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.
These Rare Animals Are Both Weird and Wonderful
Have you ever seen a creature that looked so weird and unique that you weren't sure if you were actually looking at an alien or something that belongs on our planet?Discover here these 15 weird and wonderful creatures that are too wonderful for words
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 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.
The Illusions These Shadows Create Are Simply Amazing!
If you love optical illusions, then you've really got to take a look at these awesome shadows.
Astronomy Photographer of the Year: 18 Stunning Finalists
The shortlist for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition has been unveiled and the celestial images are absolutely stunning.
Let These Animal Quotes Be Your Inspiration For the Day
Animals are inspirational to many of us in this world, and the same can be said for some of its greatest names. Here are 12 truly great animal quotes.
Undiscovered History: 20 Rarely-Seen Vintage Photos
These rare vintage photos bring forgotten history to life.
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.
Wow, You Don't See THIS On a Regular Day...
Each one of these photographs has a whole story behind it, and each is more extraordinary than the last. This photo collection brings together some rare and unusual sights that you probably haven't seen before!
Incredible! A Glimpse Into What Ancient Rome Looked Like
This video depicts a 3D rendering of what Rome looked like in 320AD.
12 Magnificent Photos Reveal the Solitude of Big Cities
This amazing black and white photo series is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also telling of human nature and urban environments.
These Photos Will Make You Look Twice... Then Three Times!
These photos all require a second and third look to understand.
35 Classic National Geographic Photos You'll NEVER Forget
National Geographic's Best Photo Collection presents stunning contest winners.
14 Vivid Portraits of Gorgeous Rare Birds
This photographer traveled the globe in the search of the rarest and most gorgeous birds, and here are 14 of his best avian portraits...
The World Looks So Unique in These Stunning Macro Photos
Take an extreme close up view of unusual things in this amazing collection of macro photographs.
20 Award Winning Photos of a Microscopic, Gorgeous World
The Nikon Small World Competition has been giving recognition to photomicrography images for well over 40 years. View this year's finalists here.
These 18 Amazing City Squares Look Fit for the Gods
When I think of great cities, and wonder what makes them so beautiful, it seems so obvious: it is their amazing piazas, or squares. These are the 18 best!
This Photographer Really Captures the Beauty of the Ocean...
Gorgeous Underwater Life by Alexander Semenov.
In Pictures: International Dog Photography Award Winners
Check out the amazing winniers of the International Dog Photography Awards.
These Remarkable Ceilings Are a Different Kind of Art!
These fantastic ceilings come from mosques all over the world and one must admit they design is unique, complex and beautiful.
These Old Photos Showcase Some Major Changes in Ireland
The last few decades of the 19th century and the first few of the 20th were periods of major change for Ireland. These photos capture that wonderfully.
These Photos Will Make You Rub Your Eyes in Puzzlement
These photos are all very puzzling at first look, maybe even at the second as well...
I've Never Seen Photos As Stunning As These
These beautiful shots, which look more like art will undoubtedly impress you.
12 Award-Winning Drone Photos That Inspire Awe
Check out the outstanding winners of the 2024 Drone Photo Awards.
A Slice of History – 20 Powerful Images of Yesteryear
This collection of rare historical photos will give you a fascinating glimpse of our past.
RARE: 15 Uncommon Things You've Probably Never Seen Before
The world is full of amazing, bizarre, and interesting things.
Gallery: 2024 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year
Check out the jaw-dropping photos of 2024 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year.
These Thanksgiving Decorations are a Feast for the Eyes
These delightful Thanksgiving decorations will get you into the holiday spirit.
The Stunning Beach Art of Jon Foreman
Here is a series of some photos showing unique beach art that has been created by Jon Foreman
Have You Ever Seen Such Alluring and Artistic Photography?
What's better than a collection of photographs of stunning locations? Adding models wearing beautiful dresses, of course!
100-Year-Old Colored Photos That Make History Feel Real
These vintage color photos are absolutely mesmerizing.
Some Photos Require No Explanation Whatsoever!
Here are 16 photos, all of which speak more than a thousand words by themselves.
14 Genius Architectural Ideas Inspired by Everyday Objects
Felipe de Castro is a talented architect who transforms everyday objects into architectural marvels.
18 Glimpses of the World’s Most Fascinating Places
These awe-inspiring photos feel almost dreamlike,
A Collection of Ancient Trees 14 Years in the Making...
This beautiful project took a decade and a half to complete, but what beauty was captured will live on forever. Take a look for yourself.
Some People Go Completely Overboard On Halloween...
While some people just love Halloween, there are others who don't bother with it at all. The owners of these houses certainly do though! Take a look.
Showstopping Aerial Photos From 22 Famous Places Worldwide
Agora Images is back with another astonishing competition, and this time, we'll be soaring in the sky above 22 iconic locations around the world
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.
Dubai, the City of a Thousand and One Views!
Dubai arguably boasts the most incredible urban landscape in the entire world. Take a look at these stunning pictures of the emirate's skyline.
20 Poignant Photos You Don’t Want to Miss!
These photos may not fit one specific topic, but there’s one overarching characteristic that unites them all - they’re all absolutely fascinating!
Time Changes Everything - 22 Amazing Before & After Photos
Click to discover some special before and after transformation photos.
The Undeniable Beauty of Autumn: 18 Gorgeous Fall Scenes
You are invited to take a visual tour and look at a collection of fall photographs gathered from different places around the world. After seeing these 16 pictures you'll probably make fall your favorite season!
A Glimpse at Halloween Festivities in the '20s and '30s
These vintage Halloween photos will give you the real chills.
10 Famous Historical Photos That Were Actually Staged
The truths behind these famous historical photos will surprise 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...
Learn About Photography's History Through These Old Photos
In celebration of the incredible history of photography, here are 12 outstanding photographic 'firsts' that span the last couple of centuries.
10 Historical Figures Side by Side Their Live Descendants
Have you ever wondered how the modern-day descendants of some of the most iconic historical figures looked like? Wonder no more, here they are.