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 Photos Capture the Weirdness and Beauty of Japan
Japan has an abundance of beauty and weirdness all at the same time, and photographer Shin Noguchi is dedicated to capturing it. Take a look.
WOW! I've Never Seen Photos This Stunning Before!
These photos are so amazing my first thought was that they must have been photoshopped. Wrong. Throw your hands up in amazement at these great photographs.
Let These Animal Quotes Be Your Source of Inspiration
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.
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.
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 Record-Breaking Dogs Will Amaze You!
From a dog that's over 3 and a half feet tall to a dog that can ride a scooter at an incredible speed, everything you're about to see is sure to amaze you!
Discover How Some Really Famous Images Were Staged
The images you're about to see are some of the most famous from the 19th and 20th centuries, but they're all fake! Here they are.
Even Grown-Ups Can't Resist These Amazing Playgrounds!
This Danish company creates such incredible playgrounds that your kids will never want to go home!
Learn All About the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World...
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World serve as testament to the imagination, ingenuity, and sheer hard work of which human beings are capable. Learn more here.
Hold it Right There! These Photos Couldn't BE More Timely!
It's a photographer's dream to capture that precious image right as or before something dramatic occurs. These are some of the best examples we've ever seen.
Enjoy a VAST Collection of Our Most Gorgeous Photos
The most fantastic natural photos from around the globe, each one is an award winner.
Admire the World Up Close with Macro Photography
Beauty is in the details, and you can take a really close look at the world around you with these incredible professional macro photos
18 Things About the Eiffel Tower You Never Knew
The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the best known and loved building in the world. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of wild stories about it. Here are some...
The Universe's Greatest Photographs: 12 Contest Winners
Have a look at these stunning photograph winners from Wikipedia's tenth annual photography contest. They'll blow your mind.
From an Unsightly Tree Stump to a Garden's Centerpiece!
If you have a tree stump in your garden that you can't get rid of, why not turn it into something beautiful?
This Unique Dune House is Like a Hobbit Home, But Better
This astonishing and unique Florida home built into a sand dune facing the beach is sure to impress you!
See Vintage Post-War New York in All Its Photogenic Glory
Take a trip down memory lane with some fabulous and fascinating vintage photos of New York City as it used to be in the glory of the post-war period...
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.
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.
14 Wonderful Moments Scientists Have Documented with a Lens
Behind each of these 14 images is a fascinating story that makes them even more powerful...
18 Pics That Show the World from a Unique Perspective
Here are some fascinating photos that give a new perspective on things.
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.
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.
This Artist Has Managed to Capture Moments of Innocence
These photos truly let the innocence of this amazing photographer's subjects shine through in all their glory
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.
Why Is India Against Building Skyscrapers?
his video reveals the rule that is keeping India from building more high-rise buildings. Find out what it is.
15 Photos of Superstars Side by Side Their Younger Selves
Have you ever dreamed to see your favorite celebrity next to their younger selves? Then here is a collection of 15 very famous people now and then.
Can You Find the Women in These Landscape Photos?
At a glimpse, these photographs look like beautiful shots of nature, but if you look closer you will spot beautiful women blended into the scenery.
The Breathtaking Views of The Polish Tatra Mountains!
Wait until you see how gorgeous the mountains look during the spring season! Here are 16 extraordinary images of the Tatra Mountains.
Between Dream and Reality: Nocturnal Nature Photography
This Chicago-based photographer inserts artificial light into natural environments to create mystifying, ethereal photographs.
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.
Have You Seen These Beautiful Churches?
Churches are beautiful and peaceful places that always manage to put me in a relaxed state of mind. Perhaps it is their beauty or their design, but this amazing feeling is even more powerful at these 22 most iconic and majestic of churches.
Incredible 3D Art Brings Life to Dull and Dreary Spaces
French street artist Scaf has been winning people over with his mind-bending 3D graffiti art. Check out his best works.
24 Stunning Vintage Photos of Everyday Life
See these forgotten details from the world of the past in these 24 historical photos.
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.
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.
Imposing Fortresses - 14 Photos of Fairytale-Like Castles
Check out these fairytale-esque castles of the world.
19 Images of Deceptive Moments You’ll Never See in Reality
Photographers have a lot of tricks up their sleeve, and these 19 images will be a little daunting to your senses.
Stunning Underwater Photography That'll Make Your Jaw Drop
A selection of stunning photos taken from the Underwater Photography Contest 2017.
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.
These Special Wildlife Photos All Have a Special Secret...
A unique take on double exposure, these artistic shots of animals superimposed over Norwegian forests are just stunning.
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 Gripping Images Reflecting the Duality of Life on Earth
A look at a collection of digital collages that show how some people from different regions have completely opposite lives from one another.
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.
What Did the Earliest Photographs Look Like?
Nowadays everyone has a camera, but take your mind back the time when photography was just a fantasy and imagine the thrill of seeing the first photos!
24 Photos Highlight the Beauty of Buildings in the World
This fascinating photo contest celebrates some of the most outstanding architectural marvels worldwide, both ancient and modern...
10 Medieval Walled Cities that Are a Wonder to Visit!
There's something spectacular about beholding a medieval walled city. You're instantly transported back in time. Take a look at the world's 10 best.