The 2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition has ended, but before a winner is picked, let us take a look at some of the best entries. This year, photographers from all over the world were competing in four separate categories: Environmental Issues, Action, Landscape and Animal Portraits. Sarah Polger, the senior producer for National Geographic and the manager of National Geographic Photo competitions, declared that “the four categories of this year’s contest will give photographers a chance to capture the complexity and beauty found in the world around us. We anticipate compelling and revealing images.” The prize for the winner is an incredible 10-day trip for two to the Galapagos Island with National Geographical Expeditions and an amazing chance for two 15-minute portfolio reviews with photo editors from the National Geographic.
We have selected 20 of these stunning photographs to show you. Who is your winner?
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!
These Amazing Astronomy Photos Will Leave You Speechless!
The Royal Observatory’s Insight Investment Astronomy Photographs of the Year awards has released its shortlist for the best space pictures of 2018.
Ever Wonder What Life Is Like if We Zoom In All the Way?
A selection of some of the winning photographs from Nikon's yearly macro photography contest.
A Skilled Photographer Can Turn Our Planet into Paradise!
What an incredible world we live in! This breathtaking photos capture nature at its finest!
Astonishing! These Photographs Will Leave You in Awe!
Each year, the Siena International Photo Awards share the best photographs of the most beautiful events, people, and places on Earth. Here are some of the best!
Can You Believe These Stunning Photos Were Taken by Kids?
You'll be so glad to discover that National Geographic have run a competition for children photographers - especially when you see this year's winners!
18 Photos Displaying The USA’s Beautifully Wild Nature
Check out 18 pictures that'll expose you to the wild and beautiful nature of the United States, which will change everything you thought about this country!
A Tiny Bit of Kindness Can Go an Awful Long Way in Life!
A small act of kindness, as these photos prove, can go an awful long way.
Step Back in Time With These Rare Historical Photographs
Enjoy this new collection of historical photos!
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.
23 Incredible Photographs Taken at Just the Right Moment
These scarcely believable pictures have NOT been doctored. They were just taken at the perfect time.
Reviving History: AI-Generated Selfies of Iconic Figures
An AI artist has reimagined how famous historical figures would look like taking their selfies. Check out these incredible portraits.
Now That's What I Call Perfect Timing!
Each of these photos was taken with perfect - almost supernatural - timing!
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.
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!
Feel the Solitude: These Photos of the Arctic are Breathtaking!
Step inside one of the most solitude places on Earth. Finnish Photographer Tiina Törmänen captures the vast, icy beauty of this most remarkable and breathtaking place.
These Photos Will Make You Look Twice!!
Photography is a medium that allows magic to happen, with spontaneity often producing far more interesting results. View these photos timed to perfection.
This Showstopping Senior Couple Steals the Show Every Day
'In old age, life just begins' is definitely the motto for this elderly couple who are Berlin's fashion icons and social stars
WATCH: The Inner Workings of London's Big Ben
Big Ben is probably the world's most famous clock tower, having stood in Westminster, London for over 150 years Watch this video to see how it works.
These Incredible Photos Will Take Your Breath Away!
Enjoy some of the most spectacular photos from the Smithsonian Magazine's 15th annual contest.
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.
Welcome to the Most Beautiful Library in the World
I would give a lot to be able to spend a few hours in this amazing place.
10 Tips to Redo Your Interior Without Buying Anything New
With these clever tips, you can beautify your home without spending a dime!
20 Stunning Photos Captured at the Perfect Moment
Take a look at these perfectly-timed photos that will undoubtedly take your breath away.
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!
These Things Are So Big That They Almost Beggar Belief
There are creatures and architecture that are on a relatively normal scale, and there are those that are just massive. Take a look at these 20 photos.
These Multi Portrait Photos Date Back to the Late 1800s!
Back in the early 1900s this new technology, known as 'trick-mirror' photos, were thought to be the future of portraiture.
These Photos Have Amazed the World...
From the epic majesty of our galaxy to the pure, simple beauty of a tortoise interacting with a butterfly, these photos are wonderful.
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.
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!
Behold the Majestically Built Castles of Old France!
The beautiful castles of old France take me back to a different time...
You Won't See These Rare Sights Twice in Your Lifetime!
Here are 20 rare and unbelievable sights that you certainly won't end up seeing twice in you lifetime!
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.
Polish Castles: Having a Look at Some Architectural Beauty
Flying above the beautiful castles of ancient Poland.
These Pictures Look Like They Were Taken In Another World
The pictures you're about to see appear as if they were taken on another planet. Enjoy these 23 amazing extraterrestrial-looking pictures.
21 Jaw-Dropping Optical Illusions That Make Your Head Spin
The optical illusions will try to confuse your brain, so much so that you will think these photos are edited. But don’t be deceived...
Don't Let Them Fool You: The Truth Behind Photography!
These photos prove that photography is not always what it seems...
In Photos: 15 Gorgeous Cities from Around the World
We have curated a collection of 15 stunning photographs that capture the essence of these cities or showcase their breathtaking sights in a single frame.
These Chinese Gardens are Like Nothing You've Seen Before!
These gardens combine beauty and function, and are places of pure serenity and unparalleled grace.
View the World Through the Eye of a Moving Bullet
Watch in awe as you discover regular objects through the eye of a moving bullet, using an incredible new type of lens.
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.
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.
There's Nothing Quite Like These Perfectly-Timed Photos!
Take a look at these 20 incredible perfectly-timed photos, some of which are outrageously hilarious. Enjoy!
The Small Things in Nature Are the MOST Precious!
All 22 of these genius macro shots will reveal the captivating hidden beauty of nature to you from a brand new, and much closer look
Now THIS is My Idea of Great Nature Photography
The following series of photos was taken by professional photographers at great effort, enjoy!
The Best of Black & White Photography: Award-Winning Pics
Marvel at the astonishing winners of the Monochrome Photography Awards 2023.
15 Rare Photos That'll Change the Way You See the World!
These photos spread light on our surroundings, reminding us that even simple things can be extraordinary. Take a look!