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“Maldivian Teens”. These boys were relaxing on street seats in a small island town in the South Male Atoll. (Photo and caption by Jason Wajzer/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Waiting....” Old woman wating for donations. Location: Hue, Vietnam. (Photo and caption by Jola Retelska/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Girl's gaze”. I captured this photo in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in October 2011. I am intrigued by the intensity of this little girl's gaze. (Photo and caption by Sandra Tavares/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Sharing the Big Apple”. Inside and outside merge sweetness and circumstances in glass transparency and reflex – New York summer 2011. (Photo and caption by Iago Barbeiro/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Eyes”. At the hospital of Dadaab's Refugee Camp a weak little girl is hold by her mother. Location: Dadaab, Garissa District, North Eastern Province, Kenya. (Photo and caption by Lucas Mello/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Looking Back in Time”. While walking down the street in Old Havana, I was invited into this elderly woman's home. She was lying in bed and told me she wasn't feeling well. She asked if I had any aspirin which I did have in my purse. As I bent over to give it to her, I noticed this photograph on the nightstand beside her bed. It was taken of her many years before lying in the very same bed. I thought this was very cool. (Photo and caption by Terri Gross/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The great determination”. The Thaipusam devotees would shave their heads (chaulam) during the Thaipusam before their spiritual journey to fulfil vows and as a symbol of humility and penance. I choose to portrait this honest moment during hair shaving to etch out his inner heart and high level of spiritual commitment towards his fulfillment of his vows to the Lord from his eyes. His eyes demonstrated the spiritual energy, courage and willpower, the confidence to undertake any work or fulfil any dream. Location: Batu Caves, Malaysia. (Photo and caption by Yew Kiat Soh/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Old Smile”. One of the crafts which Lombok is famous for is textile weaving. This old lady was shot at the the small, traditional village that produces these unique and beautiful craftsmanship. Lombok, Indonesia. (Photo and caption by Rio Murti/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Third Place Winner: Devotees”. During the Easter holy celebration called “Misteri” in Trapani, the devotees carry the scenes of Christ’s passion on their shoulders all night long. When the day comes they take a break. National Geographic contributing photographer Alexandra Avakian, one of this year's judges, shares her thoughts on the third place winner: The light on the icon of Jesus is as critical to the success of this picture as the varied expressions on the men’s faces after an exhausting night carrying statues depicting the Passion of Christ. Recognizing when and how to balance different kinds of light in the same photo is something that can make the difference between a muddy and uninteresting picture and one that’s good, aesthetic, and full of content. This picture was taken at the port in the tuna-fishing town of Trapani, Sicily – a land known for its religious processions. The photographer was working at dawn to take this shot, often a necessity in any coverage of a place and/or event. (Photo and caption by Andrea Guarneri/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Miss Confidence”. Ruth stands in her newly won sash and tiara in her one room apartment that she shares with two other people. Ruth is three feet tall. She entered an able-bodied beauty pageant “Miss Fabulous Kenya” competing against hundreds of women. After three intense rounds she walked away with one of the top three prizes “Miss Confidence”. The pageant awarded her 5,000 Kenya Shillings, which paid for one months rent in her apartment. Location: Nairobi. (Photo and caption by Mia Collis/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Now, We Drink Chai”. No trip to India is complete without an aromatic cup of Chai Masala. But for me, this was an experience to remember. After discussing life with the store owner and eventually walking away with a few packets of Jodhpur's finest chai, this young boy offered my a cup of delicious hot chai. He then sat down across from me and said “Now, we drink chai”. (Photo and caption by Justin Pearson/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Boa Village, Solomon Islands”. I was invited to a friends wedding in the Solomon islands. I had the honour of spending 4 days in a very remote village only accessible by boat. Our hut was a few hundred feet into the forrest from the shoreline. After dinner I could see these amazing colours coming through the trees and i quickly grabbed my camera and ran to the beach. To my great surprise some of the chidden in the village were jumping rope. I played with my setting until I got a nice balance of motion and exposure. What an amazing evening. (Photo and caption by Philip Lanyon/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Charlie Chaplin”. The classic showman strikes a pose for my camera. He never repeats a single act or pose and spontaneously came up with something original for every individual he greets. I thought that was simply amazing. You too can meet the iconic character at Universal Studios Singapore! (Photo and caption by Andrew Ang Yuan Hann/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Elisabeth's gaze”. I made this portrait of Elisabeth Malgas at a local market in