Magic moments: 10 mind-blowing photos of the year
Some capture moments of extraordinary humanity, others the grandeur of nature or simple, breathtaking geography – all are guaranteed to inspire.
National Geographic Magazine has been documenting the wonders of people, places and nature for generations and its latest photographic contest does all that and more. (You can find the full gallery here, and the entries page here.)
Thanks to the organisers of the competition, an annual event that attracts thousands of entries from photographers around the world, we are able to present a selection of the entries vying for first prize – $10,000 and a trip to the National Geographic headquarters in Washington D.C for an exclusive photography seminar. The winner will be announced next week.
In the meantime, enjoy some of the fancied finalists.
Photo and caption by Graham McGeorge/National Geographic Photo Contest
Eastern Screech Owls like to take over woodpecker nests that have been dug out over the years in pine trees. They can range in height from 20-25 cms, so you have to have a sharp eye to find these little birds of prey. I spent the first few weeks of April this year photographing the grey morph screech owl that was living in the nest and had no idea there were three owlets inside.
Photo and caption by Amanda Rust /National Geographic Photo Contest
Every summer solstice, locals in Iceland hike the Skogar to Thorsmork trail. Taking nearly 8 hours to complete, you can approach Thorsmork right as the sun starts to “rise” again. A few fellow hikers up ahead navigate the steep terrain.
Photo and caption by Gavin Hardcastle /National Geographic Photo Contest
Autumn sun pours into Punch Bowl Falls in Oregon to create some stunning atmospherics. I didn’t have long to capture the moving light beams so I frantically started shooting as soon as I arrived on the scene.
Photo and caption by Scott Bechtel /National Geographic Photo Contest
While photographing hummingbirds near Cranbrook in British Columbia I shot this male Rufous hummingbird just as he fanned out to show his authority when another male Rufous appeared over my head.
Photo and caption by Graham Erik Mandre/National Geographic Photo Contest
The picture is captured using special hide placed in the primeval forest in Finland. High trees offer protection to the brown bear cubs being vitally important to survive from all dangers around them. Bear cubs are threatened especially by the other male bears, who might attack and take their lives without any doubt. Thus fast climbing on trees is one of the most important skills for bear cubs in order to survive and they are always ready for it.
Photo and caption by Erin Wallis/National Geographic Photo Contest
Westley Wade was born prematurely at 28 weeks due to complications with pre-eclampsia. In this image, his adoring parents were just told that depending on test results their baby who weighed less than one kilogram could potentially need heart surgery. As his parents emotionally looked down at him through cords and wires, this warrior newborn (4 day old) baby boy Westley shot his hand up straight for them as if to let them know, that everything would be all right. Gratefully, it was and is. Westley is now 4.8 kilos at 4.5 months and continues to amaze everyone who crosses his path.
Photo and caption by Christopher Port /National Geographic Photo Contest
Our two-year-old son playing in the dirt with our dog Raine.
Photo and caption by Teruo Araya/National Geographic Photo Contest
Taken at Mishima town in Fukushima pref. The first train goes across the railway bridge in morning mist. The train moves slowly forward little by little.
Photo and caption by Antonio Chiumenti /National Geographic Photo Contest
Carezza Lake is a pearl of the Dolomites. Nestled between an ancient forest of grand firs and the Latemar Mountain is a place of legends and beauty. A nymph “lives” under its emerald waters. I threw a little stone in the water to add a little mystery to the scene.
Got an image that you think could make the cut? Email it to [email protected] or upload it on Instagram or Twitter and tag us!
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