The 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest is now open and accepting entries.
The grand-prize-winning image will be published in National Geographic magazine, and the winning photographer will receive $10,000 (USD) and a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, DC, to participate in the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar.
“National Geographic uses photography to inspire, illuminate and teach our readers about our world and beyond,” said Sarah Leen, National Geographic magazine’s director of photography. “The National Geographic Photo Contest is an exciting opportunity for our photo community to participate in documenting the Earth, its creatures and its people. We look forward to seeing photographs that are passionate, skillful, surprising and beautiful. I’m very excited about seeing the entries we receive this year.”
Judging consists of three rounds of based on creativity, photographic quality and genuineness/authenticity of the content. One first-place winner will be chosen from each category, and the winning photographs will be published on nationalgeographic.com.
The overall grand-prize winner, announced in December 2015, will be chosen from the three category winners, and the grand-prize-winning photo will be published in National Geographic magazine.
2015 National Geographic Photo Contest
A Sandy Disguise(01 of44)
A line of elephants had just crossed the Chobe River on a hot day. As they relaxed by flicking cool sand on their backs, they were very aware to hide the youngest in the center of their grouping. For one moment though, this little one disguised in sand got through to give us a quick hello. Location:Chobe River, Botswana, Africa (credit:Eric K. / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Measure Me(02 of44)
A large, inquisitive and almost dangerously playful female Humpback whale calf measures me with her pectoral fin. This image was captured on a very wide fisheye lens, which doesn’t quite show how close she really is. By measuring how close I am she can determine if her tail is going to come in contact with me as she swims past. Location:Neiafu, Vava`u, Tonga (credit:Matthew Draper/ 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
A little bit of Bear’s Paradise(03 of44)
I've loved watching wildlife documentaries since I was a kid. One of nature's wonders that fascinated me the most was the annual return of Salmon to their birthplace for spawning...and the bears that live off of this phenomenon. To be able to see it happen in real life was just completely magical and struck a chord deep within. There were about 12 bears at the falls, but 6 that dominated the prime spots. It was peaceful between the bears as there was plenty of salmon to go around!Location: King Salmon, Alaska, United States (credit:Kathleen Yap/ 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Angel in the sky(04 of44)
Stunning northern lights show in Estonia. I have never seen such spectacular show before. It is not everyday event to see northern lights in Estonia especially so mighty ones. This photo reminds me an angel with wings widely spread. Certainly there are some greater powers than human can imagine.Location:Karjaküla, Harjumaa, Estonia (credit:Kristoffer Vaikla/ 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Red Fuji and Pink Lenticular Cloud(05 of44)
Mount Fuji creates two types of lenticular clouds. One is called Kasagumo (umbrella cloud) and appears on top of Fuji. The other is called Tsurushigumo and shows up in the lee. Fuji created a huge Tsurushigumo this morning and it became pink just before the sunrise.Location:Onuma, Yamanashi, Japan (credit:Yuga Kurita/ 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Shangrila Lake(06 of44)
Shangrila Lake or Lower Kachura Lake in Skardu, BaltistanLocation:Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan (credit:Mohd Irman Ismail/ 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Eastern Bent-winged Bat(07 of44)
When winter comes, Eastern Bent-winged Bat forms a colony for hibernation. During several years, researchers of Eastern Bent-winged Bat were looking for a winter colony in a photography area. We found a colony for propagation in summer first. But when winter comes, they have disappeared completely by a group. Researchers tagged about 800 bats. But when winter comes, any bats aren't found. We found this valuable colony by search for several years. This was big delight for researchers.Location:Ozu, Ehime, Japan (credit:Kei Nomiyama/ 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Not even cold(08 of44)
Freediving session in Antarctica...not even cold!Location:Snow Hill, Antarctica (general), Antarctica (credit:Fisheyes Alex/ 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
