Few photography competitions attract the caliber of photographer as the annual National Geographic contest, and so it proves again for 2012.
Whether its impossible starry skies, giant human pyramids or the belly of great white shark, the entrants to this year's competition have already captured the world in some remarkably beautiful moments - but there's still time to take part.
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What are you looking at? One of the entrants to this year's competition
In 2011 over 20,000 professional and amateur photographers from over 130 countries competed, and similar numbers are expected again before the $10,000 (£6,100) prize money is handed out in January.
And for inspiration, why not flick through the amazing photos already entered below.
2012 National Geographic Photography Contest
Great White, Sun Light(01 of12)
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"As I am sitting on top of a suspended submersible cage, 30 feet below the surface, a 15 foot Great White Shark swims overhead just starting to block out the sun. I took the shot right after I had released a breath though my respirator." Photo and caption by Kirk Nielsen/National Geographic Photo Contest
Holy Colors(02 of12)
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"I shot this photograph at an ancient temple dedicated to lord Jyotiba,Maharashtra,India.Devotees and tourists throng to this in the full moon days and Sundays (sunday is sacred to Jyotiba) and due to scattering of ëGulalí(vermilion) the temple premises is turned pink. I shot this pic on a Monday morning." Photo and caption by aditya waikul/National Geographic Photo Contest
relax(03 of12)
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"This cow is looking very happy." Photo and caption by Ondrej Zaruba/National Geographic Photo Contest
The Stand Off(04 of12)
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"Taken on a Canon EOS 40D." Photo and caption by Richard Davies/National Geographic Photo Contest.
Protective Mother Cheetah(05 of12)
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"This mother cheetah, with 5 cubs nearby, made it clear that her limits had been met (or exceeded)." Photo and caption by Scott Belt/National Geographic Photo Contest
Govida players at Dahi Handi fest in Mumbai(06 of12)
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"Govinda players gather together under Dahi Handi to making a human pyramid to catch and then break an earthen pot high in the air with the help of a rope, in order to win the set prizes. -- Janmashtami and Dahi Haandi was celebrated in Mumbai. Govindas (young men) form a human pyramid to reach the dahi handi and try to break it in a bid to win prizes." Photo and caption by Money Sharma/National Geographic Photo Contest
Sargassum Frog Fish In Net(07 of12)
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"This Sargassum Frog Fish was in a net floating of the Kona coast. These are rare fish for us to see here so a unique opportunity to get a shot of such a large one." Photo and caption by Deron Verbeck/National Geographic Photo Contest
Stone Arch at Joshua Tree National Park(08 of12)
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"Joshua Tree National Park may not have the fame like some other more famous national parks but it is a great place to escape from the city lights to catch some spectacular view of the Milky Way." Photo and caption by Bill Tang/National Geographic Photo Contest
The Explosion(09 of12)
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"The subject's name is Busaba, a well cared for Indochinese Tigress whose home is at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Thailand. I had taken many portraits of Busaba previously and it was becoming more and more difficult to come up with an image that appeared any different to the others. Which is why I took to observing her more carefully during my visits in the hope of capturing something of a behavioural shot. The opportunity finally presented itself while watching Busaba enjoying her private pool then shaking herself dry. In all humility I have to say that Mother Nature smiled favourably on me that day!" Photo and caption by Ashley Vincent/National Geographic Photo Contest.
Field Workers(10 of12)
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"Field worker near Udaipur, Rajasthan, India." Photo and caption by Lukasz Piech/National Geographic Photo Contest
King(11 of12)
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"Spotted this male lion while on safari in Kruger National Park. His disdain for the light clearly shows his imperiousness for those around him." Photo and caption by Michaela May/National Geographic Photo Contest
Mountain Paradise(12 of12)
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"The beautifully moody summer rain clouds hover over one of Banff National Park's true gems, Moraine Lake. The rain and clouds made for some great contrast to reveal the colourful lichen on the rocks." Photo and caption by danielle lefrancois/National Geographic Photo Contest