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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Planet Earth is So Diverse and Beautiful!
This video will take you on a stunning journey around the world, its most beautiful spots, and most remarkable people.
This is How Mountain Goats Defy Physics and Gravity
They're known to be able to defy the laws of physics, and today we'll discover exactly how they do that.
18 Things About the Eiffel Tower You Never Knew
The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the best known and loved building in the world. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of wild stories about it. Here are some...
These Time-lapse Videos Are Bound to Leave You Speechless!
From the construction of the massive Shanghai Tower to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a pupa, these videos are unlike anything you've ever seen before!
These Photos Are REAL? Yep, They Sure Are!
No images will bend and bamboozle your mind as much as these 19, completely real photos. Can you work out what was going on here?
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.
This Dark Underground Chamber Contains Millions of Shells
This winding underground passageway contains millions of beautifully arranged shells. But why?
16 Pics That Reveal the Rarely-Seen Side of Things
These pictures show us the rarely seen side of things that might surprise you.
10 of the Most Outlandish Building Designs Ever Conceived
These 10 architectural projects push the envelope far enough to reach another planet. Here are 10 of the most outlandish construction projects ever conceived.
20 Stunning Photos Captured at the Perfect Moment
Take a look at these perfectly-timed photos that will undoubtedly take your breath away.
These Wonderful Pictures Are Proof of Nature’s Wonders
If we don't preserve and defend it, nature may disappear - this is why the Nature Conservancy holds an annual photography competition.
The Best of Black & White Photography: Award-Winning Pics
Marvel at the astonishing winners of the Monochrome Photography Awards 2023.
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.
There's Nothing Quite Like These Perfectly-Timed Photos!
Take a look at these 20 incredible perfectly-timed photos, some of which are outrageously hilarious. Enjoy!
What Did Our Favorite Brands Look Like a 100 Years Ago?
While the Big Mac hasn't changed in 50 years, these big brands are virtually unrecognizable.
Stunning Underwater Photography That'll Make Your Jaw Drop
A selection of stunning photos taken from the Underwater Photography Contest 2017.
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!
24 Stunning Vintage Photos of Everyday Life
See these forgotten details from the world of the past in these 24 historical photos.
These Optical Illusions Will Totally Mess With Your Head
Check out these optical illusions and let the head-scratching begin! There are no less than 24 of them to enjoy in this post.
An Amethyst Gemstone Comes to Life in Real-Time
Take an in-depth look at how a hyper-realistic creation is made, from start to finish.
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!
16 Historical Pictures That’ll Bring Back Memories…
"It is a mistake to think that the past is dead," said Will Durant, and these 16 pictures prove him right...
35 Classic National Geographic Photos You'll NEVER Forget
National Geographic's Best Photo Collection presents stunning contest winners.
15 Creative Design Ideas That Will Make Our Lives Simpler
In this collection of pictures, you will see some simple yet innovative designs that are made to make our life simpler.
Who Knew Stairs Could Be Such Works of Art?
Here are some of what I consider the most dazzling staircases the world has to offer.
These Are the Greatest Historic Homes Found in the US
These historic homes are the most important in the United States. See pictures of a historic home in each US state, and find out more about them.
I've Never Seen Photos As Stunning As These
These beautiful shots, which look more like art will undoubtedly impress you.
12 Reasons Japanese Bathrooms Are the Best!
Find out why Japanese bathrooms are more efficient and comfortable than western bathrooms. Maybe it'll give you a few ideas...
The Great Wall of China as You’ve Never Seen It Before
High definition drone capture of the Great Wall of China
A 100 Year Old Window to Another New York City
These beautiful and educational late 19th and early 20th century photos of New York City were released recently by the NYC municipal archives...
22 Rare and Beautifully Colorized Historical Photos
Looking through these meticulously colorized photos, most of which were taken during the two World Wars, is a unique and moving experience.
The Small Things in Nature Are the MOST Precious!
All 22 of these genius macro shots will reveal the captivating hidden beauty of nature to you from a brand new, and much closer look
Have You Seen These Beautiful Churches?
Churches are beautiful and peaceful places that always manage to put me in a relaxed state of mind. Perhaps it is their beauty or their design, but this amazing feeling is even more powerful at these 22 most iconic and majestic of churches.
19 Fairy Tale Structures You Can Find in Norway
Norway is one of the more unique countries in Europe, possessing views that rival the best fantasy books out there...
23 Incredible Photographs Taken at Just the Right Moment
These scarcely believable pictures have NOT been doctored. They were just taken at the perfect time.
Striking and Brilliant Astronomical Photography, a Collection
Take a trip to the farthest reaches of the universe and back to our home planet with this ultimate collection of astronomical photography
These Photos Prove the Past Was a Funny Place...
These photos prove the past was just as bizarre as today!
10 Risky Roads You'd Have to be Insane to Drive On
There are some road networks that top the polls in world's most dangerous roads. This clip takes a look at 10 risky roads you won't want to drive on.
Don’t Confuse These Glorious Pictures of Nature for Paintings
The next 17 pictures, don’t need an artist's touch, and although you might mistake it for painting, these pictures depict nature itself is in all its splendor.
The Stunning Beach Art of Jon Foreman
Here is a series of some photos showing unique beach art that has been created by Jon Foreman
Is Modern Architecture Uglier Than Historical Buildings?
Why do buildings made of concrete, steel and glass intimidate us and often make us feel so out of place? This funny video explains why
16 Rare, Historic Photographs Everyone Should See
These photographs will show you some of the rare scenes in human history. The pictures are worth volumes of books, but hardly anyone has seen them before.