Soweto, Johannesburg. She had the most beautiful eyes I ever saw which resembled her personality. I passed the stand where she sold fruit a few times and after passing a 3rd time just right before it became embarrassing I asked her if I could make a picture of her. She didn't know what I was talking about because she only spoke the Xhosa language. A man who saw me making ridiculous hand gestures helped me out with the translation and after a bit explaining she happily agreed. (Photo and caption by Frank Trimbos/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Neima of Fooshegu”. This portrait is just one of a series of portraits meant to celebrate the relationship between Louisville, Kentucky and her Sister City, Tamale, Ghana. They are also meant to chronicle my time spent in the Fooshegu Village located just outside of Tamale. These faces will always be in Fooshegu Village, as most will never travel outside of Tamale. By photographing the people of Fooshegu at extremely close range, I hope to establish a connection between viewer and Neima thus giving an intimate and humanistic portrayal of the people of Tamale, Ghana. (Photo and caption by Lindsay Reinstatler/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Keeper of Culture”. A young man in Capri gazes pensively into my camera from behind a closed gate – a metaphor of the mysterious island culture that is about to be unlocked. Location: Capri, Italy. (Photo and caption by Julie Enfield/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Blindness”. This photo was taken during a protest against racism in Jerusalem, Israel. (Photo and caption by Galit Govezensky/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Doggone Trinidad de Cuba”. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Trinidad in Cuba's Sancti Spíritus province is a true time warp. With a complete absence of ATMs, cobblestoned streets awash with horse drawn carts, bikes and classic american cars, and pastel paitned buildings as colourful as the locals who live in them, you will be hard pressed to find a more charming, beautiful and inviting place to get lost in Cuba. We stayed with the infamous Julio Muñoz, his wife Rosa, and their menagerie of animals including Julio's 'baby', a horse named Luna and his effervescent dalmation Chloe, pictured here watching the street below. (Photo and caption by Leanne Churchill/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Afghan Boy With Wooden Rifle”. Future friend or foe? Location: Paktika Province, Afghanistan. (Photo and caption by Alex Manne/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Día de los Muertos”. It was the first time being in a “Day of the Dead” parade. It is interesting to see how Mexicans celebrate death rather than fear it. Location: Mérida, México. (Photo and caption by Patrick Chan/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Russians sun bathing in Vladivostok”. Surpising! 22°C in Vladivostok in October. People enjoy themselves on Russian beaches across from Japan. (Photo and caption by Eve Van Soens/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Woman, San Cristobal de Las Casas”. I saw this native woman when she was climbing the stairs to Guadalupe Chapel in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. I was heading downstairs. Our paths crossed and I turned around to take her picture. At this moment she paid a second of attention to me, then continued her way up. (Photo and caption by Raul Amaru Linares/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Fisherman's daughter”. Woman patiently stands in the room of an abandoned sugar factory. Location: Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil. (Photo and caption by Justin Meredith/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Wet”. A swollen creek bed in the desert near Broken Hill in Australia a local cools off. (Photo and caption by Miles Rowland/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The Art Dealer”. An art dealer at his office desk, shot in Jaffa's flea market, Israel. (Photo and caption by Lior Patel/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Amazon Boatman”. This indigenous Kichwa boatman was our taxi on a recent trip to the Amazon region of Ecuador. It was amazing the control he had over his dugout canoe, which was probably 30 feet long. At one point we had all given up hope when we were caught in the jungle during a flash flood, but he got us out. All without changing facial expressions. Location: San Jose De Payamino, Orellana, Ecuador. (Photo and caption by Howard Stanton/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Young Protester in Tahrir Square”. Thousands of Egyptians gathered in Tahrir Square on Friday, April 13, 2012 to protest the presidential campaign of Omar Suleiman, a longtime spy chief under the government of former President Hosni Mubarak. I spent a few hours observing and photography this event. This picture, of a young boy holding up a peace sign, is my favorite. (Photo and caption by Jason Stramaglia/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The Mark of Time”. Two elder women from the village Stoilovo sit down to enjoy the festivities at the annual Zelenika Festival that takes place in the Strandja mountains just outside of Stoilovo. The festival celebrates the flowering of the Strandja Zelenika, a plant that is indigenous to the Strandja mountains. Location: Stoilovo, Bulgaria. (Photo and caption by Daniel Scott/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Lost in Moroc”. A weeks trip into the Sahara towards Algiers. Snapped this one of my guide in morning after finishing our Morrocan tea. (Photo and caption by Greg Slick/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Jewels of the Kalahari”. While volunteering