As the new year begins, we look back at the best photos from 2012 in our second edition of the photos of the year. Each of the photo of the week winners from 2012 will compete against each other for the grand prize. As is the case with our weekly contests, the photo of the year will be sponsored by Posterjack, and the winners will be decided by by our readers. The following prizes are up for grabs:

• 1st Place - 36x48 Metal Print ($400 value)
• 2nd Place - 24x36 Acrylic Print ($200 value)
• 3rd Place - 16x24 Canvas Print ($100 value)

The contest will take place over four rounds composed of 13 photos, one for each week of the year. The three photos with the most votes from each round will move on to the final round, which will feature 12 photos and ultimately decide the top three photos of the year. This poll will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on January 9th.

For those photographers whose images are featured below, please feel free to give us a little information about your shot — i.e. where and when it was taken — in the comments section. Who knows? Maybe your description will sway voters in your favour!

Lead photo by ~EvidencE~

2.

Photo by asianz

3.

Photo by n.white1

4.

Photo by CaroLeal

5.

Photo by James Goneau

6.

Photo by Empty Quarter

7.

Photo by Richard Gottardo

8.

Photo by valkozintsev

9.

Photo by Richard Gottardo

10.

Photo by syncros

11.

Photo by ursini danilo

12.

Photo by photolifer

13.

Photo by Jim U