These National Geographic Photo Contest entries are preternaturally gorgeous

From magnificent landscapes to exotic animals, these photos do not disappoint

Published September 29, 2014 8:17PM (EDT)

Ladies with Conical hats going to the right while locals, Monks, Kids, tourist going to the left as they were walking on the U Bien Bridge made out of teakwood at Mandalay, Myanmar   (April Badilles, National Geographic 2014 Photo Contest)
Ladies with Conical hats going to the right while locals, Monks, Kids, tourist going to the left as they were walking on the U Bien Bridge made out of teakwood at Mandalay, Myanmar (April Badilles, National Geographic 2014 Photo Contest)

National Geographic Photo Contests are always reliable sources for some of the most amazing pictures of the stunningly diverse world we live in. Last year's competition received over 7,000 entries from more than 150 countries in the categories of nature, place and people. The submitting photographers come from a variety of backgrounds--from old pros to amateurs--and the only rule is to "keep it real." The Grand Prize winner will receive $10,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Geographic Photography Seminar in January of 2015.

This year's entries do not disappoint. We have compiled some of the best contenders in the slideshow below. Which are your favorites?

 

[slide_show id ="13784133"]


By Joanna Rothkopf

MORE FROM Joanna Rothkopf


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Beauty National Geographic Photo Contest 2014 Natural World Photography