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.
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 Crazy Cloud Formations Will Blow Your Mind
Prepare to witness some of the most incredible cloud formations our world has ever seen!
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.
These Turtles Look Nothing Like You Could Ever Imagine
From turtles with two heads to those with glow-in-the-dark powers, here are the world's coolest turtles.
35 Classic National Geographic Photos You'll NEVER Forget
National Geographic's Best Photo Collection presents stunning contest winners.
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.
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.
Welcome to Elk Rock Residence, a Retro Luxury Tree House
This house was built entirely by high school dropouts, who all found a second chance for a successful life and career.
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.
I Can't Believe People Go to Such Lengths For a Photo!
Get ready to see some of the most epic and creative photos ever snapped!
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.
15 RARE Historical Photos of World Leaders in Their Youth
Have you seen these extremely rare historical photos before?
Town Reclaims Its Traditional Buildings - Fascinating!
This French town narrowly escaped being turned into just another dilapidated city, but it managed to turn back the clock and reclaim its historic heritage.
12 Vintage Tools That Have Stood The Test of Time
Here is a collection of some really old vintage household items that are amazingly still working properly.
Now THIS is My Idea of Great Nature Photography
The following series of photos was taken by professional photographers at great effort, enjoy!
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.
Japan's Nature Comes Alive in Gorgeous Photo Collection
The immense beauty of Japan's nature is presented through a huge collection of sublime photographs.
Check Out 20 of the Strangest Buildings Ever Constructed
If you love exploring the architecture of the world, then you're in for a real treat, since this post explores the world's weirdest buildings...
These Stunning Unedited Photos Are Too Perfect for Words
Many amazing images that we today have sadly been manipulated in one way or another, however the ones you're about to see are most certainly not. Take a look...
13 Photographs of Stunning Beach Art With Stones
Here is a collection of some stunning images showing unique beach art that has been created by using just stones.
A Collection of Ancient Trees 14 Years in the Making...
This beautiful project took a decade and a half to complete, but what beauty was captured will live on forever. Take a look for yourself.
14 Examples of Stunning Infrastructure That Inspire Awe
Enjoy this collection of pictures of incredible engineering marvels from the world over.
See Just How Much Women's Fashion Changed In 200 Years
Fashion changes all the time, but how much it does change is even more remarkable when viewed from the perspective of centuries. Take a look.
These Vintage Photos Shed Light on Life in the Early 1900s
Get a glimpse of life back in the early 1900s.
These Hilarious Pics Prove That Mankind is Probably Doomed
There's more evidence of mankind being doomed than the alarmist media reports on your TV! Take a look at these 20 hilarious photos.
These Photos Show What People Had to Bear in the Wild West
These photos illustrate what life in the Wild West was like.
How an Insane King Built the World’s Most Beautiful Castle
Neuschwanstein is most recognized castle, famous for its fairy tale like appearance. But the history of this stunning castle is no fairy tale
20 Previously Unseen 20th-Century Celebrity Portraits
Enjoy this beautiful collection of unseen 20th-century celebrity portraits by the famous American photographer Philippe Halsman.
History Really Starts to Come Alive When You Add Color
If you love history then you'd better hold onto your hat. Discover a collection of 20 colorized historical photos alongside the original monochrome photos for reference
Milestones in History: the 12 First Photographs Ever Taken
The history of photography reaches back centuries, and its evolution is made apparent if we look at some of the most iconic photos in history
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.
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.
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.
INTERACTIVE: These Buildings Become Gorgeous at Night...
These structures aren't just beautifully designed - come nightfall, they take on a stunning transformation.
15 Mind-Bending Photos That Seem Fake but are 100% Real
It’s hard to believe these astonishing pictures haven’t been photoshopped.
These Images Are Among the Most Powerful Ever Seen
Images can provoke great thought and institute great changes through their power, and these 10 are no exception. Take a look at these powerful images.
We Love These Woodworking Masterpieces! Don’t You?
This is craftsmanship at its finest.
25 Photo Restorations of US Presidents Who Lived Long Ago
This talented artist created a series of incredible photo restorations of the portraits of US presidents who lived and served before colored photography
Simply Majestic! 14 Vivid and Vital Wild Animal Photos
Capturing the personality of wild animals on film is a challenging task, but these 14 photos prove that it's possible and worth it!
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.
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!
These 18 Amazing City Squares Look Fit for the Gods
When I think of great cities, and wonder what makes them so beautiful, it seems so obvious: it is their amazing piazas, or squares. These are the 18 best!
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!
14 Stunning Examples of Brutalist Architecture
These pictures perfectly capture the essence of brutalist architecture. Let’s check them out.
Fascinating Doors of London! The Beauty is Remarkable
This photographer has a curious eye for the remarkable doors of London.
20 Cool X-Rays of People, Animals & Objects Explained
Seeing how various animals, objects, and even human body parts look in an X-ray scan reveals many fascinating hidden details about them!
Ten Most Impressive Castles in the Far East
We're going to introduce you to 10 of the most fascinating and spectacular palaces built in East Asia, each with a captivating backstory.