“This Cuban barber has a shop in the run down building he lives in. He has managed to hook up water and electricity and has a steady flow of clients. I couldn't get enough of the atmosphere and visited the shop several times and each time was welcomed in with a smile”. (Photo by Kelly Beckta/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest





“Shepherds along with the herd dogs lead their flock of sheep and goats. This family was returning back after feasting on the lush meadows of Himalayas and moments later they all crossed Rupin Pass, to get back to their home. Most of the goats in the flock carry basic items shepherds need for their survival in this journey. The shepherd dogs are seen with a spiked collars around their necks, which is to give them a chance against an attack from the leopard or a bear”. (Photo by Nitish Thakur/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest)





“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)





“I arrived at Sol de Mañana Geysers in the early morning. The light condition was excellent during sun rising. Looking at the boiling mud pots and erupting geysers made me feel that I was back to the early earth about billion years ago. I was impressed with the spectacular landscape, gorgeous geothermal soil texture and amazing atmosphere. I am glad to have a chance to share this unforgettable moment with you all”. (Photo by King Ho Antony Tang/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest)





“The Mundari tribe is a tribal group in south sudan that haven’t changed their lifestyles much in centuries. The Mundari are one of the most prominent cattle herding tribes. They are primarily transhumant pastoralists, moving their herds of cattle to riverine pastures during the dry season and back to permanent settlements in savanna forest during the rains”. (Photo by Mattia Passarini/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest)





“Just at the time of sunrise a storm approached the south rim and I almost packed my gears. But it cleared for a temporary period of time giving this amazing view from Powell Point. My first trip to this magnificent Landmark left me speechless while I was clicking this shot”. (Photo by Naresh Balaguru/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest)





“Lava falls into the sea. Explosions occurred and there was warm smoke. My camera lens became fog up”. (Photo by by Tetsuya Nomura/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest)





“Teotihuacan means 'the place where the gods were created', and that's the feeling once you visit this archeological site of Mexico. This pyramid, the third-largest of Earth, was dedicated to the god of sun, and its geometrical perfection can only inspire admiration for the civilization that build it. The grandeur of this behemoth is even greater compared with those tiny dots of humanity in the frame. Seemingly insignificant, but in the end also the makers of this wonder”. (Photo by Enrico Pescantini/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest)





“Nakameguro cherry blossoms – Illuminated cherry blossoms at night were fantastic and beautiful”. (Photo by Hiroki Inoue/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest





“Took an early ride out from the camp in Masai Mara national park, searching for the great migration, where I saw a rhino from far away standing beside a tree. The back lit from the early sun was too strong, so I took a silhouette instead”. (Photo by Khai Chuin Sim/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest)