 1991

Photograph by James L. Stanfield

"Pastor of the world's largest religious body, Pope John Paul II incenses an altar at Mass."

—From the National Geographic book Inside the Vatican, 1991

|

 

Related Features

Photo: Northern lights above a house

Best of Photo of the Day

See galleries of your favorite Photo of the Day images from 2008 to the present, updated each month with more stunning photos.

See Photos
Photo: Geisha holding an umbrella

Photo Contest Galleries

See our editors' selections in each category from this year's National Geographic International Photography Contest—and keep an eye on the competition.

See Photos
Photo: Fire dancers

Photo of the Day: Best of 2008

See the most popular Photo of the Day images from 2008, featuring fire dancers, wrestling wolves, a Tuareg cavalryman, stunning lightning, and more.

See Gallery
Photo: Coastline of Cornwall

Photo Gallery: Duchy of Cornwall

Few royal landlords did much to govern the Duchy of Cornwall—until Prince Charles became a man on a mission. Take a tour of his lands from Dartmoor to Poundbury.

See Gallery

See Today's Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day Categories:

Special Advertising Section
Photo: Horses and old barn

Enter Sweepstakes

Take a photographic journey through Montana and enter for a chance to win a trip for two!

Enter Now
Photo: Man carrying a kayak

Adventure Videos

Check out adventure videos from our West Coast Adventure Editor Steve Casimiro and go "Behind the Lens."

Watch Videos

Photo Tip of the Week

Long Exposures

When making long exposures, use a remote release to avoid camera movement. If you don't have a remote release, use the camera's self-timer.

More Photo Tips

Photography DVDs
Photo: Photography DVD box

Get the stories behind the lens and experience photography at its best!

Shop Now

New Photo Books From National Geographic
Photo: Visions of Paradise book cover

Own the latest images from our world-renowned photographers!

Shop for Books