© Vincent J Musi.

National Geographic photographer Vince J Musi is an award winning photographer whose unique take on animal photography was recognized in the 2011 PDN Photo Annual. The early deadline for the 2012 Photo Annual is TODAY at midnight PST. The image above  is from a story on wild things bred for their aggressive behavior. Scientists in Novosibirsk, Russia, are comparing these rats to those bred for friendliness to understand the connection between genetics and behavior.

© Jana Romanova

Viktoria and Anton await the arrival of their daughter, Varvara, in St. Petersburg, Russia. “Waiting,” Jana Romanova’s series on sleeping expectant parents, was included in the PDN Photo Annual 2011 online gallery.

© Joe Pugliese / People

A portrait of Marine Corporal Aaron P. Mankin, injured in Iraq, from a story on Operation Mend. A collaboration between UCLA Medical Center and Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas., the goal of Operation Mend is to treat severely injured U.S. military personnel wounded during service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Joe Pugliese’s series was included in the PDN Photo Annual 2011 online gallery.

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All Photos © Aydin Matlabi

Thousands of Iranians marched through the streets of Tehran to protest the disputed 2009 presidential election. These images captured by Aydin Matlabi were included in the PDN Photo Annual 2010 online gallery. The 2011 Contest is currently open for entries until February 21.

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© Jean-Baptiste Mondino / T: The New York Times Style Magazine

Florence Welch, of the band Florence and the Machine, stands alone in this portrait by Jean-Baptiste Mondino. More images from his series, “Batty Brits,” can be seen in the PDN Photo Annual 2010 online gallery. The 2011 Contest is currently open for entries until February 21.