During our "Ruins" photo challenge, we asked our readers to show us beautiful images of deteriorated environments. The submissions ranged from traditional ruins to more abstract interpretations, including self-portraits. The results are beautiful, so we've selected some of our favorites for display in this gallery. The winner will be announced in an upcoming issue of Popular Photography. Enjoy!

By Steven Green

I spotted this abandoned wind vane along the highway with a hawk's nest in the center during a stormy sunset while driving through Carrizozo, New Mexico on my way back from a trip to El Paso, Texas.

• CAMERA: Canon 1D Mark III
• FOCAL LENGTH: 42mm
• SHUTTER SPEED: 1/300
• LENS: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX DG HSM
• ISO: 1600
• APERTURE (F-STOP): f/20