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 Crazy Cloud Formations Will Blow Your Mind
Prepare to witness some of the most incredible cloud formations our world has ever seen!
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.
Bask in the Glory of Mother Nature
After taking a look at these amazing photos, it should become clear that Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with!
Astronomy Photographer of the Year: 18 Stunning Finalists
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35 Classic National Geographic Photos You'll NEVER Forget
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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.
The Incredible Sights You Won't See Every Day...
20 unbelievable photos showing amazing scenes of history, science and nature, that will make you think.
In Pictures: Different Cultures, Different Childhoods
Photographer Massimo Bietti captures the innocence of children from all parts of our world through his lens.
Lets Open a Window to the Past...
These 16 black and white 20th century photos show us some of the most interesting moments of the 20th century.
15 Remarkable Winners of Past World Nature Photo Awards
If you love animals and nature, these award-winning nature and wildlife photos are something you simply must see!
10 Award-Winning Images That Capture the Spirit of Travel
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The Great Wall of China as You’ve Never Seen It Before
High definition drone capture of the Great Wall of China
14 Amazing Before-And-After Pics of Our Changing World
These before-and-after pictures show how just how much time changes everything.
14 Award-Winning Photos of Marine Life and Sea Exploration
Photos allow those of us who are not marine photographers or sea explorers to get a glimpse of the ocean’s mysteries, and these photos are glorious!
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
Are These Real Animals? 15 Stunning Sand Creations!
Andoni Bastarrika's sand sculptures are so lifelike, they'll trick you into thinking they're real animals.
The Gorgeous and Colorful Waves of Adam Duffy
Adam Duffy is a photographer has done something few have been able to: Give justice to the stunning beauty and color of the ocean's waves. His incredible photos will bring joy to your eye and your soul.
Are These Japanese Houses Crazy or Artistic?
The Japanese are known for being a little eccentric. Put that together with their enterprising spirit and there's a recipe for weirdest home designs ever!
Magical Scottish Landscapes: 16 Award-Winning Images
Check out the amazing winners from the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year 2024.
17 Surprising and Stunning Images From Around the World
Our world is full of surprising things happening at every moment, these 17 pictures prove you haven't seen it all!
16 Stunning Photos That are Worth 1000 Words
They say that a picture can paint a thousand words, but we feel that the following pictures can paint 10,000 words.
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....
18 Photos You Won't Be Able to Take Your Eyes Off
A collection of eighteen absolutely stunning photographs that you will definitely not be able to take your eyes off.
15 Unique Business Cards That Left a Lasting Impression
Now that's how you make a business card!
These Lighthouses Are Each More Beautiful than the Last...
Used since ancient times, the lighthouse was both a guide and a warning. These monuments are so sturdy, they take nature's beating without a flinch!
20 Fascinating Cross Sections Explained
Look at these 20 fascinating cross-sections of various things found in the world, from flowers to weapons and different mechanisms!
17 Poignant Photos That Are Anything But Ordinary
At first glance, you might not understand what's so special about some of these photos, but each one has a backstory that will make it unforgettable.
10 of the Most Outlandish Building Designs Ever Conceived
These 10 architectural projects push the envelope far enough to reach another planet. Here are 10 of the most outlandish construction projects ever conceived.
Butterflies and Silkmoths Have Never Looked This Good!
Adam Gor is a Hungary-based biology student who has a love for macro nature photography. Take a look at some of his stunning work here.
What Would 15 Long Departed Celebrities Look Like Today?
This online creator used an AI app to imagine what 15 beloved celebrities who left us too soon would have looked like today. The results are astounding!
These Vintage Photos Left an Indelible Mark on History
Ever seen Einstein in a leather jacket or the Lincoln Memorial half-finished? These historical photos will show you famous faces and places in a new light
Captivating Photos Capturing Beauty in Everyday Moments
Looking at the impressive lighting and compositions of Myanmar Based photographer Zay Yar Lin, you wouldn't believe he is self taught.
Amazing Re-Touched Photos of England Back in the Old Days
1920s England was the not tremendously jolly, civilized and the most important nation in world politics. These colored photos will show you what it was like.
Native Americans: Striking Vintage Pics from a Century Ago
For over 30 years, Edward S. Curtis has documented the life of Native Americans. Here are some of his rare portraits
Nature Used All Possible Colors to Create These Animals
Nature is filled with beautiful animals, plants and insects, with magnificent colors and shapes. The dazzling colors of these animals can only be found in nature, see for yourself in the photos below.
These Photos Prove the Past Was a Funny Place...
These photos prove the past was just as bizarre as today!
The 2023 German Society for Nature Photography Competition
A remarkable collection of 15 photographs unveiled during the 2023 German Society for Nature Photography competition.
This Parisian Apartment Has Been Untouched for 70 Years!
I can hardly believe this time-capsule of an apartment, that was locked away and forgotten about for 70 years. It's like nothing has changed in a century!
Stunning Underwater Photography That'll Make Your Jaw Drop
A selection of stunning photos taken from the Underwater Photography Contest 2017.
These Photos Were Captured Just at the Right Moment...
These amazing photos were each shot at exactly the right moment for hilarious, beautiful and incredible photographs. Take a look!
25 Pictures That Will Make You Take a Second Look
These quick photographers have managed to get some pretty nifty shots of some truly amazing and bizarre things in this world.
When Celebrities Met Their Younger Selves (20 Pics)
Enjoy this fun collection of pictures where famous celebs hang out with their younger selves.
These Fountains are Some of the Most Stunning in the World
This stunning collection will show you the most remarkable fountains in the world. From world record breakers to ancient landmarks, be sure to take a look.
RARE: 15 Uncommon Things You've Probably Never Seen Before
The world is full of amazing, bizarre, and interesting things.
Take a Look at These Photographs & Walk Back in Time...
It's amazing to see photographs from archives because it's like taking a walk back in time. This collection is no exception. Take a look.
15 Fascinating Old Photos that Mean a Lot Today
15 interesting photos from the past in black and white, showing us history in a few moments.