TRAVEL PHOTOS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
| The winners of the 24th annual National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest have just been announced, with a group of ten photos coming out on top, plus one Viewer's Choice winner. These eleven images were chosen from more than 12,000 entries submitted by 6,615 photographers from 152 countries. National Geographic was kind enough to allow me to share the winning photographs with you here, from four categories: Travel Portraits, Outdoor Scenes, Sense of Place, and Spontaneous Moments. |  |
| A Japanese maple, by Fred An, one of seven Merit winners. "This is the great Japanese maple tree in the Portland Japanese Gardens. I tried to bring a different perspective of this frequently photographed tree." (© Fred An/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) |  |
First place winner, by Cedric Houin. "This image was shot in the Kyrgyz lands of the Wakhan Corridor. The intimacy of this everyday life moment, shot inside of a family yurt, is in total contrast with the harsh environment these nomadic tribes live in. On the right we notice a television and a sound console. These tribes live weeks away from any village by foot. In spite of being located at an altitude of 4,300 meters in one of the most remote areas of Afghanistan they are equipped with solar panels, satellite dishes and cellphones. Ancestral ways of living, with touches of modernity." (© Cedric 
Winner of one of seven Merit winners, by Lucia Griggi. "Taken at Cloud Break at an outer reef in Fiji, a surfer duck dives his board to clear the rolling waves of the raw ocean." (© Lucia Griggi/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Second place winner, by Vo Anh Kiet. "H'Mong minority children were playing with their balloons on a foggy day in Moc Chau - Ha Giang province, Vietnam. Shooting time Jan 2012." (© Vo Anh Kiet/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
| One of seven Merit winners, by Ken Bower. "The village of Gásadalur and the island of Mykines in the background. Until a tunnel was built in 2004, the 16 residents living in Gásadalur had to take a strenuous hike or horseback over the steep 400 meter mountain in order to make it to the other villages. It was a rare sunny day in the Faroe Islands and I had to wait until the clouds rolled in to provide some softer light. I decided to go with a long exposure (1 minute 10 seconds) to illustrate the force of the wind and a serene sea among the isolated islands." (© Ken Bower/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) # |  |
One of seven Merit winners, by Peter DeMarco. "More than 2,000 Buddhist temples and pagodas fill the plains of Bagan. Once the capital of the Pagan Empire, farmers now raise their livestock within the centuries old complex. The best way to see Bagan, apart from a ride on a hot air balloon, is by bicycle. It's easy to get off the beaten path and live out your wildest Indiana Jones fantasy." (© Peter DeMarco/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
| One of seven Merit winners, by SauKhiang Chau. "The Last Supper Of Da Vinci? No, They are just some old men of Chefchaouen with djellaba, sitting and talking each other." (© SauKhiang Chau/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) # |  |
One of seven Merit winners, by Camila Massu. "My sister in the south of Chile. We are sitting at home next to the fireplace in our southern lake house when it suddenly began to pour uncontrollably. Had to rush into the lake to take this snapshot!" (© Camila Massu/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
One of seven Merit winners, by Ken Thorne. "Near the city of Morondava, on the West coast of Madagascar lies an ancient forest of Baobab trees. Unique to Madagascar, the endemic species is sacred to the Malagasy people, and rightly so. Walking amongst these giants is like nothing else on this planet. Some of the trees here are over a thousand years old. It is a spiritual place, almost magical." (© Ken Thorne/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Third place winner, by Andrea Guarneri. "During the Easter holy celebration called 'Misteri' (mystery) in Trapani, the devotees carry the scenes of Christ's passion on their shoulders all night long. When the day comes they take a break." (© Andrea Guarneri/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Viewer's choice winner, by Michelle Schantz. "A lonely cabin is illuminated under the Northern Lights in Finmmark, Norway." (© Michelle Schantz/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)
Lava Kiss: My husband and I, along with a tour guide and a group of friends, hiked up to what was formerly the Royal Gardens subdivision above Kalapana, Hawaii, where the last standing house was just recently taken over by the active lava flow. While waiting for the rain to pass, we started taking back-lit portraits of each other in front of the lava flow after I set up my camera on the tripod. For the last photo, my husband spontaneously dipped me in a kiss. It was a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment! (© Dallas Nagata White/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)
Lava Kiss: My husband and I, along with a tour guide and a group of friends, hiked up to what was formerly the Royal Gardens subdivision above Kalapana, Hawaii, where the last standing house was just recently taken over by the active lava flow. While waiting for the rain to pass, we started taking back-lit portraits of each other in front of the lava flow after I set up my camera on the tripod. For the last photo, my husband spontaneously dipped me in a kiss. It was a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment! (© Dallas Nagata White/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)
Fly by: This photo was taken on the ice near Arctic Bay last month. As far as we know, it is the highest latitude passenger flight on a hot air balloon ever. It was quite the sight to see a hot air balloon fly between the iceberg columns -- it is one iceberg but looks like two. (© Michelle Valberg/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
