A man stands on a mountain summit as he looks over the Inntal valley in the western Austrian village of Gnadenwald, Austria on July 18, 2017. (Photo by Dominic Ebenbichler/Reuters)

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and these striking images of 2017 are no exception. The photo highlights include incredible snapshots of the natural world as well as some awesome animal and human encounters. The vibrant gallery also shows thrill-seekers pushing themselves to the limit with breathtaking stunts captured in perfect clarity. The pictures have been taken by a host of photographers from around the world. Here: The two lion cubs singing their hearts out at Antelope park in Zimbabwe. (Photo by David Jenkins/Caters News Agency)

“The Reward”. “A spot that a friend and I found that takes a bit of effort to get to. Needs the right swell and wind direction to come together for the backwash to really happen. We had been many times with OK results, but this morning everything lined up perfectly and I was rewarded with this split-second moment in time under some amazing morning light”. (Photo by Scott Harrison/2019 UK Surf Photo of the Year)

“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)

A photo from Madonna’s high school yearbook at her childhood home in Rochester, Michigan, circa 1973. (Photo by Rebel Images/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Balloons light up as they are tethered to the ground as they take part in the night glow during the Isle of Wight Balloon Festival at Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, England on Saturday, May 27, 2023. (Photo by Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images)

Colorful hot air balloons glide across the Qicai Danxia scenic area in Zhangye City, northwest China's Gansu Province on August 17, 2023. (Photo by Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Big waves approach the beach of Nazare, Portugal, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The high waves were caused by strong winds at one of the world's most popular surf spots. (Photo by Michael Probst/AP Photo)