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.
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For the First Time Ever, Sand Kittens Filmed in the Wild
These is the first ever footage of sand kittens in the wild, and it's simply adorable!
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.
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.
6:02
This Woman Unintentionally Befriended a Wild Crow
Watch this crow solve complex puzzles to get food!
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!
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.
Gallery โ The 2024 Infrared Photography Contest Winners
Marvel at the stunning winners of the 2024 Infrared Photography Contest.
Vintage Photos of the Real Wild West - 16 Rare Pics
These 16 remarkable photographs reveal increasingly surprising glimpses into authentic Wild West life.
Color Postcards That Show 1890s Scotland in All Its Beauty
These stunning postcards of Scotland during the end of the 19th century were produced by the Detroit Publishing Company using the Photochrom process.
This National Geographic Contest Winners are Spectacular
National Geographic is synonymous with outstanding photography, and its awards are no exception. Take a look at the best National Geographic photos of 2018.
The Art of Sand: 15 Breathtaking Sculptures
Check out these stunning sand creations by Janel Hawkins.
French Artist Transforms Streets with Whimsical 3D Art
French artist Pierre Bertolotti transforms dreary spaces with his incredible 3D graffiti.
Ingenious Solutions That Should Be More Widely Available!
Where there is a problem, there is also a clever inventor to come up with a solution, as shown in these 22 pictures of cool solutions to everyday problems!
These Urban Megaprojects Are the World's Most Ambitious
Two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050, and planners are making preparations for that eventuality. Here are 11 urban megaprojects.
These 9 Pricey Castles Would Make the Most Amazing Homes
Who wouldn't love to live in one of these 9 for sale castles? Well, you can dream, can't you?!
These Stunning Photographs Capture the Glory of Nature
The winners and finalists of the BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition highlight how breathtakingly gorgeous our Earth is.
A Closer Look at Nature: 2024 Close-Up Photography Winners
The magical winners of the 2024 Close-Up Photographer of the Year contest will leave you in awe.
17 Creative Ways Old Buildings Found New Lives
These repurposed buildings will surprise you.
Animal Kingdom Stories Told Through Amazing Pictures
Check out the awe-inspiring wildlife photos of the 2024 Nature inFocus Photography competition.
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.
These Photos DEFINITELY Require a Second Look!
What seems ordinary at first glance might reveal something extraordinary upon closer inspection. Trust us, your eyes might deceive you the first time!
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.
5 Adorable Tiny Houses That May Inspire You to Downsize
I could never understand the tiny house craze, until I saw just how amazing some of them actually look. Here are 5 cute, small houses.
These Are Literally "Blink and You'll Miss It" Photos
Some photos are just timed so perfectly! They're an absolute joy to behold. Here are 18 awesome "Blink and You'll Miss It" pictures.
Explore the Magic of Outer Space Through These 15 Images
Here are 15 of the most captivating astronomy pictures.
16:41
Dialect Coach Checks If Star Actors Can Shed Their Accents
How hard is it for actors to fake an accent in a specific role? Language coach Erik Singer explains this on 32 examples from famous films.
Frank Gehry Created Some Incredible Buildings...
Frank Gehry has a unique eye when it comes to designing buildings. Take a look at some of his finest work.
15 Rare Construction Photos That Capture History in Action
These are some of the most interesting photos from history.
Photographers Capture the Joy of Cake in Every Slice
Drool over these delicious, award-winning cake photos!
Tiny Frogs With Tiny Props - Adorable Photos!
These adorable little animals use leaves and flowers as miniature umbrellas - how cute!
Awe-Inspiring: 15 Holy Places with an Ethereal Touch
Here are 15 incredible holy sites that will leave you spellbound.
These Historical Building Restorations Only Did More Harm
The restoration projects of these historical buildings didn't go according to plan, it seems, and these 12 buildings were transformed beyond belief...
Architecture Gone Terribly Wrong: 10 Ugly Buildings
These 10 buildings have been frequently called the ugliest on the planet, do you agree?
10 Famous Historical Photos That Were Actually Staged
The truths behind these famous historical photos will surprise you.
These Chinese Gardens are the Perfect Place for Relaxation
These gardens combine beauty and function, and are places of pure serenity and unparalleled grace.
In Pictures - 2024 Science Photography Contest Winners
Check out the incredible winners of the 2024 Beaker Street Science Photography Festival.
The Unbelievable Diversity of Chinaโs Landscapes
This photographer spent an entire year traveling through remote Chinese provinces and photographing the most picturesque landscapes he could find with his drone.
10 Swiss Castles That Look Utterly Magical
Switzerland has some of Europe's most enchanting castles. Here are 10 absolute historical beauties.
Nostalgia Alert: 17 Vintage Things That Time Almost Forgot
Letโs take a trip back in time and rediscover 17 fascinating things that made the past so unforgettable.
Relive Your Childhood Magic With These Disney Parks Photos
Step back in time with these classic Disney park pics.
These Stunning Panoramic Photos Will Leave You in Awe
The exceptional winners of the 2024 Epson International Pano Awards will leave you in awe.
These Photos Will Make You Look Twice... Then Three Times!
These photos all require a second and third look to understand.
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This Skyscraper Will be the Tallest Garden in the World
This Australian skyscraper in the city of Melbourne will soon become the tallest vertical garden in the world!
These Colorful Photos Are An Affirmation Of Life's Beauty
These photos are concrete evidence of the existence of beauty in every nook and cranny of our world. What's more, they'll fill your heart with joy and wonder.
14 Surprisingly Rare Historical Moments Caught On Camera
The last 150 years haven't only been recorded in writing but also documented in pictures, check it out with these 14 very rare and surprising moments.
16 Pictures That Will Make You See the World Differently...
Thanks to the following series of images, your point of view about different things is going to change. Just take a look for yourself!
Historic Pics: Fascinating Architecture of Past Centuries
Each sepia-toned image tells a profound story, serving as both historical testimony and artistic record.
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