Family Time: One of the Outdoor Scenes in the National Geographic Travel Photo Contest. The winners have been chosen, but all of these photos seem like winners to us! There’s nothing like a father’s and a mother’s love. “A lion and lioness share some quality time with their cubs.” Location: Governor’s Camp, Kenya. Photo #1 and “quoted” caption by © Brandon Harris/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Merit Winner: The Village of Gásadalur. Outdoor scene category. “The village of Gásadalur and the island of Mykines in the background. Until a tunnel was built in 2004, the 16 residents living in Gásadalur had to take a strenuous hike or horseback over the steep 400 meter mountain in order to make it to the other villages. It was a rare sunny day in the Faroe Islands and I had to wait until the clouds rolled in to provide some softer light. I decided to go with a long exposure (1 minute 10 seconds) to illustrate the force of the wind and a serene sea among the isolated islands.” Location: Gásadalur, Faroe Islands. Photo #2 and “quoted” caption by © Ken Bower/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Merit Winner: Lost in Time – An Ancient Forest. “Near the city of Morondava, on the West coast of Madagascar lies an ancient forest of Baobab trees. Unique to Madagascar, the endemic species is sacred to the Malagasy people, and rightly so. Walking amongst these giants is like nothing else on this planet. Some of the trees here are over a thousand years old. It is a spiritual place, almost magical.” Location: Avenue du Baobab, Morandava, Madagascar. Photo #3 and “quoted” caption by © Ken Thorne/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
The first place winner was Butterfly: Sense of Place Winner. “This image was shot in the Kyrgyz lands of the Wakhan Corridor. The intimacy of this everyday life moment, shot inside of a family yurt, is in total contrast with the harsh environment these nomadic tribes live in. On the right we notice a television and a sound console. These tribes live weeks away from any village by foot. In spite of being located at an altitude of 4,300 meters in one of the most remote areas of Afghanistan they are equipped with solar panels, satellite dishes and cellphones. Ancestral ways of living, with touches of modernity.” Location: Wakhan Corridor Afghanistan. Photo #4 and “quoted” caption by © Cedric Houin/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
One of seven Merit Winners — Underwater Surf: Sense of Place. “Taken at Cloud Break at an outer reef in Fiji, a surfer duck dives his board to clear the rolling waves of the raw ocean.” Location: Cloudbreak, Fiji, Pacific Ocean. Photo #5 and “quoted” caption by © Lucia Griggi/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
The Third Place Winner was Devotees: Travel Portrait. “During the Easter holy celebration called ‘Misteri’ in Trapani, the devotees carry the scenes of Christ’s passion on their shoulders all night long. When the day comes they take a break.” Photo #6 and “quoted” caption by © Andrea Guarneri/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Second Place Winner My Balloon: Outdoor Scene. “H’mong children play with their balloons on a foggy day in Moc Chau, Son La province, Vietnam; photographed January 2012.” Photo #7 and “quoted” caption by © Vo Anh Kiet/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
One of Seven Merit Winners — Bagan Bliss: Sense of Place. “More than 2,000 Buddhist temples and pagodas fill the plains of Bagan. Once the capital of the Pagan Empire, farmers now raise their livestock within the centuries old complex. The best way to see Bagan, apart from a ride on a hot air balloon, is by bicycle. It’s easy to get off the beaten path and live out your wildest Indiana Jones fantasy.” Location: Bagan, Myanmar (Burma). Photo #8 and “quoted” caption by © Peter DeMarco/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Viewers’ Choice Winner: Huset in Outdoor Scenes category with amazing aurora. “A lonely cabin is illuminated under the Northern Lights in Finnmark, Norway.” Photo #9 and “quoted” caption by © Michelle Schantz/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Merit Winner: Looking into Another World. “This is the great Japanese maple tree in the Portland Japanese Gardens.” Photo #10 and “quoted” caption by © Fred Anby/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
What’s Up? Spontaneous Moments. “Hundreds of adolescent elephant seals live on the beach eating and learning adult behavior before leaving the island. It is a cacophony of sound and activity until noon, when everyone seems to take a siesta. As I walked by these sleeping seals, one of them popped up his head as if to ask, ‘What’s up’?” Location: South Georgia Island. Photo #11 and “quoted” caption by © Barbara Engel/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Stacked Supercell with Lightning: Outdoor Scenes category. “This huge mesocyclone supercell was near the Nebraska / Kansas border on the night of June 22nd, 2012. What a stunning structure!” Location: Nebraska, USA. Photo #12 and “quoted” caption by © Jennifer Brindley/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Lava Kiss. Spontaneous red hot kissing moment erupts on Kalapana, Hawaii. “My husband and I, along with a tour guide and a group of friends, hiked up to what was formerly the Royal Gardens subdivision above Kalapana, Hawaii, where the last standing house was just recently taken over by the active lava flow. While waiting for the rain to pass, we started taking back-lit portraits of each other in front of the lava flow after I set up my camera on the tripod. For the last photo, my husband spontaneously dipped me in a kiss. It was a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment!” Photo #13 and “quoted” caption by © Dallas Nagata White/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
