These breathtaking shots -- of volcanoes belching lava, to long winding roads -- are in the running for National Geographic Traveler’s coveted photographer of the year contest.
Photographers have until May 27 to enter the competition. The grand prize winner will receive a seven-day polar bear photo safari for two in Churchill, Manitoba, in Canada’s -- – the self-proclaimed polar bear capital of the world and a popular destination for nature photographers.
Which of these breathtaking shots do you think will scoop the top prize?
Please click on the photos to view hi-resolution images.
Impala at Sunrise
Impala silhouetted as the sun rises in the Masai Mara, Kenya. Photograph: Kellie Netherwood/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest
Winding roads
In the Gorges du Dades, there are some breathtaking bends between walls of rock. Photograph: Angiolo Manetti/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest
La Fournaise volcano
The last eruption of LA Fournaise Volcano. RéunionIsland. Photograph: Gaby Barathieu/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest
Wherever you go, I will follow you!
Romance is in the air. It was the time of day immediately following sunset. I heard a voice. “Wherever you go, I will follow you”the voice says. Photograph: Hiroki Inoue/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest
Timeless Lunch
I was invited into the home of my guide and I stayed for lunch. This picture for me captures the comfortable relationship between the husband and wife and a thoughtful moment. Photograph: Karen Morris-Lanz/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest
Lioness @ Sunset
Lioness (Panthera leo) at sunset, Vumbura Concession, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa. Photograph: Marja Schwartz/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest
Early morning on Skye
An hours walk on a cold winter’s morning was needed to get to this location in Scotland. Looking back over the Trotternish Ridge from the Quirrang on the Isle of Skye is one of my favourite locations. Photograph: Andy Dines/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest
Jonas Blizzard and the Flatiron Building
While walking through the Jonas Winter Storm that swept across the East Coast last week, I captured this shot of the FlatironBuilding against a backdrop of swirling snow. With the exception of a few minor details like logos and a food cart, the image looks like an impressionist right out of another century. The cloudy atmosphere and gusty winds creates patterns that appear uncannily like brush strokes. Photograph: Michele Palazzo/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest
Bond Between Friends
Shot in Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, Shimoga, India. This camp works towards rehabilitating rescued elephants from circuses and human animal conflict zones. The elephants are trained here by experienced Mahouts and forms a lasting bond between the two. Every morning these Mahouts get their elephants for a bath in the nearby river. This is also when people are allowed to interact with the elephants. Photograph: Aditya D/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest
God is observing
Thomas, 6-years-old, helping his father cleaning his truck after a long day of work transporting horses from file to Cachi. Photograph: Giandomenico Cosentino/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest
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