in Botswana last year, I took a San Bushman walking tour near the town of Ghanzi. The Hunter-Gatherer life of the San Bushman has all but disappeared and there are few remaining Bushmen who still retain the survival skills of their ancient way of life. This tour gave us a fascinating glimpse of how the San adapted to living in the Kalahari Desert. The two women in the image caught my attention as the golden evening light lit up their smiling faces. It is a reminder of the warmth and beauty of these amazing people, yet sadly of a fast disappearing unique and ancient culture. (Photo and caption by Jacqueline Deely/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Himalaya Boy”. The children met in April 2010 at an altitude of 5200 meters Nyalam Pass (behind the snow-capped mountains Shishapangma 8012 meters above sea level). Location: Tibet, China. (Photo and caption by Adam Wang/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The peacock girl”. This little girl was with feathers of peacock. Location: Kalyani, West-Bengal. (Photo and caption by Sanghamitra Sarkar/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Touareg in blue”. Portrait of a Touareg in Segou, Sahel, Mali. (Photo and caption by Anthony Pappone/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Koranic school”. Koranic school in the alleys of Djenne, Sahel, Mali. (Photo and caption by Anthony Pappone/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Late Night Snack”. Corn stand open late in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo and caption by Hilary Schleier/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“South Dakota Ranch Life”. With the sunsetting to their back three young ranchers stop and pose for a portrait while having a cigarette at the end of a hard days work. (Photo and caption by Michael Blount/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Dancing on the Great Wall ”. Saw several college students were laughing, dancing and having fun at the China Great Wall while I were hiking at a wild and unmaintained section of the Great Wall. I asked them posted for me. This is one of shot. I feel it represents the current status of China: a old structure with an energetic and young generation runs on. (Photo and caption by Kevin Shi/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Working in the hell”. This shot was done in a moment of break of this young guy who works every day as a miner of sulfur in the crater of the volcano Kawa Ijen, southeast of the of Java island, Indonesia. Is one of the most wasting jobs imaginable, work in extreme conditions with high temperatures, toxic exhalations that burning eyes and lungs. The stated life expectancy is 50 years and this guy is more fortunate than other boys like him because he can afford the luxury of working with a mask to filter toxic substances. (Photo and caption by Dario Ruta/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Tribal Africa: Mursi Woman”. This shot was taken during a trek through southern Ethiopia. The elderly woman from the Mursi Tribe pulled me down towards her banda, where I used the dark background to snap her in full regalia. The Mursi use paint and elaborate headdresses as part of the daily appearance. The woman lip is also stretched which is indicative of the Mursi and Surma people of the Lower Omo. The lip is usually stretched around a ceramic plate, which is first inserted when the girl reaches the age of 16. (Photo and caption by Ben Hogarth/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Companions”. While travelling through remote parts of Inle Lake, I came across this monk who chose to live in complete isolation. The young cat was his only companion. Location: Indein, Inle Lake, Burma (Myanmar). (Photo and caption by Leon Shkolnik/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Joyful”. Kids are enjoying themselves inside a Jeepney. Their smiles make me feel peaceful and joyful. I think this should be the pure happiness for them. Location: Cebu City, Philippines. (Photo and caption by Mac Kwan/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Visually Impaired Malawian Albino Girl Stands In The Dusty Road”. In the dusty road, wearing a beautiful white dress stands a timid little albino girl. Clutching hat and paper she remains quietly still. Afternoon light seeps through trees making her glow angelically. Visually impaired she lives in Malingunde Village attending school at the Special Needs Education Resource Centre along with other such challenged Malawian children. Location: Special Needs Education Resource Centre, Malingunde Village, Malawi, Africa. (Photo and caption by Mark Wessels/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The Last Kalinga Tattoo Artist”. A fascinating culture of the Igorot people brought me and my girlfriend to Kalinga. Head-hunting ceased decades ago, however, the motifs of Kalinga tattoos and the way they are being tattoed remains the same (charcoal and an orange thorn). We decided to visit this beautiful tribeswoman who is the last Kalinga tattoo artist. After a few days, long hours spent on buses and jeepneys, we were lucky to find a local guide Francis who brought us to Buscalan. We were overwhelmed how hospitable and friendly she is. Her natural beauty and her tattoo tempted me to ask her for a pose outside her dwelling. Location: Buscalan village, Kalinga, North Luzon, Philippines. (Photo and caption by Michal Duchek/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“By train in Madagascar”. Travelling by train in Madagascar, from Fianarantsoa to Manakara is an unique experience. It´s a well worth opportunity to visit rural areas, see local markets and enjoying the scenary. But you have to be paicent....15 hours to travel less than 300 