The ice cave experience: Sense of Place. “Deep, blue and cold. The frightening experience of climbing inside an ice cave on the north face of alpine summit at 3800 m above sea level is very difficult to describe in words. Especially in summer, when all the glacial ice melts making the place for completely new formations. You need to stay focused, pay attention to every single move and commit yourself entirely to this climb. The reward?! An amazing experience of climbing something pure and truly unique.” Location: Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, Haute Savoye, France. Photo #14 and “quoted” caption by © Kamil Tamiola/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Sunrise on Palouse Hills: Sense of Place. “The sun’s first rays warm the rolling hills of the Palouse Country in Eastern, Washington.” Location: North of Colfax, Washington. Photo #15 and “quoted” caption by © Randall Roberts/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Fly by: Sense of Place. “This photo was taken on the ice near Arctic Bay last month. As far as we know, it is the highest latitude passenger flight on a hot air balloon ever. It was quite the sight to see a hot air balloon fly between the iceberg columns — it is one iceberg but looks like two.” Location: Arctic Bay, Nunavut Canada. Photo #16 and “quoted” caption by © Michelle Valberg/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Dust Dance — a spontaneous moment in Norton, Kansas. “A tornado tightens up and kicks up a lot of dust as it heads straight for me, roping out and dissipating approximately 1/2 mile from my location less than a minute later. The tornado was on the ground for a total of 4 minutes. To the right of the main tornado another funnel with a debris cloud on the ground can be seen.” Photo #17 and “quoted” caption by © David Mayhew/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Down the Hatch! Spontaneous Moment. “American Alligator downing a Florida gar.” Location: Myakka River State Park, Sarasota, FL. Photo #18 and “quoted” caption by © Marina Scarr/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Beneath the Ice: Outdoor Scenes. “A magical moment as tons of sea ice floats above while we explored the world beneath the waves.” Location: Shiretoko, Japan. Photo #19 and “quoted” caption by © Aaron Wong/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Blizka: Sense of Place, abandoned and forgotten. “The Buzludzha Monument on a 1,441-meter-high peak was built by the Bulgarian communist regime to commemorate events in 1891 when the socialists led by Dimitar Blagoev assembled secretly in the area to form an organized socialist movement. It was opened in 1981. No longer maintained by the Bulgarian government, it has fallen into disuse. Approaching and visiting the building in the middle of winter was a real adventure.” Location: Bulgaria. Photo #20 and “quoted” caption by © Thomas Jorion/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Tunnels Beach: Outdoor Scenes. “The protective coral reef that makes Tunnels Beach a great place for beginners to snorkel & scuba dive can be seen from the air. The beach is located on the island of Kaua’i, Hawai’i.” Photo #21 and “quoted” caption by © Scott Chapman/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Left Behind: Outdoor Scene. “It was hard picking out interesting compositions during a flyover, but I thought this one worked out well and gives some idea of the immense numbers of flammingo.” Location: Kenya/Tanzania Lake Natron. Photo #22 and “quoted” caption by © Bryan Pereira/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Lenticular over Mt Rainier: Outdoor Scenes. “The wonder of the weather.” Location: Orting Washington. Photo #23 and “quoted” caption by © Rolland Hartstrom/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Human soaring like an eagle. Flying Through the Arch: Outdoor Scenes. “A paramotor pilot flies through the Corona Arch near Moab, Utah. This daring feat was captured with a GOPRO Hero 2 camera and made possible by the incredible flying machine called the Paramotor.” Location: The Corona Arch, Moab, Utah. Photo #24 and “quoted” caption by © Glenn Tupper/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Gotcha! Spontaneous Moments. “Another day on safari but not an ordinary one. Suddenly my guide starts the ignition and away we go toward the river. He just received word the migration was happening just a short drive away. We arrive at the rivers edge with not an inch to spare between vehicles. Tourists gather to watch one of the natural wonders of the world. We pull a bit further up river. The jeep didn’t even stop. My guide yells to me ‘Take Picture Take Picture!’ Caught by surprise crossing the river just outside of Bataleur camp in the Masai Mara. And believe it or not-he got away!” (African Safari) Location: Masai Mara Kenya. Photo #25 and “quoted” caption by © Irene Nathanson/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Sand Spirit: Outdoor Scenes. “My son, Skye, named this image because he said that it looked like ghost floating in the air. I agreed with him, and thought it slightly ironic because the Navajo people who have permits to guide this canyon had closed it for the entire day. They closed Upper Antelope Canyon to bless it, and give back to the ancestors. Vern, our guide, informed us that they take from the canyon by profiting from the tour guides, and that sometimes they just need to give back to the spirits in the canyon. For some reason the wind was howling through the canyon the day after the blessing, and I got this shot.” Location: Upper Antelope Canyon. Photo #26 and “quoted” caption by © Matt Walker/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
The Perfect Waterfall: Outdoor Scenes. “Huang Xi – thats how this waterfall is callled. It`s 50 km away from Luang Prabang, Laos. I arrived early in the morning long before the first tourist set a foot into the crystal clear water. So many cascades where the water runs above. But you have to pick the right time in the year. Summertime when the waterlevel is low it`s a good time. A saw a lot of different waterfalls but this one was one of the best.” Photo #27 and “quoted” caption by © Thomas Hagenau/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Moonlit Hohokam Road, Saguaro National Park West, Arizona: Outdoor Scenes. “After a full day’s hike around Saguaro, I found myself returning in the darkness, having once again miscalculated my daylight allowance. I stepped carefully along the darkening trail, scanning the ground for silhouettes of rattlesnakes and spiny chollas. Luckily, this was a full-moon night, and my path was soon illuminated with a blue-grey haze, criss-crossed with shadows of tall cactus sentinels. I finished my hike by moonlight, and stopped to take this picture on the drive back to my campsite.” Location: Hohokam Road, Saguaro National Park West, Arizona. Photo #28 and “quoted” caption by © Matt Relkin/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Dragon Wave: Outdoor Scenes. “This photo was taken from the rocks at Ke’e beach. The wave formed into the shape of a dragon.” Location: Ke’e Beach, Kauai, HI. Photo #29 and “quoted” caption by © Lace Andersen/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Meteora Monastery (Greece, Meteora): Sense of Place. “One of the monasteries in the region of Meteora in Central Greece. These huge monoliths are a very rare geological phenomenon. During the period between 11th and 14th century, on the top of these rocks, the Greek monks built 24 monasteries, in order to be protected from the bandits and pirates.” Photo #30 and “quoted” caption by © Karolos Trivizas/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
The Lady: Outdoor Scenes. “A close view of the Stirling Falls. It’s just one of the stunning falls edging the fiord of Milford Sound – New Zealand. At the right side the rocks look like a gentle lady clothed by a white shawl.” Location: Milford Sound – New Zealand. Photo #31 and “quoted” caption by © Roberto Bettacchi/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Reality: Travel Portrait. Food for thought ’cause that’s all some homeless folks have. “I spotted this old beggar at the entrance of the Gadaladeniya Temple, Pilimathalawa, Kandy, Sri Lanka. He was so quiet, seated on ground very still and was staring at the temple with his deep eyes. Wrinkles on his face and his deep eyes says a story of a life.” Location: Gadaladeniya Temple, Pilimathalawa, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Photo #32 and “quoted” caption by © Sachi Wickramage/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Fairy Tale Circles from above: Outdoor Scenes. “What a magic moment on our honeymoon trip – sunrise in the namibian desert and all these fairy tale circles from a ballon’s perspective. Wow!” Location: Namib desert, Namibia. Photo #33 and “quoted” caption by © Bruno Kaeslin-Kuemmelberg/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Popocatepetl Volcano Explosion: Spontaneous Moment. “Last year I was climbing for the 18th time the Iztaccíhuatl volcano (5287 masl), it was Sunday 20th November 2011 and it was my last weekend living in Mexico before I left my country because of a new job. I was climbing with some of my best friends and it was a kind of farewell. We were at the south summit when suddenly the terrain vibrated and we heard a roar. The result was this image and one of the most amazing memories I’ll have for the rest of my life.” Location: Parque Nacional Izta-Popo, Mexico Photo #33 and “quoted” caption by © Miguel Valencia Villaseñor/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Rio de Janeiro: Sense of Place. “Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Maravilhosa. After spending two months in this beautiful city, with carioca people, samba, and lots of caipirinha, finally there was a perfect day to go up to Sugarloaf mountain and take this picture.” Location: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Photo #34 and “quoted” caption by © Ignazio Sciacca/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
The Angel’s Share: rock climbing Outdoor Scene. “Visiting Italian climber Michele Caminati climbs at sunset in the Peak District National Park on the aptly named ‘Angel’s Share’ route. Originally the climb was far more dangerous but with the introduction of bouldering mats (crash pads used to break the climbers fall), the climber can now focus purely on the technical difficulty of the climb. It is rumoured that the first ascentionist Johnny Dawes used a combination of tree branches and car seats in order to break his fall.” Location: Black Rocks, Matlock, Derbyshire, England. Photo #35 and “quoted” caption by © Nick Brown/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Under the ice: extreme diving Outdoor Scene. “When diving under the 50cm thick ice, all you see is green around you and a ray of white from the hole you came in through… An incredible out of this world feeling. You realize how small and fragile you are compared to the power of nature.” Location: White sea, Russia. Photo #36 and “quoted” caption by © dafna ben nun/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Dreaming of catching the big one: Sense of Place. “This pic is of a seal sun bathing amongst quite a few marine iguanas. Not a care in the world. Possibly dreaming of catching the big one!” Location: Galapagos islands. Photo #37 and “quoted” caption by © Matthew Colucci/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Harlequin shrimp: Spontaneous Moment. “It is about conservation and pollution…I found this creature under the water-in Indonesia, Lembeh strait, between many pieces of garbage.” Photo #38 and “quoted” caption by © Girts Kravalis/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Dallol volcano: Spontaneous Moment. “During the expedition to Dallol volcano, we were constantly accompanied by Ethiopian soldiers because of the proximity to the border with Eritrea.” Location: Ethiopia, Danakil desert, East rift Depression. Photo #39 and “quoted” caption by © Michel Hanse/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Ciucas Mountains: Outdoor Scenes. “A beautiful