The Winter Olympics are so chock full of gorgeous images that, starting Friday, we're making a series out of it.
Our first Photo of the Day captures fireworks at the opening ceremony in Sochi from afar. Photographer Streeter Lecka took this shot of fireworks lighting up the Russian night sky from the hills overlooking the Olympic Park.
See also: 34 Thrilling Photos From the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony kicked off at 8 p.m. Sochi time (11 a.m. ET) Friday. Eighty-eight national delegations marched in front of thousands. The U.S. Olympians wore Ralph Lauren-designed outfits. And Jamaica's six-man bobsled team was one of the smallest delegations, but appeared very happy to be in attendance.
NBC begins its coverage of the Winter Olympics at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Irina Rodnina and Vladislav Tretyak light the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, second from right, and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, centre, wave as they stand alongside United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, third from left, during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
An artist performs after the Olympic flag is hoisted during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Feb. 7, 2014.
Artists wearing lights perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The flying Russian child returns to the opening ceremony. The act was repeated twice during the show on Feb. 7, 2014 in Sochi.
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Actors perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.
Characters perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.
Characters perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.
The Olympic mascots are seen during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.
The Russian Olympic team walks into the stadium during the Parade of Nations on Feb. 7, 2014 at the opening ceremony.
The Japanese Olympic team walks into the stadium during the Parade of Nations on Feb. 7, 2014 at the opening ceremony.
The Iranian Olympic team walks into the stadium during the Parade of Nations on Feb. 7, 2014 at the opening ceremony.
Team Canada walks into the stadium during the Parade of Nations on Feb. 7, 2014 at the opening ceremony.
The Chinese Olympic team walks into the stadium during the Parade of Nations on Feb. 7, 2014 at the opening ceremony.
Athletes from the United States wave to spectators as they arrive during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics
The Brazilian Olympic team walks into the stadium during the Parade of Nations on Feb. 7, 2014 at the opening ceremony.
Alex Pullin of Australia, front right, carries that national flag as he leads his team during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Panagiota Tsakiri of Greece holds her national flag and leads her team into the stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Maria Hoefl-Riesch of Germany carries the national flag as she leads the team during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
A Russian child yawns while others wave the national flag as the national anthem is being played during the live telecast of the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
The flag of Russia is raised during the opening ceremony on Feb. 7, 2014 in Sochi.
A Russian child flies through the arena during a performance for the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The fifth olympic rings fails to opening during the opening ceremony at the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russa.
An shot of the opening ceremony from high above.
Fans make their way to Fisht Stadium for the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.
The sun sets over the Olympic Park before the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.
Spectators arrive at the Fisht Olympic Stadium prior to the start of the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
A fireworks display kicked off the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Actors wearing LED lights perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Spectators wave the Russian flag during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics.