‘Grand Canyon just after the rain’ by Naresh Balaguru / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest. Just at the time of sunrise, a storm approached the south rim and I almost packed my gears. But it cleared for a temporary period of time giving this amazing view from Powell Point. My first trip to this magnificent landmark left me speechless while I was clicking this shot.
Travel photographers take notice, the 2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year contest is now accepting entries. Photographers from around the world are encouraged to submit images that “tell the story of a place and travel moments that inspire others to explore our world.” The winning photographer will receive a grand prize of $10,000 and the title of National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year.
Last year, Sergio Tapiro Velasco took home the grand prize for his incredible photo of the Colima Volcano eruption in Mexico, and so far, there are some really promising early entries in this year’s competition. Across three categories—Cities, People, and Nature—travel photographers are using their creativity to capture the spirit and energy of international locations. Among the entrants are familiar faces like Mattia Passarini, who we’ve had the pleasure of talking to about his work documenting indigenous tribes around the globe.
Photographers have until May 31, 2018 to enter the contest, with no limit on the number of photos they can submit. In addition to the grand prize, two additional category winners will receive $2,500 each. Check the contest page each week to see editor’s top picks and download wallpapers of your favorite photos.
Entries to the 2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year contest demonstrate how travel photographers can visually inspire travelers.
‘Early Earth’ by King Ho Antony Tang / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest. I arrived at the Sol de Mañana geysers in the early morning. The light condition was excellent during the sun rising. Looking at the boiling mud pots and erupting geysers made me feel that I was back to early earth about billion years ago. I was impressed with the spectacular landscape, gorgeous geothermal soil texture, and amazing atmosphere. I am glad to have a chance to share this unforgettable moment with you all.
‘Rhino Silhouette’ by Khai Chuin Sim / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest. Took an early ride out from the camp in Masai Mara national park, searching for the great migration, where I saw a rhino from far away standing beside a tree. The backlightt from the early sun was too strong, so I took a silhouette instead.
‘Tamam’ by Mattia Passarini / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest. The Mundari tribe is a tribal group in South Sudan that hasn’t changed their lifestyles much in centuries. The Mundari are one of the most prominentcattle-herdingg tribes. They are primarily transhumant pastoralists, moving their herds of cattle to riverine pastures during the dry season and back to permanent settlements in savanna forest during the rains.
‘My Camel My Shield’ by Sabbyy Sg / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest. This was shot in Pushkar, Rajasthan during the famous camel fair which is being held there every year. This fair also attracts many tourists from all over the world.
Herders from around all over India gather at one place and trade, buy, sell their camels.
it is one of the biggest camel fairs in the World.
‘Lava falls’ Lava falls into the sea by by Tetsuya Nomura / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest. Explosions occurred and there was warm smoke. My camera lens became fog up.
‘Sisters’ by Firdaus Hadzri / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest. These Rajasthani sisters were sitting on the staircase inside of their house relaxing and enjoy a cup of masala chai.
‘Nakameguro Cherry Blossoms’ by Hiroki Inoue / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest. Illuminated cherry blossoms at night were fantastic and beautiful.
‘Geometry of the Sun’ by Enrico Pescantini / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest. Teotihuacan means ‘the place where the gods were created’, and that’s the feeling once you visit this archeological site of Mexico.
This pyramid, the third-largest of Earth, was dedicated to the god of Sun, and its geometrical perfection can only inspire admiration for the civilization that built it.
The grandeur of this behemoth is even greater compared with those tiny dots of humanity in the frame. Seemingly insignificant, but in the end also the makers of this wonder.
‘Shepherd and the wolf’ by Nitish Thakur / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest. In the picture, the shepherds along with the herd dogs lead their flock of sheep and goats. This family was returning back after feasting on the lush meadows of Himalayas and moments later they all crossed Rupin Pass, to get back to their home. Most of the goats in the flock carry basic items shepherds need for their survival in this journey. The shepherd dogs are seen with spiked collars around their necks, which is to give them a chance against an attack from the leopard or a bear.