view of the Ciucas Mountains in the Curvature Carpathians of Romania.” Photo #40 and “quoted” caption by © Szallo Laszlo/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Ship in the Distance: Outdoor Scenes. “A ship approaches in the Bering Sea. They are coming to unload their catch of pollock to the mothership. The cold air steams in the even colder air. Seagulls and Northern Fulmars follow behind the ships while they process the fish.” Location: Bering Sea, Alaska. Photo #41 and “quoted” caption by © Jennifer Padilla/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Great Sand Dunes: Travel Portraits. “Walking on the dunes looking towards I could appreciate how small we are compared to the dunes. The dunes seems neverending while you walk.” Location: Great Sand Dunes NP. Photo #42 and “quoted” caption by © Matteo Berte/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Burj Khalifa: Sense of Place. “At 829.84m (2,723 ft), the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. However, plans are underway to construct an even higher building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. If completed, that structure will be the first in the world to surpass the 1km (3,280ft) mark.” Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo #43 and “quoted” caption by © Sandra Leduc/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Great Light Shark: Spontaneous Moments. “A couple of bull sharks come close to investigate the divers. At 75ft the conditions are perfect, great light, no drift, and both of the sharks posing for the perfect shot.” Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Photo #44 and “quoted” caption by © Jorge Cervera Hauser/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Mt Assiniboine on an Autumn Morning: Outdoor Scenes. “Mount Assiniboine & Sunburst Peak on a beautiful autumn morning.” Location: British Columbia, Canada. Photo #45 and “quoted” caption by © Henry Liu/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Flower Island of the Azores: Outdoor Scenes. “Traveling from Bermuda to Europe, the first grass, trees and cows sailors see after days of just Atlantic Ocean is the island of Flores. Overlooking the small town Fajãzinha, on the right one of at least 20 waterfalls of Ribeira Grande that flow into see here. On the horizon Fajã Grande, Europe’s westernmost village. 4000 inhabitants life very remote, visited by a few tourist per year only. Flores and the smaller Corvo are part of the North American tectonic plate, unlike all other Azorean islands which sit on the European plate. Flores on UNESCO’s list of World Network of Biosphere Reserves.” Location: Fajãzinha, Flores, Azores, Portugal. Photo #46 and “quoted” caption by © Sybrand Treffers/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Hiking in Heaven: Outdoor Scene. “While backpacking in Glaciares National Park in Argentina Patagonia the trail included numerous man-made trail improvements. While the famed Patagonia wind kept blowing rain and snow I tried to snap off a few photos before drops could find my lens glass.” Photo #47 and “quoted” caption by © Dan Gindling/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Man vs Nature: Outdoor Scenes. “A balmy 41 degree day and ominous storm clouds promised a little more excitement than normal at Perth’s Australia Day celebrations. The crowd was more impressed with the lightning than the million dollar fireworks and this photo shows why. In the battle for awe inspiring sky shows…. nature wins, hands down.” Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia. Photo #48 and “quoted” caption by © Matthew Titmanis/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
A snapshot from mountaineer‘s life: Sense of Place. “Have you ever wondered how does a mountaineer’s day start? I will give you a hint: you wake up at 3 am, set the stove, wake up your partner, pretend it is warm, quickly consume a high-calorie breakfast, watch your friends slowly ascending the icy slopes of your dream summit with their tiny head torches glimmering against perfectly blue ice, and hope for the good weather. One would ask: why all this trouble? The answer is easy: for the love of the adventure and the unknown.” Location: Chamonix, Haute Savoye, France. Photo #49 and “quoted” caption by © Kamil Tamiola/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Lighting, color and composition, etc are almost perfect. Great photos of different subjects.
Thanks so much for the absolutely amazing pictures. I’m so glad the buffalo escaped the jaws of the alligator. There are so many “kinds” of people in this ole world, but we all laugh the same and cry the same. Wouldn’t it be awsome to walk among the “sacred” trees in that one place. Thanks again – it was an amazing journey to places in the world I didn’t know existed. I just stopped and stared at some of them imagining what it would be like to be there and experience the adventure. How can Heaven be any more awesome and beautiful – but I know it will be.
O!! What wonderous world we live in. Pleased the Wildebeest got away, bet it had a sore neck next day . Thank you
I CAN’T IMAGINE ANY PHOTO COLLECTION IN THE WORLD THAT COULD BE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN THESE FORTY-NINE PICTURES.
WE SHOULD ALL SAVE THESE AS A “DRAFT” IN OUR COMPUTERS AND WHEN LIFE GETS US DOWN, JUST LOOK AT THESE AND I’M SURE THEY WILL CHEER YOU UP AND GET YOU OUT OF YOUR DOLDRUMS.
THANK YOU A THOUSAND TIMES,
DAN DALTON
Funny Dan, I had the same Idea…. will ask my husband how to safe this….
Wake up sir, you are blinded by your own perception. It has already been proven without a doubt that their is a CREATOR above all that you see. You are wonderfully made. You think you are an accident. I beg not. May God have mercy on your soul as you were created in His image, whether you want to believe that or not. He has a plan for your life, to prosper you, not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future. God bless your soul that you will never have to wake up in HELL.
Simply stunning ! requires more time to take in all the beauty and aura. So wonderful is our earth God has gifted to us n we squabble about petty things instead of thanking him. Wish more people get to see these sights where we will never be able to travel there.
Amazing set of photograph, if I have to choose one of them It will be really impossible but I really love the Japanese maple tree and the Beneath The Ice by Aaron Wong. It must be difficult to choose between 12000 entries but they did a really good job!
Jaw-opening, stunning, astounding, dumbfounding, and flabbergasting selections.
I agree with you and everyone else. Absolutely brathtaking and to think there is so much I don’t know and haven’t seen but with these winning photos, we get a chance to live vicariously for a bit.
Thanks to God who created all this for our pleasure!!!
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Evolution created all that. Naturally occurring forces of atoms, chromosomes, and astral: chance happenings, but within the bounds of probability, with no bounds of time.
Thanks for picking my shot #22 !!
I agree :
Jaw-opening, stunning, astounding, dumbfounding, and flabbergasting selections.
@bryan, it’s even nicer with the plane included
I was amazed to see the Antelope Canyon picture (#26). It is “Totally Awesome!”. I’ve been in other canyons in the Page, AZ area and have the “Antelope Canyon” on my “Bucket List!”
…
Thank you for selecting my photo #30.
Please, see some more of my images.
KAROLOS TRIVIZAS
Absolutely the best I have ever seen. Makes me want to learn Photoshop at my age of 72! Jay
72! makes me think maybe life is not over because of widowhood at 69! beautiful pics, but thank you for your comment!!
I’M ALSO 72, AND ALSO A JAY….AND ABSOLUTELY AGREE…THANKS.
Superb, super sharp, great photos. Impressed deeply by the greatness, beauty of nature, by the enthusiasm of the experts, adventurers, professionals who pursued the precise moments of shutter flicking. I will keep those photos and enjoy them on the desk top of my PC.
a wonderland,what a beautiful world we are privledged to live in,firm proof that god is alive.
my compliments to the photographers,great work.
Zod has nothing to do with it because IT does not exist.
Troy,
I will AMEN everything you mentioned……!!!
Like “Zod” said,”The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’
Isn’t it interesting how some people who do not believe in God are so eager to belittle those who do. Perhaps that is because they do not believe in God.
You’re right, it is totally inappropriate to argue over religion here. It isn’t respectful and people are allowed to appreciate beauty, whether they look at it and see the presence of God or the absence of one. However, as an atheist who was bullied every day of school for years because I didn’t go to church, I find your comment equally annoying Barry. I mean come-on, jerks are born of every belief system.
Strange. Those who don’t believe in God. Thats a strong Belief. A negative Belief. It’s still a belief, however a Dark one. As God is tthe author of Truth and Light but to the fool, He will blind their ways.
Great array of photo’s
Love the shot of Perth Australia Day and the mix of fireworks & lightning. I was there.
Amazing “sky show” in more than one way.
I’m completely mystified by the obvious work done using PhotoShop in three water shots: why isn’t it a requirement of the competition that all these glorious stills have no image editing done to them?
I absolutely agree with you M.R. Stringer. Some of the shots were so obviously photoshoped. I am surprised that a Nat Geo photo contest allows such.
Underwater shot..boy with surfboard….bet that it has been photoshopped, his hair should be
pointing upwards… I am 89 and have dived and still photoshop.
I have been Various national parks of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda never seen lions, lioness and cubs relaxed resting as shown in the first photo!
Ibrahim
Peoples faces tell a story about our travels. #32 (food for thought is incredible). Real, and black and white.
My wife and I have travelled to 43 countries, and of all the pictures we’ve taken, natural people shots, facial and activities are usually our favourites.
I so agree. What a beautiful face! When I travel, taking photographs, I look at the faces in their respective countries and THIS is the kind of face I look for. I have one hanging on my wall of an Aboriginal in Australia that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Beautiful images. Hard to tell if they are real or Photoshop.
I would love to see a category for a sequential series of pics that tell more of a story than can be told in the 1/000 sec. single images.
Realy lovely pictures. I have to thank you for taking such pictures and distributing them for us while we are sitting calm at our homes.
[…] Amazing Photos […]
Wonders of Nature and wonderful talent to capture the moment!
Fantastic & all so lovely never have seen anything quite like the gorgeous shots of nature you have presented to all the good people of the world???
Just stunning, couldn’t stop looking, even though I am supposed to be doing other things.
Now I have to learn how to take better pictures. More learning even after the 70 mark.
Masterfully constructed photography. Absolutely some of the best I’ve ever seen. Breathtaking, heartstopping moments captured at the precise moment….. I will save these to look back on as a reminder of the amazing beauty our GOD has created for us to enjoy on this wonderful planet Earth!
Thank you National Geographic, photographers and of course “GOD”…!
These photos are stunning. Many of them brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. I only wish I were so adept with a camera. Thank you for sharing..
Breathtakingly wonderful!
