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.
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 Photos Show How Our World Is Just Full of Surprises!
We are blessed to inhabit this Earth - think of all the beautiful things that you've seen! Here are 21 photos to prove that the world is full of surprises.
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!
Magnificent Photos of the World's Last Native Tribes
Jimmy Nelson spends his life traveling the world and reminding us of where we came from, namely indigenous tribes. Take a look at his stunning work.
Astronomy Photographer of the Year: 18 Stunning Finalists
The shortlist for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition has been unveiled and the celestial images are absolutely stunning.
These Crazy Cloud Formations Will Blow Your Mind
Prepare to witness some of the most incredible cloud formations our world has ever seen!
20 Fascinating and Beautiful Moments Caught on Camera
The photos of extraordinary places and curiosities around the world are sure to spark joy and fascinate you!
In Pictures: Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2023
Check out the best winning images from the Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2023.
These Famous Clock Towers are a Sight to Behold!
These famous clocks do more than just tell time. They are an architectural highlight, drawing in throngs of tourists. Let's take a look.
A Different Look at the Moments that Changed the World
Incredible photos of historical events, shot from a different angl, showing a different view of the events.
Perfect Timing! 17 Incredible Moments Caught on Camera
These perfectly timed photos will mess with your head.
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...
When Celebrities Met Their Younger Selves (20 Pics)
Enjoy this fun collection of pictures where famous celebs hang out with their younger selves.
A Slice of History – 20 Powerful Images of Yesteryear
This collection of rare historical photos will give you a fascinating glimpse of our past.
21st Century Architecture is Really Stunning to Behold...
While modern architecture can be divisive, there's no denying it makes you sit up and take notice. Here are 14 stunning examples of 21st Century architecture.
These Pictures Perfectly Capture the Magic of the 1970s
Time for some good old ‘70s nostalgia…
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!
Some Ceilings Keep You Dry, Some Make You GASP
Some ceilings were meant to be admired...
27 Wintry Log Cabins to Escape to During the Holidays
If you've already got your dream home, chances are you haven't imagined your dream log cabin yet. Have a gawp at these 27 winter wonders.
An Artist Colored 14 Iconic Film Scenes and We’re Stunned!
Incredibly talented Austrian artist colorized 14 famous vintage film scenes and portraits of famous actors and they look unbelievably real!
Step Inside Some of the World's Most Stunning Mosques
Mosques are a place of worship. They are places in which class, wealth, status and ethnicity disappear. Take a look at 10 of the world's most beautiful mosques.
I Miss Photographers Like This One...
Ran Maltet was a French photographer and poet, who died a decade ago. He had what seemed to be a natural talent to seize upon these split seconds of comedy and philosophy, and capture them on camera.
Stunning Drone Photography of Temples Across Asia
Talented photographer Eleonora Costi traveled through 7 Asian countries and captured stunning shots of the most unique looking temples
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.
These 17 Unique Bird Photos Reflect Each Bird’s Character
This photographer is extremely skilled at capturing the unique character of each bird, take a look at these 17 vivid and majestic photos by her
A Mother’s Love Captured in 15 Stunning Animal Photos
A mother’s love for her child is one of the most heartwarming sights one could witness, a love that transcends the barrier between humans and animals
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...
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!
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.
Up Close and Personal With Nature: 17 Award-Winning Photos
Here are some of the amazing winners of the Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2023 awards.
These Photos Show What People Had to Bear in the Wild West
These photos illustrate what life in the Wild West was like.
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.
Admire Some of History’s Finest Photos Reimagined in Color
We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to see history through vintage photographs, but wouldn’t it be fun to see all these photos in color?
10 Tips for Getting the Best Out of Your 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.
Like a Flower in Bloom, This Glasshouse Unfurls in the Sun
This diamond-shaped glasshouse can open like a flower in bloom!
Incredible! A Glimpse Into What Ancient Rome Looked Like
This video depicts a 3D rendering of what Rome looked like in 320AD.
These Can't Be Real! 14 Stunning Celebrity Drawings
Artist Matheus Macedo creates incredibly realistic portraits of celebrities. Take a look at his best works.
15 Photos Showcasing the Beauty of Cities
We collected some amazing photos of 15 big cities around the world, which are simply fun to look at!
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.
Collection: The World's Most Unique Buildings
This collection includes advanced buildings of the future, stunning old structures, and some of the tallest buildings in the world
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.
Rare Photos From Decades Gone By Show What Life Was Like
Take a look at a collection of rarely seen photos from decades gone by. These photo show how far mankind has progressed.
20 Amazing Animal Photos that'll Leave You Breathless
If you love photography and animals, then this will make your day. Here are 2015's 20 best pieces of animal photography!
120 Years of the Most Popular Wedding Dresses...
If we look at the last 120-150 years of wedding dress styles, what would we see?
These Photos Tell Us Some Amazing Stories About the World
The world, as these pictures prove, is full of amazing sights and stories.
5 Quirky & Imaginative Homes Built On a Shoestring Budget
These homes are proof that something incredible can be created on a shoestring budget while being kind to the environment at the same time. Take a look.
The Great Wall of China as You’ve Never Seen It Before
High definition drone capture of the Great Wall of China