The lookout(09 of44)
A lined owl which watches the field attentively. Location:Montreal, Quebec, Canada (credit:Denis Dumoulin/ 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
The Gathering of Clouds(10 of44)
Breathtaking view from Schwarzstockli (2293m) over this spectacular natural border of cantons of Glarus and St. Gallen, Switzerland, as seen on an Autumn weekend trek in early October 2015. All after being chased, caught up and left behind by that glorious mist that hopped from one valley to another, leaving me with this frame to awe at. The gathering of clouds. Location:Ennenda, Glarus, Switzerland (credit:Piotr Fedorczyk / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Follow The Leader(11 of44)
It's just past 6AM, and it's -25° on our last day in Antarctica. With wind so strong it's difficult to walk and stay upright, I decide to lay flat on the frozen ground to watch Gentoo Penguins move from the water to their nests on Cuverville Island. As the strong winds whip up fine layers of ice and snow over the horizon, two (credit:Anthony Ponzo / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Innocence of a Queen(12 of44)
Beautiful lioness capturing during an heli flight over the Okavango Delta, Botswana. We were quite lucky to find this lioness by helicopter walking in this beautiful green grass of the delta. She was then looking at me and there’s nothing in Africa so intense as a lion looking right at you. Believe me, zoo lions can’t do this. (credit:Chris Schmid / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Kyrgyz Hunter(13 of44)
High up in the Kyrgyz mountains, the almost extinct eagle hunters are found. The eagles are captured as a hatchlings and are trained to hunt. Once a bond forms with its handler, the bond last forever. Together, the hunter and the eagle hunts, becoming a silent form of death for its preys. (credit:by Shimri Lim / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Buffalo Race(14 of44)
Traditional buffalo racing in west Bali. Hundreds of pairs of buffaloes are teamed up together with their jockeys riding the traditional wooden ploughs that are slightly modified for the competition (credit:bram paulussen / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Evening streeeetch.(15 of44)
This was one of the most curious interactive squirrels I have ever come across. We sat down to enjoy the view and have a snooze and we were interrupted by this little guy scurrying over our camera bags. He was trying to reach for a friends camera that was also taking pictures just out of my frame. (credit:Ian Duncan)
Rapa das Bestas(16 of44)
Rapa das Bestas is the name of an operation that involves cutting the manes of the wild horses who live free at the mountains in a semi-feral state and that are performed in the curros (enclosed which retain the horses) held in various locations in Galicia,Spain.The best known is the Rapa das Bestas of Sabucedo, in the city hall of A Estrada, which lasts three days: the First Saturday, Sunday and Monday in July. (credit:by Javier Arcenillas / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
The Reckoning Days XI(17 of44)
Andrew climbs to dizzying heights inside the new bin that they hope will soon be full of grain, if only the rain will stop falling and the combines could whirl, cut and spit. (credit:Elliot Ross / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Here, humans are the minority...(18 of44)
This was shot in South Georgia in december '14. It was probably the most intense moment of my whole trip to antarctica - it's just overwhelming standing in there between hundreds of thousands of penguins - it's not a bad "minority feeling", but more of a peaceful reassurance that - at least in some places - our planet is still as beautiful as it was before mankind started having a go at it. THANK YOU to all those countries and individuals involved in keeping places like these intact! (credit:Steffen Flügel / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Dressed for Adventure(19 of44)
Whilst shooting the majestic Southern Stingray in the crystal clear water of the Sandbar in Grand Cayman, I was stunned when this newly wed couple arrived, the bride was still in her wedding dress! This shot "Dressed for Adventure" for me captures the beginning of a new life together, one where a couple will brave the troubles of the world hand in hand. The couple march confidently towards the clouds in the frame ignoring the beasts at their feet, this is an adventure they will seek together (credit:by jennifer jo stock / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Lightning at horseshoe(20 of44)
