Photographers call them "moments."

Moments are those brief snatches of time which can transform a photograph. Turn a routine image into a great photograph. Give life to an otherwise dull image. Make a forgettable photograph memorable.

A moment may be the tearful expressions on the faces of high school football players as they react to a last-minute loss. It may come when the sun peeks over the horizon to illuminate a subject. A moment happens when a political candidate steps into the light at a debate or it may happen when two soccer players collide.

Each year Yakima Herald-Republic photographers take thousands upon thousands of photographs. Here are the four photographers' favorite moments of 2008.

Check out the photo gallery of the YH-R photographers' favorite images of the year.

- Gordon King