Photographers everywhere, clean your lens and get the tripods out because the 2016 National Geographic Natural Photographer of the Year competition is in full swing.
National Geographic has become almost synonymous with quality photographing. The images their magazine showcases are nothing short of breathtaking, lending a lot of weight to the articles they accompany. Each year, the publication calls out to all photographers out there for the most amazing pieces of nature they can capture under the Natural Photographer awards.
And that time is now.
“The 2016 Nature Photographer of the Year contest is an opportunity for photographers to show us the power of nature and their love of it through their imagery,” said Sarah Leen, director of photography for National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Partners.
This year’s photographs will be judged in four categories: Landscape, Environmental Issues, Action, and Animal Portraits.
“The four categories of this year’s contest will give photographers a chance to capture the complexity and beauty found in the world around us. We anticipate compelling and revealing images,” added senior producer for National Geographic Travel and manager of National Geographic photo contests Sarah Polger.
The contest will end on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 12 p.m. EDT (U.S.). So while we can expect to see many more amazing shots uploaded, here are some highlights of the submissions so far. Sit back, and let’s enjoy some tiny — but beautiful — pieces of nature.
“Long exposure shot taken from the top of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon Trail. The moss covered cliffs surrounding the river shows how calm and lively mother nature can truly be,” Alejandro said.
“While looking for alligators at a swamp in Louisiana, this beautiful little creature wanders out of the murky waters right into the morning light, pausing just long enough to capture,” Aikawa said.
Really good shot.
“A storm was rolling in from the west and the few of us gathered for sunrise were watching and hoping that day would break before the rains came. The moment the sun peeked above the horizon, we were hit with incredible winds and sideways driving rain. My husband jumped behind me to block the blowing sand and to try to shelter me from the wind. I kept shooting as the skies lit up, while gripping the tripod to keep it steady. This image is the result of those efforts from this memorable sunrise!” said Lidja.
Zoli captured this “breathtaking view of Valle de La Luna from Piedra del Coyote, San Pedro de Atacama, north of Chile.”
Brown Bears, Katmai National Park, Alaska.
Jellyfish.
“A Snowy Owl lands on Jones Beach New York from out over the Ocean where it captured a Loon. It stands over its prey while tenderizing it with its talons,” Dere adds.
“An unusual and intricate spider-web shaped rice field in Cancar – Flores, Indonesia,” Wendy recals.
I’ve left these two for last so you can compare them. We’ve at a point where we can easily choose one world or the other.
“A quarter century ago, scientists warned that if we kept burning fossil fuel at current rates would melt the Arctic. The fossil fuel industry (and most everyone else in power) ignored those warnings, and what do you know: The Arctic is melting, to the extent that people now are planning to race yachts through the Northwest Passage, which until very recently required an icebreaker to navigate.” New York Times, May 12, 2015.
Midway-Sunset, California. Aerial photo.
“Early this morning we were on our way for hiking at the Bruce Peninsula National Park. The sun was rising, it was misty, eerie and we did not see very far away when suddenly these wind turbines appeared out of the mist. It was quite spectacular,” according to Alary.
I know which one I’d pick.
If you’re a photographer and would want to submit a picture to the contest, you can do so here. The entry fee is US$15 per shot.
The grand-prize winner will receive a 10-day trip for two to the Galápagos with National Geographic Expeditions and two 15-minute image portfolio reviews with National Geographic photo editors. You can see all the details and official contest rules here.
