The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is seen over the sky near the village of Pallas (Muonio region) of Lapland, Finland September 8, 2017. (Photo by Alexander Kuznetsov/Reuters)
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and these striking images of 2017 are no exception. The photo highlights include incredible snapshots of the natural world as well as some awesome animal and human encounters. The vibrant gallery also shows thrill-seekers pushing themselves to the limit with breathtaking stunts captured in perfect clarity. The pictures have been taken by a host of photographers from around the world. Here: The two lion cubs singing their hearts out at Antelope park in Zimbabwe. (Photo by David Jenkins/Caters News Agency)
In this photo taken on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, dancers of the U.S. company “Catapult” create a group of ostriches, during their show “Magic Shadows”, in Milan, Italy. Dancers in the company create shadow sculptures with their bodies, giving a contemporary twist to the ancient Chinese art of shadow theaters. (Photo by Luca Bruno/AP Photo)
“These Rajasthani sisters were sitting on the staircase inside their house relaxing and enjoy a cup of masala chai”. (Photo by Firdaus Hadzri/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest)
A man poses for a picture in front of Christmas lights decoration at the Francisco Morazan square in San Salvador, El Salvador, December 22, 2020. (Photo by Jose Cabezas/Reuters)
California-based photographer Seth Casteel made his name taking photographs of dogs underwater, but before that, he was snapping cats on land. In fact, they were his first animal subjects. Casteel’s new book, Pounce – a follow-up to his bestselling Underwater Dogs and Underwater Puppies – features more than 80 photographs of playful cats doing what they do best. Here: Fuzzbucket. (Photo by Seth Casteel/Hachette Australia)