A portrait of an old Burmese woman. (© Leon Shkolnik/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Speeding Fall: Since I discovered this road while driving around the Muskoka region of Ontario, Canada, I make sure I can go back any occasion I have to visit this cathedral space made by trees. (© Alessandro Cancian/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
African leopard jumping in a tree in the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. (© Juan Hernandez/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Spiral down: The beautiful spiral staircase in the Vatican Museum. (© Syaza Mohammed Shakharulain/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Silky Floor: After a dive in the Bahamas, a group of curious silky sharks come to investigate our boat. (© Jorge Cervera Hauser/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
The Rainbow Man: During my daily assignments as a local press photographer, I need to find an interesting images to improve my own photography skills. As I saw this beautiful colorful building, which is a hotel in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, a man suddenly appeared and looked out. Without wasting time, I grabbed my camera and waited for the right moment. (© Ahmad Izzrafiq Alias/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Volcanic images at National Geographic are always about lightning, lava and immense cones, but a volcano can also be spewing out mud, allowing you to bathe in them! This volcano is approximately 50 feet high and can accommodate 10 to 15 people in its active crater. It takes a bit to jump in, what if the pressure goes away? (© Jorgen Tharaldsen/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
A Louisiana Crane Forest: Living in southeast Louisiana; building post-Hurricane Katrina floodwalls in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. (© Tom Walsdorf/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Dust Dance: A tornado tightens up and kicks up a lot of dust as it heads straight for me, roping out and dissipating approximately 1/2 mile from my location less than a minute later. The tornado was on the ground for a total of 4 minutes. To the right of the main tornado another funnel with a debris cloud on the ground can be seen. The tornado was a rare cold core tornado that had papers written up about it a few days later, referencing my photos. This is one of seven tornadoes I saw that day, making it my most successful storm chase to date. June 20th, 2011 near Norton, Kansas at 2:32pm. (© David Mayhew/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
The Cave: Deep, blue and cold. The frightening experience of climbing inside an ice cave on the north face of alpine summit at 3,800 m above sea level is very difficult to describe in words. Especially in summer, when all the glacial ice melts making the place for completely new formations. You need to stay focused, pay attention to every single move and commit yourself entirely to this climb. The reward?! An amazing experience of climbing something pure and truly unique. (© Kamil Tamiola/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Sun-Kissed Faces: A newly emerging paradise sits in the northwestern coast of Cebu, the Philippines' tourist capital. First celebrated in 2008, the municipality of San Remigio commemorates its beautiful coastline with an annual event called the Lapyahan festival. Children dress in colorful sea-themed costumes that highlight the town's pearly-white coastline, which is also the longest one in the island. The group portrait captures the well-coordinated and pompous nature of this event, as well as the sun-kissed faces of children immensely enjoying their presentation to tourists and travelers. (© Erwin Choachuy/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Dusk at Patar Beach: Fishnets strung out from the beach towards the sea at the village of Patar in Bolinao town, Pangasinan, Philippines. (© Hilario Marbella/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Maiko: Picture was taken in Kyoto, Japan. Her name is Toshimana, a Maiko in Kyoto, Japan. I caught her on her walk in small alley ways of Shijou. Being denied the first time for a picture she gave me a few seconds on her walk back. (© Seiya Bowen/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Peek-a-boo: The Waianae coast of Oahu is a visiting area for many Cetaceans, but the Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are the most common marine mammal seen off this coast. One beautiful day we found ourselves amongst one of the largest pods of Hawaiian Spinner dolphins we had ever swam with. They swam with us and around us, all together the encounter lasted an hour. However, it seemed to all happen so quickly, this is the only photo of this magical moment we managed to take. (© Kimberly James/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Tamblian Lake is a lake located on the north slope of Mount Mortar, Munduk Village area, District of Banjar, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia. This lake is one of the three twin lakes that formed in a large caldera. To the east there is a row of Lake Buyan and Lake Beratan. On the edge of the Tamblingan Lake there is a Gubug Temple. Unfortunately due to heavy rainfall and flooding the surface of the lake rises the temple. (© Agung Krisprimandoyo/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