This is outstanding to say the least. I do believe that I could live the rest of my life in the picture called “Looking into another World” Thank again and agin for this opportunty to see such wonderous scenes. Kay B fom Mankato MN
Butterfly: Sense of Place Winner. “This image was shot in the Kyrgyz lands of the Wakhan Corridor.”
By far the best photo – the colors, and that way of life, well captured make it an extra-ordinary picture.
What more can you add, just wonderful.
I am always in awe of the wonders God has created for us to enjoy, especially when we are so undeserving.Thank you for giving us the opportunity to experience places we will never be able to see in person. I will view these over and over.
The power of God for all to see!
Beautiful, but I detected a lot of photoshop. :o)
Me, too, but I guess Photoshop is a gift from god, too.
Great comeback Ginger……. Isn’t our GOD good…. All the time!
spectacular!…expected not less from National Geographic…great choice of photos..
very amazing photos
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Absolutely Spectacular photo’s!
I watched these awesome photos while holding my tablet in my hand. It felt like I was in everyone and could see, hear and smell the photos. Thanks to all of you for these wonderful photos
Lost for words. Too unusual for me to describe. Hope to try to copy some.
Like Ms. Jane Preston noted ( February 1, 2014 ) simply breathtaking.
[…] from the more urban end of the spectrum, taken from 49 winners (from among 12,000) submitted to National […]
Wondrous pictures reconfirm there is a God over all these creations….
[…] Some nice shots 49 Phenomenal Photos from National Geographic Traveler Photography Contest […]
I once read that 25,000 to 35,000 photos are taken for one National Geographic feature article. We only see the BEST of the BEST. I don’t feel so bad when I don’t get great photos every time I do a shoot, after reading that! These are truly amazing photos and I enjoyed each one. Too bad some viewers fail to see the hand of God in all things- I do daily-
In photo 28 you captured a beautiful image of the Orion constellation. It is horizontal with the 3-star belt in a vertical orientation, the ‘sword’ very detectable and the two bright stars, right and left, are Rigel as the left foot of Orion, and Betelgeuse as a star near the ‘head’ of Orion. Those two are the brightest 2 stars in the Orion constellation. A beautiful shot. An astronomer could probably tell you date and time of the exposure based on the constellations position and location of the photographer.
Your publication of these fabulous photos taken of our world’s wonders are shared with many appreciating persons via my iMac, Apple T-V and email. We all admire and appreciate your profession expertise !
wonderful photos would love to have been at some of the scenes
What a pleasure to see such outstanding pictures of people and places I will never get to see in person. Truly spectacular
Travel-log. Thank you!
How insignificant we are….Splendid portrayal of this beautiful Spaceship….Earth…..
Amaizing photos taking notes for may future obove and beyond !!!
The beauty of our planet and places most of us will never see in person. Amazing photography and stunning visuals.
Wonderful pictures ,wish I could go to some of these places March 2 2014
Truly amazing what there is in different parts of the world. Spend time seeing these, for we are but a shadow in Jehovah’s eyes .Yet as Kind David wrote in a melody in the 8 th Psalm, these words” vs 3 and 4 ” When I see your heavens the work of your fingers, the moon the stars that you have prepared, what is mortal man that you should keep him in mind”
Stunning Photo’s. My favorite was the begger man sitting q
If only more can be reached with the good news, then they too, will be able to see Jehovah’s works firsthand.
God is around us all the time and I pray that peace with all nations will be soon so we can enjoy God work.
Amen. This is included in my daily prayers. God is so good and thoughtful.
It appears in “Lava Kiss” that the husband’s feet are on backwards and he is breaking the back of his wife.
Very observant – looks physically impossible for this pose. Someone else mentioned photo shopped
on some of these images?
Sometimes we question GOD, but when we look at these beautiful pictures how could we ever question his being with our wondrous and beautiful earth and its creatures…..
I will treasure these for a long time to come and also am forwarding them to all of my children so that they too can see what God has created for all of us. Thank you for sharing . . .
Just lovely looking at these photographs thank you so much to whoever took them!
CUANDO VEO ESTAS BELLEZAS NATURALES, ALGUNAS MEZCLADAS CON SERES HUMANOS, QUE LAS DISFRUTAN, Y ADEMAS
LAS COMPARTEN, CON LOS QUE, DE ALGUNA MANERA NO, DISFRUTAMOS DE LA SERCANIA, DE PARAJES, REGALADOS POR UN DIOS MARAVILLOSO Y AMOROSO, AL REGALARNOS TAN HERMOSOS Y PARADISIACOS LUGARES; AGRADEZCAMOS SOLAMENTE EL AIRE QUE NO SE VE, LA MARVILLA DE TENER VISION, TACTO , OLFATO, GUSTO Y SOBRE TODO TANTOS Y MARAVILLOSOS SERES QUE NOS RODEAN, QUE SONRIEN Y CON QUIENES COMPARTIMOS, EMOCIONES, TANTO AGRADABLES, COMO MOMENTOS NO TAN AGRADABLES, QUE SERES EN OTROS PUNTOS DE NUESTRO LINDO PLANETA NO SE IMAGINAN QUE UNOS SERES ATROPELLAN Y MALTRATAN, A SUS SEMEJANTES SIENDO COMPATRIOTAS; SOLO POR DISENTIR, EN LA FORMA DE PENSAR POLITICAMENTE, Y TENER ENGAÑADA A UNA GRAN PORCION DE LA POBLACION, QUE DE ALGUNA MANERA EN ALGUN MOMENTO CONFIARON EN ELLOS; ESTO OCURRE EN UNO DE LOS PAISES MAS HERMOSO DE ESTE PLANETA; EN NUESTRA QUERIDA Y VAPULEADA VENEZUELA; PERO COMO ESOS BELLOS PAISAJES Y BELLEZAS NATURALES, QUE DIOS CREO, ASI MISMO LA PAZ, AL FELICIDAD Y TODA LA ALEGRIA DE ESTE LINDO LUGAR EN SURAMERICA, REGRESARA A ELLA CON LA BENDICION, DE EL PADRE CELESTIAL, AMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN
great pictures, those of the Lion’s show such love and trust for the family –Will Brown
These spectacular photos show us the beautiful world that God has given us to enjoy. And thanks to the outstanding people who shot the pictures and were willing to share them to everyone. AMEN!
When I saw the water buffalo in the jaws of the alligator, I knew he could not escape. When our son and daughter in law were in Kenya, they photographed the migration one year and we saw a little buffalo that would not get across.
I will look back and see why someone said this one escaped.
Wonderful pictures. Thanks so much.
Lucy
I enjoyed all these pictures except the one of the waterbuffalo and the aligator. I know this is
nature, but this is SO CRUEL!
To all the contributors of these beautiful photos-Thank You! and to Carol, who sent them to me, Thank you so much.
I’m curious specifically which images some folk think were photoshopped and why.
What a wonderful world we live in. These Photographs should be shown to all school children everywhere. Thank you to the photographers and the publishers of the photos.
Many are called but few are chosen !–images are all great
The Photos were absolutely fantastic. I was unable to pick a favorite, because so many were so spell binding
The pictures were fantastic. I was unable to pick a favorite photo because there were so many profound pictures.Thank you very much.
Among the 45 pictures there only a few good ones.
People need to learn to take good pictures that don’t need a lot “improvement” by photo shop.
Back to the basics.
Eberhard Brunner
THESE PHOTOS ARE LIVING PROOF THAT ALL MAN ( AND ANIMALS) ARE LOOKING FOR THE SATISFACTION OF PRIMAL NEEDS. THE ONLY REAL DIFFERENCE IS IN THE STRATEGY WE USE TO SOLVE THEM.
Outstanding. Breath taking. Glorious. Speachless. What superlatives can describe Gods’s work?! Thank for taking me on this incredible journey.
Quite unbelievable ! I agree with all the others ” What a wonderful world ” we live in. Life´s too short for us to experience some of the wonders shown in these photos. Many thanks to all you wonderful photographers. Keep it up.
What a great thing to share with others! Thank you
What a beautiful world. Thank you,tenacious photographers. You are beautiful, too.
If only one could live long enough to travel, with camera, to all the beautiful places, at the right instance in time, to capture such a wonderful collection of “HAPPENINGS”
As I get older I am grateful to have traveled a lot…..these photos bring me peace of mind and a feeling I will leave a world unbelievably beautiful for all the young people. Hope they appreciate it as much as they should. Thank you to National Geographic…the travelers and photographers…and mainly Thanks to God. Maria
When I realized how long it was going to view these pictures I grabbed an apple and just sat back and took my time to really enjoy these amazing pictures. Thank you to the photographers and to National Geographic.
Astonishing photographs! Totally engrossing.
I HAVE DONE A BIT OF TRAVELING AND HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING TO COMPARE WITH THESE PHOTOS. THEY ARE WORTH LOOKING AT-OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS: I HAVE TAKEN PHOTOS OF MT RAINIER WITH IT’S LENTICULAR CLOUDS SEVERAL TIMES. ONCE, THE CLOUDS WERE PINK IN THE SUNSET. BEAUTIFUL.
I’D LIKE TO COMMENT ON THE PROBLEMS SOME HAVE WITH EDITING A PHOTO. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN USING A CMERA WITH MANY ADJUSTMETNS WHICH CREATE JUST THE LOOK YOU WANT AND CHANGING IT SOME AFTER THE PHOTO IS TAKEN. THIS IS ALL AVAILABLE TO US IN ORDER TO CREATE THE PERFECT PHOTO. I LOVE TO EDIT. ONLY TO MAKE IT MORE PERFECT. NOT CHANGE THE ORIGINAL LOOK. (I’M 83 YARS OLD)
DO YOU WANT ME TO JUST LEAVE A SHORT, CRYPTIC REMARK?
FOTOS ESPECTACULARES, COMO PARA ESTAR ATRAS DE LAS CAMARAS Y VIVIRLAS,
OJALA LA DISFRUTEN MILES DE PERSONAS
GRACIAS NATIONA. GEO.
Thank you National Geographic for a splendid collection, once more. Truely amazing. I believe in the Creator, and you showed me his handywork.
[…] loving: The couple in the picture above from this year’s National Geographic photo contest are […]
The photograph of the water buffalo captured in the jaws of the alligator is not inspiring nor beautiful. It shows fear in the victim’s eyes which makes me feel such sadness.
