The votes for the National Geographic 2017 Travel Photographer of the Year competition are in, and it’s time to announce the winners. This yearly competition highlights the diversity of our planet through its natural wonders and inhabitants, and the winning photographs are absolutely stunning.
The judges had to review around 15,000 entries from all over the world for awards in three categories: people, nature, and cities. First, second, and third places were awarded $2,500, $750 and $500 respectively. The Grand Prize winner, also received a 1—day trip for two to the Galapagos Islands with National Geographic Expeditions.
Below are our favorite photographs from this competition.
Astrophotography: The Perfect Blend of Art and Science
From vibrant photos of the Northern lights to incredible snaps of the sun - these photos all have the chance to win Astononmy Photo of the Year and rightfully so!
These Turtles Look Nothing Like You Could Ever Imagine
From turtles with two heads to those with glow-in-the-dark powers, here are the world's coolest turtles.
These Photos Show How Our World Is Just Full of Surprises!
We are blessed to inhabit this Earth - think of all the beautiful things that you've seen! Here are 21 photos to prove that the world is full of surprises.
This Woman Unintentionally Befriended a Wild Crow
Watch this crow solve complex puzzles to get food!
Planet Earth is So Diverse and Beautiful!
This video will take you on a stunning journey around the world, its most beautiful spots, and most remarkable people.
The Best Northern Lights Photographs of the Year Revealed
These magical images prove that nothing can be compared to the beauty of the Northern Lights!
These Vintage Celebrity Photos From the Past Are a Delight
Time for some nostalgia! Check out these rarely seen photos of old school celebrities.
These 1900s Colored Photos are the First Ever Taken
Normally, we'd expect old photos to be black and white. Here are some stunning century-old color photographs using a groundbreaking technique.
These Pics Were Taken On a 40000 Km Journey Through Europe
This Belgian photographer traveled no less than 40,000 kilometers to photograph the peaks of Europe. Take a look at his amazing photos right here.
These Photos Bring to Life the Most Beautiful Reflections
These photographs are really spectacular. The conditions were exactly right for the photographers to capture these images. Enjoy the stillness here.
14 Stunning Examples of Brutalist Architecture
These pictures perfectly capture the essence of brutalist architecture. Let’s check them out.
The Circular Nature of Olafur Eliasson's Architectural Art
Circular and spherical shapes repeat themselves in Eliasson‘s works, meant to reflect a sense of unity, oneness, and awareness of one’s surroundings.
15 Photos Showcasing the Beauty of Cities
We collected some amazing photos of 15 big cities around the world, which are simply fun to look at!
13 Photographs of Stunning Beach Art With Stones
Here is a collection of some stunning images showing unique beach art that has been created by using just stones.
These Brilliantly Clever Adverts Turned Heads - 15 Pics
Now this is how you make an ad!
These Photos of Myanmar Are Absolutely Stunning
Kyaw Kyaw Winn is a very talented photographer from Myanmar. Here is a selection of some of his best shots.
These Homeowners Take Interior Decorating to Another Level
Everyone decorates in their own way. These homeowners have let their imaginations go wild with surreal interiors unlike anything you've ever seen.
20 Stunning Photos of Women in the Most Gorgeous Dresses!
Get ready to appreciate a showcase of the most outstanding pieces of fashion along with some of the most picturesque locations on the planet. Enjoy!
What An Unbelievable Work of Art by This Talented Builder
This video shows you, with the help of a time lapse, all the efforts that went into rebuilding a miniature but exact model of the infamous ship, The Titanic.
These Photos Tell Us Some Amazing Stories About the World
The world, as these pictures prove, is full of amazing sights and stories.
These Crazy Statues Will Really Mess with Your Head...
Check out these 15 bombastic sculptures that simply appear to defy the laws of physics. Take a look for yourself!
These Optical Illusions Will Totally Mess With Your Head
Check out these optical illusions and let the head-scratching begin! There are no less than 24 of them to enjoy in this post.
Japan's Nature Comes Alive in Gorgeous Photo Collection
The immense beauty of Japan's nature is presented through a huge collection of sublime photographs.
I've Never Seen Photos As Stunning As These
These beautiful shots, which look more like art will undoubtedly impress you.
19 Fairy Tale Structures You Can Find in Norway
Norway is one of the more unique countries in Europe, possessing views that rival the best fantasy books out there...
Humor and Art Collide in These Wacky Street Art Pics
Frank de Ruwe is a street artist who uses his witty and brilliant art to bring fresh life to dull and bland streets.
An Artist Colored 14 Iconic Film Scenes and We’re Stunned!
Incredibly talented Austrian artist colorized 14 famous vintage film scenes and portraits of famous actors and they look unbelievably real!
22 Rare and Beautifully Colorized Historical Photos
Looking through these meticulously colorized photos, most of which were taken during the two World Wars, is a unique and moving experience.
These Portraits Combine People With Their Young Selves
In certain instances, it's uncanny how much people remain looking like their younger selves well into adulthood. Take a look at this composite portraiture.
Ancient Wonders of Archaeology & Architecture – 16 Pics
These fascinating things from the past continue to inspire wonder and awe.
Perfect Timing! 17 Incredible Moments Caught on Camera
These perfectly timed photos will mess with your head.
Some Mishaps Are More Expensive Than Others...
These photos bring you the most expensive mishaps you ever saw.
20 Photos That Celebrate the Spectacular Colors of our World
The right color palette can turn a regular photo into a work of art. This post contains 20 photos that showcase colorful places around the world.
This Magical Town is the Most Beautiful Place in China
In the south of China, a small, peaceful and picturesque town lies on a fertile cliff from which several waterfalls flow in perfect harmony.
A 100 Year Old Window to Another New York City
These beautiful and educational late 19th and early 20th century photos of New York City were released recently by the NYC municipal archives...
These Photos Well Deserve to Be Called "Best of the Year"
The National Geographic has been sharing brilliant photography with the world for years, and 2016 has certainly been no exception. Take a look at some here!
The 2023 German Society for Nature Photography Competition
A remarkable collection of 15 photographs unveiled during the 2023 German Society for Nature Photography competition.
15 Amazing Images Documenting the Wonders Found Underwater
These photos won the 2018 World Photography Competition and after you see them you'll understand why....
These Old Photos Reveal a Good Deal About the 19th Century
Witness the history of the 19th Century as you never have before, with this powerful collection of early photographs.
Then & Now: Stars Side by Side Their Own Childhood Photos
These images make it seem as though celebrities are casually hanging out with themselves as kids, and it's pretty fascinating to see!
INTERACTIVE: These Buildings Become Gorgeous at Night...
These structures aren't just beautifully designed - come nightfall, they take on a stunning transformation.
Magnificent Photos of the World's Last Native Tribes
Jimmy Nelson spends his life traveling the world and reminding us of where we came from, namely indigenous tribes. Take a look at his stunning work.
Don’t Confuse These Glorious Pictures of Nature for Paintings
The next 17 pictures, don’t need an artist's touch, and although you might mistake it for painting, these pictures depict nature itself is in all its splendor.
Interactive: What Happens When We Try to Take Pro Photos!
It can seem like photography is easy, all you need is a camera and a beautiful subject. Yet these photos prove that the experts do know what they're doing!
These Wonderful Pictures Are Proof of Nature’s Wonders
If we don't preserve and defend it, nature may disappear - this is why the Nature Conservancy holds an annual photography competition.
10 Risky Roads You'd Have to be Insane to Drive On
There are some road networks that top the polls in world's most dangerous roads. This clip takes a look at 10 risky roads you won't want to drive on.