“In beard and hat”; Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2013. (Photo by Giulio Magnifico)

“I started photography in June 2009. At the time, I was searching for a way to express both the rigorous scientist and the creative artist in me. There are few hobbies that let these two approaches work together, so I really was enthusiastic about it: I am now spending all my free time studying various techniques, contemplating others' fantastic work, and of course, making pictures”. – Christophe Kiciak. Photo: “The Hero”. (Photo by Christophe Kiciak)

“Anne Sudworth is a British artist internationally known for her paintings of magical trees and haunting moonlit landscapes”. – Wikipedia. Photo: Anne Sudworth – “Gowrim Idhree”.

A round circle of smoke coming from the mouth of the Etna volcano is seen in the sky during an eruption on the southern Italian island of Sicily April 11, 2013. Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. (Photo by Antonio Parrinello/Reuters)

Participants dressed as Santa Claus take part in the Great Edinburgh Santa Run on December 11, 2011 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Around a thousand people took part in the annual fundraising event, with all money raised being donated to the charity “When You Wish Upon a Star”. (Photo by Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)

A man walks on the Cobb as storm waves break behind on December 13, 2011 in Lyme Regis, England. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Full-length portrait of happy girls wears high heel shoes dancing at party under confetti. Indoor photo of funny ladies chilling at home during christmas celebration and drinking champagne. (Photo by Look Studio/Shutterstock)

“Himalayan Dog”. This dog just appeared out of nowhere and followed us for an entire week during our trekking trip in the Himalayan outback. He always used to sleep in front of our tent and guarded us in the nights. When I decided to get up at 4 a.m. to climb the next 5000 m peak for sunrise he accompanied me as well. On the top he was sitting for the entire 30 minutes on this place looking straight into the countryside. Photo location: Ladakh, India. (Photo and caption by Sebastian Wahlhuetter/National Geographic Photo Contest)