“After an afternoon of hiking and exploring the caves of Rhossili Bay, West Glamorgan, we caught the sun breaking through the clouds”. (Photo by Megan Warren-Davis/The Guardian)

Runner-up. “The heavens opened and the streets around Shibuya, Tokyo, were suddenly drenched in even more colour and movement. I was taking photos (my friend was holding the umbrella) when I noticed this woman at the crossing. I’m pleased with the futuristic feel of the image”. (Photo by Katherine Bridgestock/The Guardian)

When Dutch photographer Marcel Heijnen moved to Hong Kong, the territory’s shop cats instantly caught his eye. While the “feline emperors” are the stars, his shots also offer insights into Hong Kong’s wares, from dried fish to paper. Here: Hong Kong Shop Cats #17. (Photo by Marcel Heijnen/Blue Lotus)

A bird flies over the abandoned giant sculpture of a Buddhist monk in Cha-am outside Hua Hin, 145km south of Bangkok, on February 25, 2021. (Photo by Mladen Antonov/AFP Photo)

Smoke billows from the Mt Etna volcano as seen from Linguaglossa, Sicily on Monday, August 9, 2021. Europe's most active volcano remains active scattering ashes around a vastly populated area on its slopes. (Photo by Marco Restivo/Barcroft Media via Getty Images)

Russian cadet preparing before the International Kremlin Cadet Ball in Moscow, Russia 12 December 2017. More than 1500 students from all Russian cadets school attend in Cadet Ball. (Photo by Yuri Kochetkov/EPA/EFE)

Three young women sprint for cover after getting caught but they were laughing with joy. Fun for some – not so much for others. Leaping over and into puddles. Torrential rain and lightning and thunder in North London Highgate on August 17, 2022. Storm drenched people out and created huge puddles for traffic People ran to escape. (Photo by Gavin Rodgers/Pixel8000)

The Eiffel Tower is illuminated during the traditional Bastille Day fireworks display in Paris, July 14, 2013. (Photo by Fred Dufour/AFP Photo)