A tree dreaming by Christian Spencer
In the Strezlecki desert of Australia a flock of galahs replenish on the only small water available at the base of this lonely tree. It’s a rare photo opportunity to get such a clear and symmetrical shot of these beautiful birds in flight in the middle of the desert.
Location: Strezlecki desert, Australia
The 2014 National Geographic Photo Contest is currently underway and entries have been pouring in from all over the world.
Both professional and amateur photographers are invited to submit their best photographs in the people, places, and nature categories til 31 October 2014.
Last year’s contest saw a whooping 7,000 entries from 150 countries, while this year’s has received nearly 2,000 entries.
The winner of the Grand Prize will receive $10,000 and a trip to the National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar in January 2015.
Check out some of the entries below and head over to the National Geographic website to view more.
Arctic Hi five by Colin Mackenzie
Two Polar bear cubs full of adrenaline on iceflow in Svalbard. The mother was just trying to have a quiet stroll but the cubs were not having any of that. This was the male cub and he just was so entertaining to watch.
Location: Svalbard
20’000 Leagues Under The Sea by Marc Henauer
This picture show a geuine Industrial Diver System since 1895. It is part of the collection of an old retired diver who worked during the 1950s with this equipment in Lake Geneva. The equipment weighed 140 pounds and more air is supplied by a pump activated manually by two persons. The equipment is preserved in its original condition and works perfectly. This allowed us to try it in real conditions and achieve this photo.
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Above Big Sur by Douglas Croft
I’d gone to Big Sur to watch the gray whale migration from the cliffs, but it was too foggy to even see the water. I decided to hike up the Baronda Trail to see if I could get above the fog. This view was my reward. Miles of lupine and blue skies. Outstanding!
Location: Big Sur, California
Sunward by Hasan Baglar
When the Mediterrenean Mantis opened its wings, It seemed very impressive at the sunshine...
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Searching for Love by Spencer Black
Blue Ghost Fireflies in Brevard, North Carolina. Blue Ghost fireflies are unique because they stay lit and only hover about a foot off the ground.
Location: Brevard, North Carolina
[via Twisted Sifter, images and captions by various photographers via 2014 National Geographic Photo Contest]