“Touring the Koko-en Gardens adjacent to the Himeji castle was an unexpected highlight of our visit”, wrote Jeff Solar, 64, of Silver Spring, Md., about his trip to Japan. “The fall colors were outstanding and the gardens were both amazing and a bargain (just a few Yen added to the cost of the Himeji Castle admission)”. (Photo by Jeff Solar/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)

A woman looks at model of the Cathedral Mosque in Kazan, during the 28th International Exhibition – Forum of Architecture and Design “Arch Moscow” in Moscow, Russia, 24 May 2023. Arch Moscow is one of the oldest architectural and construction exhibitions in Moscow. The 28th International Exhibition – Forum of Architecture and Design takes place from 24 May to 27 May 2023. (Photo by Yuri Kochetkov/EPA/EFE/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

With the world feeling more distant than ever, photographers were this year called on to translate their vision of the new humanity into images seen through their own eyes. Here: May. (Photo by Ami Vitale/2021 Lavazza Calendar)

“Sunward”. When the Mediterrenean Mantis opened its wings, It seemed very impressive at the sunshine... Photo location: Nicosia, Cyprus. (Photo and caption by Hasan Baglar/National Geographic Photo Contest)

A man walks past an advertisement sign promoting a bank in Seoul in this September 3, 2009 file photo. South Korea is expected to release GDP dara this week. (Photo by Lee Jae-Won/Reuters)

Georgie Bain takes a selfie with her horse in “Best Friends” in Aberdeen, United Kingdom, Date Unknown. For the first time, the founders of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have launched a photography award show giving proud pet owners a chance to show off their quirky pets. (Photo by Georgie Bain/Barcroft Images/Comedy Pet Photography Awards)

Members of the audience sit in the centre of the catwalk as the watch models for the C/MEO Collective walk by at Fashion Week Australia in Sydney on May 17, 2017. (Photo by Jason Reed/Reuters)