This shot was taken during sunset at Chobe National Reserve in Botswana. (© Cedrik Strahm/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Joyful: Kids enjoying themselves inside a Jeepney in Cebu City, Philippines. Their smiles make me feel peaceful and joyful. I think this is pure happiness for them. (© Mac Kwan/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Mount Assiniboine and Sunburst Peak on a beautiful autumn morning on the British Columbia/Alberta border in Canada. (© Henry Liu/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Reality: I spotted this old beggar at the entrance of the Gadaladeniya Temple, Pilimathalawa, Kandy, Sri Lanka. He was so quiet, seated on ground very still and was staring at the temple with his deep eyes. Wrinkles on his face and his deep eyes tell the story of a life. (© Sachi Wickramage/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Leading Lines: A slow shutter image of the Kuching Waterfront located in Sarawak, Malaysia. (© Sharkawi Che Din/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Good Bye Old Friend: Elephants are legendary for their memory and intelligence including attributes associated with grief, making music, altruism and compassion. We came across this elephant whose corpse was overcome by vultures and jackals. From a distance we heard and then saw another elephant approaching at a fast pace. She was successful at chasing away the predators and then very slowly and with much empathy wrapped her trunk around the deceased elephants tusk. She stayed in this position for several hours guarding her friend. (© John Chaney/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Stacked Supercell with Lightning: This huge mesocyclone supercell was near the Nebraska / Kansas border on the night of June 22nd, 2012. What a stunning structure! (© Jennifer Brindley/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Holi Explosion: Holi is a flamboyant festival where colored powder or watercolors are thrown on one another in celebration of the beginning of spring. Many take it as an excuse to run wild and at times act inappropriately. As hindus often say "Bura na mano, Holi hai" (Don't feel offended, it's Holi)" Photos taken in Bombay/Mumbai 2012. (© Giselle Natassia/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Hunger knows no boundaries: A lone lioness stalked a family of giraffes in Moremi Reserve, Botswana. Waiting for the opportune moment when the family entered the foliage before pouncing on the baby giraffe. (© Alwyn Chong/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Taking Off From Chelatna Lake: Alaska Bush float planes are amazing. Believe it or not, many remote cabins, hunting and fishing properties remain only accessible by float plane service, an added bonus to owning property in Alaska in our opinion. (© Janet Kotwas/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Blizka: The Buzludzha Monument on a 1,441-meter-high peak was built by the Bulgarian communist regime to commemorate events in 1891 when the socialists led by Dimitar Blagoev assembled secretly in the area to form an organized socialist movement. It was opened in 1981. No longer maintained by the Bulgarian government, it has fallen into disuse. Approaching and visiting the building in the middle of winter was a real adventure. (© Thomas Jorion/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Yosemite Valley: It was an early morning in April of 2011. I went to the Tunnel View of Yosemite National Park. Fog was floating in the Yosemite Valley, making it such a wonderful spectacle. (© Hong Zeng/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Your life is your own: This photo was inspired by my favorite author. It embodies life, and freedom. "Your life is your own. Rise up and live it." - Terry Goodkind, Faith of the Fallen. Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado. (© Tareyn Kaster/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Sunset over Bruges: The Belgian city of Bruges is famous for its stunning medieval architecture. Taken at sunset on top of the Belfort, the city's gothic cathedral spires, the Church of Our Lady on the left, and St. Salvator's Cathedral on the right, and angular roofs are bathed by the warm glow of an ethereal, golden light. (© Calvin Lee/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Flying over the Exuma Islands of the Bahamas in a twin engine canoe with wings, a mounted camera with a remote trigger allowed this photographer to capture the moment forever. (© Leona Boyd/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Dragon Wave: This photo was taken from the rocks at Ke'e beach, as a wave formed into the shape of a dragon. (© Lace Andersen/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Nomad woman milking a yak on the grasslands of Sichuan, China after a snowfall the night before. (© John Quintero/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Sunrise on Palouse Hills: The sun's first rays warm the rolling hills of the Palouse Country in Eastern Washington. (© Randall Roberts/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
While working as a fishing guide in Tofino, British Columbia I had this humpback calf jump no more than 10 feet away from the boat. On our way in from fishing for halibut we noticed a few humpback whales playing in the distance and we stopped part way in to watch. It was quite an experience to see something completely airborne so close to the boat. The lucky thing was I got the photo I submitted. A fellow boat also got a picture of the whale close to mid air and it was also all caught on video. Was an amazing day. (© Matthew Thornton/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
African Queen - Madagascar: Madagascar is a country that feels like no other. Despite its rich mineral wealth it remains one of the poorest countries on the planet. It has suffered mass deforestation and the landscape scarred by mining operations but they beauty in lies within the people who make Madagascar. As the wife of the village Mayor, this woman was displaying some of the most exquisite sun protection I have ever encountered. (© Lisa Labinjoh/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Broken Home: While storm chasing in the spring of 2011, I came across this unique spot as a hail storm was approaching. I only had 7 minutes to set up my gear before the storm slammed into me. Quarter-sized hail, tremendous lighting and strong winds accompanied this storm. (© Jeff Berkes/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
Underwater Surf: Taken at Cloud Break at an outer reef in Fiji, a surfer duck dives his board to clear the rolling waves of the raw ocean. (© Lucia Griggi/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest) #
God's Window: This is a self portrait I shot while on a photographic assignment for WILD magazine in the Tankwa Karoo, Western Cape. I was humbled by the sense of space I felt looking down into the valley -- the magnitude of nature and miracle of creation reminded me of how small we really are. (© Karin Schermbrucker/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)
