These beautiful photos capture the tender moments between two young boys who share a unique bond with animals. Elena Shumilova, from Andreapol, Russia, began taking pictures of her sons Yaroslav and Vanya in early 2012 when she received her first professional camera. The pair were immediately accepted by the animals from a young age and their incredible bond continues to strengthen as they get older. Elena, 32, was able to capture images her boys playing with such animals as rabbits, dogs, cats and ducks as they become totally immersed in their communication with their furry friends. (Photo by Elena Shumilova)

“Alice in Waterland” is a beautiful series of photographs re-imagining the Lewis Carroll classic underwater. It’s a creation of photographer Elena Kalis, who lives on a small island in The Bahamas, surrounded, she says, “by pristine clear warm water. Underwater is where I spend a lot of time; snorkeling, diving, photographing. It is fascinating how the world changes down below: light, sound, gravity and proportions are different from what we are used to”. (Photo by Elena Kalis)

Marines finish a 10 kilometer training hike carrying 55 pound (25 kg) packs during Marine Combat Training (MCT) on February 22, 2013 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Since 1988 all non-infantry enlisted male Marines have been required to complete 29 days of basic combat skills training at MCT after graduating from boot camp. MCT has been required for all enlisted female Marines since 1997. About six percent of enlisted Marines are female. (Photo by Scott Olson/AFP Photo)

Dilwyn Green, from North Wales, holds his 7 month old Gold Silkie Bantam which won a 1st prize in its breed at the Poultry Club's 2011 National Show on November 19, 2011 in Stoneleigh, England. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

BMX biker and event compere Ben Manuel warms up for the annual Hub Festival May 20, 2011 in Liverpool, England. This weekend's annual hub festival is an urban mix of art, music and action sports staged at Otterspool Promenade and attracts the top BMX, Skateboarders, artists and musical talent from across the UK. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

South Korean teenagers participate in a warfare exercise as part of the Special Warfare Command's training course at a military base on August 4, 2011 in Seoul, South Korea. About 1,000 civilian volunteers including middle and high school students participated in the special force's four-day training programme to develop their spiritual and physical strength. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Members of the American Civil War Society take part in a mock battle in the grounds of Cusworth Hall, South Yorkshire on July 2, 2011 in Doncaster, United Kingdom. Enthusiasts from all walks of life are taking part in re-enacting scenes from the American Civil War and in 'living history' events which are as authentic as possible. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

South Korean divers prepare to plunge through a hole in the ice of the frozen Imjin River on January 16, 2005 in Yeonchun, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)