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 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!
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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!
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 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.
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!
27 Beautiful Photos of Green Nature to Relax and Amaze You
The color green has the power to calm the mind and de-stress. Here are 27 award-winning images that showcase the beauty of green nature worldwide
Wow: Some Things You Will Only Ever See in Japan!
In this post, you'll find 12 photos that show some of the "bizarre" and fascinating things one might see in the country of Japan.
A Timeline of Architectural Styles Throughout History
Take a tour of all the major architectural styles of the past two millennia - from the first Greek temples to the latest building projects.
15 Fascinating Photos That Bring 1930s China to Life
These rare photos unveil some hidden stories from 1930s China.
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.
These Photos Are So Well-Timed, They Almost Look Unreal
These photos are so well-timed that I have no doubt that they'll leave you aghast. Take a look!
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.
16 Pics That Prove Reality Can Be Stranger Than Fiction
These moments seem almost made up, but truly aren't!
16 Rare Coins From Different Eras and Nations
Hereโs look at some rare and unusual coins that have captured the interest of collectors and researchers alike.
11 Facts That Will Change How You Think About Pirates
The National Maritime Museum's latest exhibition sheds new light on the reality of pirates throughout history.
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!
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.
These Vintage Olympic Photos are PURE GOLD
These vintage photos show just how much the Olympics have changed.
10 Award-Winning Images That Capture the Spirit of Travel
Marvel at the incredible winners of The Independent Photographerโs Travel Photo Awards.
These 15 Gems Will Surprise You with Their Hypnotic Beauty
We invite you to see 15 crystals and gemstones that show the limitless creativity and beauty of nature.
GUIDE: Get the Best Out of Your Outdoor Photos
Do you want to know how to take better travel and vacation shots than anyone you know? Read these 10 tips and never look back.
Paper Cutouts Turn the World Into Small Scale Scenes
15 paper cutouts on world-famous monuments.
These 18 Buildings Show Just How Artistic Some Architects Are
When you talk about artists, you usually think of painters, sculptors, dancers, singers, and even actors, but youโll rarely hear anyone include architects. It's impossible to not stare in astonishment at these 18 buildings that are simply works of ar
Historic USA: The Earliest Photo from Every State
The American Library of Congress has put together what it believes to be some of the earliest photos from each US state. Take a look.
The Same Tourist Location 100 Years Apart - 15 Pictures
Travel through time and space with these comparative photos of 15 famous buildings around the world.
Feast Your Eyes on 10 of the World's Most Amazing Palaces
From Asia to Europe, here are 10 majestic palaces that will captive you with their architectural styles.
Time Transforms Everything - 15 Incredible Photos
Admire how time changed the world around us in these 15 historical photo comparisons of famous places around the world.
These Forgotten Relics Tell New Stories About Our Past
These rare findings revolutionized our understanding of human history.
The Charm of the Faroe Islands in 12 Stunning Photos
Are you familiar with the Faroe Islands? The natural beauty of this European archipelago is often compared to that of Iceland.
The Ceilings Of Iran's Mosques are Simply Mesmerizing...
The ceilings of Iran's mosques could put anyone in a trance thanks to the intricate beauty and hypnotizing patterns. Take a look at their splendor.
15 Photos You'll Need to Look Twice At to Believe!
Take a look at these pictures, then a second, then a third, because just one isn't enough to figure out whats going on in them!
These Mind-Bending Photos Will Have You Do a Double Take!
Optical illusions don'tย have to be serious and sciency. In fact, they can actually be quite hilarious at times! Here are 17 examples!
Enjoy the Natural Beauty of 2025 Ocean Photography Winners
This year's winning photographs combine delicacy and drama, science and art, and offer a rare glimpse into life that is far from sight yet close to the heart.
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.
14 Famous Things Invented by the Japanese
The Japanese are some of the most creative people in the world. Here are 14 things that we bet you didnโt know were originally invented by the Japanese.
Take a Look At These Rare, Recently-Unearthed Vintage Pics
Vintage photos are wonderful to see in themselves, but they take on a whole new significance when we know the stories behind them. Take a look.
The Stellar Night Sky Like You've Never Seen It Before
Enjoy these surrealist photographs of the stellar night sky over the great wide open.
From the Past with Love: 16 Cool Vintage Treasures
How many of these cool vintage things do you remember?
15 Unique and Fascinating Houses Thatโll Surprise You
Some people have reinvented the concept of "home," check out their eclectic taste with the following 15 pictures!
14 Adorable and Funny Coincidences Youโve Got to See!
These 14 pictures are all lucky coincidences captured on camera. They make us all relive that magic moment when the universe aligns perfectly!
Click These Old Photos to See Them in Full Color!
It's fascinating to think that now, we can actually see the past better than we could 30 years ago! Here you'll find 16 classic photos, click on each one to see it in full color.
Vintage Photos of the Real Wild West - 16 Rare Pics
These 16 remarkable photographs reveal increasingly surprising glimpses into authentic Wild West life.
One Photographer is Capturing the Ocean In a Whole New Way
Australian photographer Matt Burgess rises early each morning in the hope of capturing the perfect ocean shot. Take a look at 11 of his best pieces of work.
18 Images That Will Make You Gasp
These images may not exactly have a common theme to unite them, but we simply had to share them with you - each image is amazing in its own way.
These Crazy Statues Will Really Mess with Your Head...
Check out these 15 bombastic sculptures that simply appear to defy the laws of physics. Take a look for yourself!
18 Photos Displaying The USAโs 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!
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