The cast of “Transparent” pose in various positions as they arrive at The HBO Golden Globe After Party in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. (Photo by Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)

With its huge eyes, comical name and diminutive size, Mark R. Smith’s image of a baby Hawaiian bobtail squid can’t help but raise a smile. A curiously endearing creature, the cephalopod is just 1.5cm across, its mantle cavity bearing more than a passing resemblance to a rather natty shower cap. But it is also a beautiful example of symbiosis – nature’s version of “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” – for on the underside of the squid is a light organ which houses bioluminescent bacteria. The squid offers the bacteria protection and food, while the bacteria emit a glow – a handy trait that the squid uses to offset its silhouette, helping it to evade predators in the depths below. Mark R. Smith’s entry combines several images of a Hawaiian bobtail squid with different focus lengths to create a final picture with greater depth of field than normal. (Photo by Mark R. Smith/Wellcome Images/Macroscopic Solutions)

Since its unveiling in 2006 this masterpiece created by Frank Gehry to house the Hotel Marqués de Riscal has become a highly sought after contemporary, luxury retreat. Design, art, gastronomy, wine and the lush landscape all combine to create a memorable sojourn.

The largest island, also called Socotra, is about 95% of the landmass of the archipelago. It lies some 240 kilometres (150 mi) east of the Horn of Africa and 380 kilometres (240 mi) south of the Arabian Peninsula. The island is very isolated and through the process of speciation, a third of its plant life is found nowhere else on the planet. It has been described as the most alien-looking place on Earth. The island measures 132 kilometres (82 mi) in length and 49.7 kilometres (30.9 mi) in width.

Revelers take a selfie during a Holi Festival in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, April 26, 2015. The festival is based on the Hindu spring festival Holi, also known as the festival of colours where participants colour each other with dry powder and coloured water. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/AP Photo)

A man paddles a makeshift boat along a flooded street in Guasdualito, in the state of Apure, Venezuela, July 4, 2015. A total of 9,000 families have been affected by the overflowing of rivers Arauca and Sarare in Guasdualito, Apure state, because of the heavy rains in recent days in this area of the country, local media reported. (Photo by Carlos Eduardo Ramirez/Reuters)