After reviewing nearly 18,000 photographs, the judges of this year’s National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest have decided upon the winning photos.
Ten pictures won the top prizes, which included photographic travel expeditions to destinations, such as Costa Rica and the United States, photography courses and gift vouchers.
Photographs were entered into four categories: Travel Portraits, Outdoor Scenes, Sense of Place and Spontaneous Moments.
The Traveler Photo Contest sheds light on hidden moments, and the diverse beauty of people and places, in every corner of the world.
First place:
A humpback whale and her newborn calf swim alongside scuba divers near Roca Partida island, in the Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico. Photographer: Anuar Patjane.
Second place:
Gravel workmen looking through the window of their workplace in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Photographer: Faisal Azim.
Third place:
Riders in Oman take part in traditional camel racing or Camel Ardah. Photographer: Ahmed Al Toqi.
Head to National Geographic to view all competition entries.