I've got several lightning shots at horseshoe bend while I traveled this canyon last time but this is the most I like. The reason why I like is because the lightning has a solid line and I can actually see the lightning is hitting the hill and it also reflected in the water. It's just amazing and beautiful. In addition, I can see the actual movement of the storm in the picture that makes this scene alive. (credit:by J. Cho / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
The Fire Down Below(21 of44)
The effect is entirely natural but decidedly surreal as the swirling tannins of the Santa Fe River mix with clear spring water as Lesley Gamble begins her dive at of Devil's Ear Spring in North Florida. The Land of a Thousand Springs, Florida is home to the largest collection of freshwater springs in the world. Location: Woftoka, Florida, USA (credit:John Moran /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Griffon Vulture(22 of44)
Cleaning is very important feathers for birds, especially for the vultures. (credit:Andres Lopez / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest )
Into the unknown future(23 of44)
Refugees looking outside of a train after hard and long way to Macedonia. They continued their way to the ultimate goal: Germany. Photographed near Gevgelija, Macedonia. Location: Gevgelija, Macedonia (credit:Matej Lancic /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Aurora Over Kirkjufell(24 of44)
The Aurora Borealis making a grand appearance over Kirkjufell Mountain. Location: Grundarfjortur, West Iceland (credit:Jonathan Zdziarski /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest )
Green Hill(25 of44)
Kokia is one year grass. This hill is planted nemophila before spring, it replanted to Kokia before summer. Kokia summer grew up in green, will autumn leaves to fall. (credit:Hideyuki Katagiri /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Fisherman(26 of44)
The other face of the Mediterranean Sea. In contrast with the recent refugee crisis and the drownings in the sea, people are also living from the sea. A fisherman is collecting the fishing net.Location: Larnaca, Cyprus (credit:Giorgos Doukanaris /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest “Fisherman”)
Singing rocks(27 of44)
Russia, Yakutia, rock pillars on Sinyaya river (tributary of Lena river). Locals call this group of pillars "Singing rocks" because of the wind whistling in them sometimes. In the summer of 2015 UNESCO recognized Sinyaya Pillars as part of the Lena Pillars Nature Park world heritage site.Location: Sinsk, Sakha, Russia (credit:Alexey Kharitonov /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Winter spectacle(28 of44)
Mt.Hakkoda is snowy mountains to watch the rime in Aomori Japan. All around is covered with white world. Location: Aomori-shi, Aomori, Japan (credit:Sho Shibata /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
The look of nature(29 of44)
Etosha NP, Namibia.Location: Etosha NP, Namibia. (credit:Marco Tagliarino /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Ben Youssef(30 of44)
Even though there were a lot of people in Ben Youssef, still here was more quiet and relaxing compare to the outside of street in Marrakesh. I was waiting the perfect timing to photograph for long time.Location: Marrakesh, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, Morocco (credit:Takashi Nakagawa /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Icy Views(31 of44)
Two cruisers enjoying the views of the icy waters of Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.Location: Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (credit:Jeffrey Allen /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Rooftop Sleeps, Varanasi(32 of44)
I arrived at my guest house in Varanasi at 5:30am, I instinctively climbed the 7 sets of stairs to the rooftop (which happened to be the highest in the vicinity) to see the sunrise over the famous Ganges River. As the sun was rising I looked over the right hand side of the balcony and my jaw dropped with disbelief. Below were families - mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sister and dogs all sleeping on the top of their houses. It was mid summer in Varanasi and sleeping sans AC was difficult.Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India (credit:Yasmin Mund /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Ahmed Kelly(33 of44)
Born in 1991 with significant disabilities in all four limbs, Ahmed Kelly was left at a Baghdad orphanage where he spent the majority of the first seven years of his life. He was adopted by an Australian woman, Moira Kelly, and now lives and in Melbourne.Ahmed finished forth in the London 2012 Paralympic Games for 50m Breaststroke, and is in great shape to win a medal in twelve months when the Paralympics start in Rio, Brazil. Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (credit: Alex Coppel / 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest )
Dunes' picture(34 of44)
This aerial shot was taken from a small plane over Namib desert, Namibia Location: Namib Desert, Namibia (credit:Stas Bartnikas /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
The End of the World(35 of44)
A small group of emperor penguins gathered near the sea ice edge. Ross Sea, Antarctica.Location: Ross Sea, Antarctica (credit:Brian Stetson /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Terrace paddies in North Vietnam(36 of44)
Terrace rice paddies in Tu Le Valley, Yen Bai province, north Vietnam at the beginning of new season. The Hmong people are crossing the fields on their way home at the end of the working day. Location: T˙ L, Yen Bai, Vietnam (credit:Qu nh Anh Nguyen /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest )
Morning Prayers, Delhi India(37 of44)
I was in Delhi for work and went out exploring in the early morning to the Jama Masjid mosque. One guy was sweeping as another came along behind him laying out the prayer rugs. Soon after, this one man came in and started to pray, lined up in the one ray of sunlight.Location: Delhi, NCT, India (credit:Dale Johnson /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Atocha(38 of44)
A little girl plays in the monument to the victims of the attack of 11M in Atocha train station in MadridLocation: Atocha, Madrid, Spain (credit:Javier Arcenillas /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Sunset Mountain Work(39 of44)
Nepal is a special place to me for a number of reasons and I was fortunate enough to go back to see the Himalayas on a trek that offers amazing views of Mount Dhaulagiri and Mount Annapurna. The mountain landscape continued to blow my mind! After a strenuous and exhausting 6 hour trek to Kopra Ridge, I took this photo of Mount Dhaulagiri at sunset. In the foreground, a local Nepalese man is helping usher his mules up the ridge to a nearby eco-lodge that was in the middle of construction.Location: Thulo Odarkharka, Western Region, Nepal (credit:Jonathan Abdipranoto /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Flamingo(40 of44)
Flamingos are going to fly (credit:Yu Huiping /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Calbuco, The Awakening.(41 of44)
Calbuco Volcano is located in the lakes region south of Santiago, Chile's capital city and is one of the 10 most dangerous volcanoes in the country.After more than 40 years of inactivity, the day April 23 the volcano erupts, spewing more than 200 million tons of ash and causing the evacuation of more than 2,000 people. In the picture is seen one of the most violent moments of the eruption, which occurred in the early hours of April 24.Location: Frutillar, Los Lagos, Chile (credit:Francisco Negroni /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
High Hoops(42 of44)
Andrea Grove, a fire performer based in Omaha, Nebraska, practices her hula-hoop routine before her performance at the Lantern Festival on Saturday, August 29, 2015. She travels to events around the Midwest with a group called IncenDance. I met Andrea by chance. She and her group were tucked away behind a stage preparing for their show. After getting to know them a bit, I asked if I could photograph their practice and stayed with them until dark.Location: Pacific Junction, Iowa, USA (credit:Calla Kessler /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Enchantment of light and shadows(43 of44)
After the sunset we saw that fog was forming and hoped that it would not fade away till morning so we set our alarm clock 3 hours before sunrise. Then we drove for two hours to the location and along the road we could see through the trees that the bog was fully covered in fog. We quickly set up our octocopter drone and flew over the trees, the opening view was breathtakingly beautiful - sunrays, fog, shadows, pools.Location: Järvakandi, Raplamaa, Estonia (credit: Kaiti Lillipuu /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)
Daasanach Fisherman(44 of44)
A young Daasanach fisherman guts and cleans a fish on the Eastern shore of Lake Turkana near the border of Ethiopia and Kenya. The Daasanach are Kenya's second smallest tribe with between 60,000-80,000 members. They are traditionally nomadic, roaming between the two countries although with continued drought over the last 20 years about 30% have looked to the lake for food and income in fishing.Location: Lake Turkana, Kenya (credit:Christena Dowsett /2015 National Geographic Photo Contest)