*Last call for entries! Contest closes May 27, 2016*

National Geographic invites photographers to submit photos for the opportunity to be named the 2016 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year.

The grand-prize award winner will earn the prestigious title and also receive a seven-day Polar Bear Photo Safari for two at Churchill Wild–Seal River Heritage Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. The contest, which is open now, ends May 27, 2016, at 12 pm EDT.

Eligible contestants can visit natgeo.com/travelphotocontest to submit photographs in any or all of three categories: Nature, People and Cities. The entry fee is $15 (USD) per photo, and there is no limit to the number of submissions per entrant.

Our friends at National Geographic have let us share some highlights from this year’s contest. Visit the official contest page for more information.

 

 

 

 

You don’t need to travel far from cities to visit Narnia. This 7 gill shark was photographed in a kelp forest just off the shore of Simonstown near Cape Town. Location: Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa

 

 

 

 

One of a series of aerial shots taken from a helicopter over the fabulous river deltas in South Iceland. This one depicts the end of the journey for one river as it winds its way to the ocean. The brilliant colors are a result of mineral deposits picked up by the glacial waters. We were lucky to shoot on a gorgeously sunny day which really brought out the colors.Location: South Iceland

 

 

 

 

Colorful market in Bangkok city, Thailand. Location: Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

 

 

 

 

A lonely zebra in the midst of a field full of flowers. Near Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, Africa.

 

 

 

 

In the still of a star lit night, buffalo cautiously approach to quench their thirst. A long exposure with light painting allows me to capture the moment forever. Location: South Africa

 

 

 

 

The youngsters are having fun at the roof top of the train. There are too many people who rushing home after the Bishwa Ijtema at Tongi train station of Bangladesh. Location: Bangladesh

 

 

 

 

This is taken from the 12th floor of a hostel. Me and my friends were amazed how beautiful is the night view, let alone the vibrant side of Ho Chi Minh City in the morning. Location: Cây Bàng Một, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

Taken on a clear day from the air. I was lucky enough to have my camera with me, and the weather was right for the shot. You can see the Bay Bridge in the foreground and the Golden Gate in the background. Location: Alameda Point, California, United States

 

 

 

 

Two Medicine Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana – We drove early morning from St. Mary’s Lodge to see the sunrise at Two Medicine lake in Glacier National Park. There were no clouds but the lake water was so calm, it created perfect reflection of the red light kissing the Sinopah Mountain. As there was no wind in the morning, the colorful rocks in the foreground were visible. Location: Two Medicine Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana

 

 

 

 

Elephants hold onto each others tails as they walk the fields of The Crags Elephant Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay. Location: Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

 

 

 

 

Fire on the ROCKS!

 

 

 

 

Over the last 7 years I had one aim – photograph rain in the driest desert of Africa. In 2015 finally I found the rain. In the breathtaking scenery of the Namibrand-Park right at the border of the Namib Naukluft Nationalpark. An enormous thunderstorm came in and the setting sun created a wonderful rainbow. The challenge was, to not have my shadow in the picture.

 

 

 

 

The shot is the result of a magical, powerful instant seen from the top of Sonchaux (CH), a day when the clouds were particularly low. I though I was like immersed in a fairytale, out of every human scale.

 

 

 

 

A beautiful sunrise in Tuscany. Location: San Quirico d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

 

 

 

 

In the Pavlodar region of northeast Kazakhstan, horsemen drive their herd to a corral where they’ll spend the night. Kazakhs must guard their animals at all times against horse thieves (a time-honored tradition in Kazakshtan) and predators like the steppe wolf. Pastoralists have lived in this region of Kazakhstan for at least 5,000 years. Archeologists have discovered the oldest-known remains of a domesticated horse at a sight located about 100 miles from where I took this picture. Location: Pavlodar, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan