The National Geographic recently short-listed some of the entries fro its 2012 photo contest.
The magazine received more than 3,000 for three categories – people, place and nature.
Taken in locations ranging from Thailand to New York, the chosen entries show everything from peaceful landscapes to unexpected moments.
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This image was shot at Khao Khao Open Zhoo, Thailand. The subject': Busaba, a well cared for Indochinese Tigress.
The photographer says he 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!"
Photograph: Ashley Vincent/National Geographic Photo Contest
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This photograph was taken at Lake Brunner, New Zealand.
"I was on my 170km solo cycling trip around West Coast, New Zealand and one of the destinations was this famous Lake Brunner. I reached this pier in one foggy morning and I found this moment was like no other," he says.
Photograph: Mohd Nadly Aizat Mohd Nudri/National Geographic Photo Contest
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DON'T MISS: 12 AWESOME photos from the world over
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.
Photograph: Bill Tang/National Geographic Photo Contest
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DON'T MISS: 12 AWESOME photos from the world over
This mother cheetah, with 5 cubs nearby, made it clear that her limits had been met (or exceeded).
Photograph: Scott Belt/National Geographic Photo Contest
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The photographer spotted this male lion while on safari in Kruger National Park. His disdain for the light clearly shows his imperiousness for those around him.
Photograph: Michaela May/National Geographic Photo Contest
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DON'T MISS: 12 AWESOME photos from the world over
A race that follows in the path of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen brings the contestants to the Hardangervidda Mountainplateu, Norway.
A hundred km across the plateau, the exact same route Amundsen used to prepare for his South Pole expedition in 1911 is still used by explorers today. Amundsen did not manage to cross the plateau and had to turn back because of bad weather.
He allegedly said that the attempt to cross Hardangervidda was just as dangerous and hard as the conquering of the South Pole. The group in the picture used the race as preparations for an attempt to cross Greenland.
Photograph: Kai-Otto Melau/National Geographic Photo Contest
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The beautifully moody summer rain clouds hover over one of Banff National Park's true gems, Moraine Lake, Alberta, Canada. The rain and clouds made for some great contrast to reveal the colourful lichen on the rocks.
Photograph: Danielle Lefrancois/National Geographic Photo Contest
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DON'T MISS: 12 AWESOME photos from the world over
The photographer followed these two big bucks around the NCC Greenbelt in Kanata, Canada for an hour or so during the rutting season. They finally came out to an open field and started to play fight or so it seemed.
"No buck was injured and I was the only one really happy about the fight," he says.
Photograph: James Cumming/National Geographic Photo Contest
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DON'T MISS: 12 AWESOME photos from the world over
Penguins adrift on an iceberg during a heavy snow storm in Antarctica.
Photograph: Joshua Holko/National Geographic Photo Contest
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DON'T MISS: 12 AWESOME photos from the world over
This water buffalo looks very happy.
Photograph: Ondrej Zaruba/National Geographic Photo Contest
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DON'T MISS: 12 AWESOME photos from the world over
During the playing of the national anthem at Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees -- three of whom are shown here on the field, standing at attention and holding their caps over their hearts --join the fans in showing their patriotism.
Photograph: Staton Rabin/National Geographic Photo Contest
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DON'T MISS: 12 AWESOME photos from the world over
Baby of an elephant seal relaxes on the beach.
Photograph: Ondrej Zaruba/National Geographic Photo Contest
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