On Dale A. Browne’s first trip to Yellowstone, he “got the best shot” he’d ever taken after chasing this weasel for 30 minutes. The trip for the 58-year-old from Manassas, Va., was a gift from his wife and an opportunity to improve his photography skills with the help of guide and professional photographer Tom Murphy. (Murphy did not assist in the taking of this photo). (Photo by Dale A. Browne)

Competitors prepare backstage before the 2015 Brazil Miss and Mister Fitness contest in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 18, 2015. Some 96 men and women from all across the country competed in the event. (Photo by Paulo Whitaker/Reuters)

The overall winner of the 2013 Red Bull Illume photography competition from Lorenz Holder. (Photo by Lorenz Holder/Red Bull)

A dog dives during a pet dog swimming contest at the Taoyuan Pet Center on July 31, 2005 in Chengdu of Sichuan Province, southwest China. Over 30 dogs have attended the match. According to state media, with the country's pet population growing fast, analysts predict that the market potential for the “pet economy” in China could reach a minimum of RMB 15 billion (about USD 1.85 billion). (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

Honorable Mention: “The Storm”. During I was taking photo with my nephew, the storm came and I caught this beautiful moment. Photo location: Kocaeli, Turkey. (Photo and caption by Aytül Akbaş/National Geographic Photo Contest)

Lida Maisuradze, 82, (L) and Zurab Gogidze, 82, celebrate after wining the “Super Grandmother and Super Grandfather” contest in Tbilisi, January 5, 2015. Twenty-two participants aged over 70 from all over Georgia competed in the annual contest organised by charity house Catharsis. (Photo by David Mdzinarishvili/Reuters)

“Himalayan Dog”. This dog just appeared out of nowhere and followed us for an entire week during our trekking trip in the Himalayan outback. He always used to sleep in front of our tent and guarded us in the nights. When I decided to get up at 4 a.m. to climb the next 5000 m peak for sunrise he accompanied me as well. On the top he was sitting for the entire 30 minutes on this place looking straight into the countryside. Photo location: Ladakh, India. (Photo and caption by Sebastian Wahlhuetter/National Geographic Photo Contest)

“Lofoten Glow”. I was desperately searching a good sunrise spot this particular morning. Normally Storvatnet Lake is completely covered in snow, so you can only imagine my surprise when I saw these crazy ice formations almost being shot out of the frozen lake. I put my crampons on and took a big risk walking out. I could hear the ice cracking underneath my feet, and when you’re all alone in a fjord/canyon like this – the cracks are echoed and sound really frightening. Was it worth it? I sure think so! Photo location: Storvatnet, Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway. (Photo and caption by Stian Klo/National Geographic Photo Contest)