These were some of the most breath taking pictures I have ever seen. Thank you National Geographic for sharing them with me. After viewing these it made me realize what a huge world we live in.
thankyou
great work here .a good place to learn.
Photo #17 really caught my eye. I grew up in Norton, KS. and saw this same “happening” several times but it took seeing the picture here to realize just how unique Kansas can be. The long standing joke is “If you don’t like the Kansas weather, wait 15 minutes and it will change” How true, how true. Fantastic pictures, all of them are winners.
DWC
I could sit and look & dream all day at these pictures. It inspires me to go to places that I will not!
Fantastic collection.
Thanks,
Doug. Bell
It’s difficult to express how spectacular these photo’s are. I’ve visited over 100 countries and many of them are included in your presentation and it thrilled me to view your photo’s. The description of each photo made it even more interesting. Thank you
Simply stunning selection of photographs,imparting a wealth of knowledge.
Amazing how the nature could be captured in pictures by some photographers.
Thank you for a fantastic gift to us all
Arjun
Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing these stunning pictures.
Fantastic photos. Obviously National Geographic saw beyond the Photoshop critics who have posted here…or could it be that their standards are lower?
How very beautiful. Wonder how on earth some were taken!
I thought that all the photos were great.
Thank you NG and all the photographers for sharing this awesome collection of Nature and God’s handiwork. Yes even the water buffalo. It’s still in the balance of Nature. Truly up lifting!
The reason the w’beast got away—It told an Obama joke and the gator couldn’t help but laugh.
Thank you for these ethereal photographs. The photographers were artists. Some photographs were almost prayers. I will never forget them.
Beautiful pics! However, the Baobab tree is most definitely NOT unique to Madagascar! They are found throughout northwestern Zimbabwe, and I suppose beyond.
God and Mans creation oh so breath taking, and touches your heart, it really makes you appreciate the world around us, there is such beauty to be seen and held in our hearts forever……. Judie J
What a wonderful journey that I will take quite often!!! Sooooo appreciative of the written explanations of place & etc. One is immediately thrown into the wonders of our God. I wrote down several locations to explore on the internet for further education. I don’t know how I could ever pick a favorite, but I love “Sunrise on Palouse Hills” in Wa. State & hope I can figure out how to get it on my desk top so that the peace it portrays is what I see first thing in the morning when I get on my computer. Could have done without the water buffalo scene. Seemed out of place & theme.
J-P
Imagens fantásticas! Realidades que nunca vira antes.
Mas… péssima tradução para Português.
These photographs are breathtaking. I appreciate our planet so much more and these photos encourage me to get out there and travel more.
Lynn…thank you for the wonderful photographs…I have seen some of them published in National Geographic magazine. Looking at these photos makes me realize what a small world I have here on my Island. M.
These beautiful pictures will be as wonderful as what I will see
when I get to my home in heaven, I hope to see you all there.
db
I enjoy these pictures
stunning photos, i’m so glad i got to see them!!!!!!
Nature provides so very much more than merely meeting physical needs.
Your pictures made my day, my week, my life, my future life. Thank you so much for sharing them with so many.
Astounding photos. It would also be astounding if the croc lost his hold on his catch! Nice of photographer to shield our emotions ( and perhaps his standing with his audience ) by creating a more pleasant narrative.
Am I the only one who thinks a number of these are “manufactured” (shopped)? Or maybe its just that no one cares.
I don’t care.
During my 1969 tour in Laos, during the SECRET WAR, we had a Lao down-day (holiday) from flying and visited an area much like the one seen in #27. I recall it was a short drive from Luang Prabang(ancient capital of Laos) and the area was very scenic.
PB – I just don’t care!
Outstanding, Spectacular pic’s. GOD IS GOOD AND ALL IS GOD. Most comments were favorable. It’s impossible to please EVERYBODY all the time. I will keep them and share them. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
I have been a reader all my life. I’m in my 80’s now, and NGM has been part of my life. The photos in the magazine have an inspiration in many ways, especially making me more sensitive to nature. These photos are an addition to my appreciation to my love for the art of photography, and for what you do to portray it. Most humbly, thank you. Armando
They were all great photos. NGM always does a good job. I looked at the photo of beggar at the temple the longest. Even went back two times! I can’t help but wonder what he thinks about life and how lucky I have been!
The incredible beauty of these photos take your breath away. We live in a wondrous world for sure. Many thanks for sharing them.
What is normal, a picture of our lives and surroundings. A picture of someone else’s life and surroundings is astounding. It all depends on your intake. Trees, ice, mountains etc. take on a new look and I am glad to see some of the things that I will never see in my lifetime. Opens a whole new realm
Astounding and surreal. An insight to things I will never see in my lifetime. A new perspective on the ordinary things in life, trees, ice, mountains and people.
Thank you for making my life more interesting, now I can look at these photos, and make believe I am there.
Greaaaaat adjusted photo’s …..shame about the underscore comments.
As for “God”‘s handiwork etcetc none of the pic’s explained why, for e.g. Bande Ache sunami killed a quarter of a MILLION people !!!!!!
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