kms. Stops can be very long, as they load and unload fruits and other things. The photo was taken during one of these long stops and we can see a young boy wearing a local hat from the mayor tribe living in the area of Manakara. (Photo and caption by Yolanda Etxauri/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Milking a Yak”. Nomad woman milking a yak on the grasslands of Sichuan, China after a snowfall the night before. (Photo and caption by John Quintero/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Ecuadorian Chagra”. An Ecuadorian chagra (cowboy) surveys the landscape of Tierra de Volcan, at the foot of Cotopaxi. (Photo and caption by Steve Bouey/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“On the Stairs”. While climbing Chongqing's famous stairs to city centre, this young girl called out to me. She didn't speak any English, but her grandfather tried desperately to get her to say “Hello”. Location: Chongqing, China. (Photo and caption by Megan Steen/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“iPod Love”. I saw this couple happily sharing an iPod while waiting for my flight in the Zurich airport. I thought it spoke well to technology and a little bit of love:) Location: Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo and caption by Angie McMonigal/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“It Starts from Here”. This is a photo of enormous personal value to me. When I travel, I am always most fascinated by the people I encounter. I want to take photos of them in their daily lives but it never felt quite right to point a camera at someone and then nonchalantly walk away. During a trip to Havana, I did something very simple that changed how I approach photography ever since. I asked these people if I could take a photo of them. And they said, “Yes”. Location: Havana, Cuba. (Photo and caption by Mengsu Chang/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Flying the Exuma Islands in a canoe with wings”. Flying over the Exuma Islands of the Bahamas in a twin engine canoe with wings, a mounted camera with a remote trigger allowed this photographer to capture the moment forever. Location: Exuma Islands, Bahamas. (Photo and caption by Leona Boyd/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Vegetable Seller in Tibetan Exile Town McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, North India”. Every morning this Indian vegetable seller would greet me with a piping hot glass of chai tea and a smile. The fresh and cool air up in the hill station of McLeod Ganj turns the Tibetan exile town into a busy tourist spot in summer when the rest of India becomes unbearably hot. In the spring time, as this photo was taken, it was wonderfully quiet. The Dalai Lama had just left town and so I had beautifully peaceful mornings to myself, to photograph... and drink chai. (Photo and caption by Christina Julius/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Granny and me”. A Tibetan grandmother and her granddaughter at the door of their tent in remote Amdo province of historical Tibet at 4400mts high. Nicolas Marino(Photo and caption by /National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Gone with the wind”. A bagpiper waiting for a wedding party almost loses his hat on a windy day in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo and caption by Lola Akerstrom/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The souls thief”. I captured this photo last year in Delhi. When I looked through the camera she stared at me and started to move from side to side. I often heard of ancient cultures whose members believed their souls could be stolen by taking pictures of them, so they generally refused to be photographed. In this case it was different. In fact, it was me who was intimidated by her movement and her penetrating gaze. In the few seconds we looked at each other, I really felt as if she was trying to capture my soul... and in some way, she did. (Photo and caption by Carlos Rodríguez/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Hitchcock”. While visiting an orphanage in a Tibetan area of Sichuan, China the boys were fascinated with a sick bird looking for refuge in their kitchen. I was able to capture this image as they were passing the bird around from boy to boy. (Photo and caption by Nicole Todd/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Super Enerji”. Taken on my road trip through Turkey. (Photo and caption by Michelle Brandemuehl/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Grandmother”. This is a portrait of a grandmother from a Chin Village near Mrauk U. This women showed me around her village and told me the story of her tattoo that she received when she was a teenager, once a right of passage. Eventually these tattoos were banned in the state and the grandmothers are the only ones left with these intricate designs on their faces. I stayed at the village till almost sunset, villagers began to burn fires to keep warm as the night air was quite cold as I was leaving I asked if I could take her portrait just as the sun was shining below and caught the smoke from the fires. Location: Chin Village, near Mrauk U, Myanmar. (Photo and caption by Sarah Baker/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“99 is just a number”. In Spiti Valley, due to living conditions 100 years is an average age. A Grandmother, 99 years old, does her prayer. Location: Langzai Village, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. (Photo and caption by Aditya Mendiratta/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Fisherman VII – Holbox, Mexico 20110915, by Björn Jonas”. Part of a portrait-series of old men captured on the small island of Holbox in the Mexican Gulf. Even though the Hotel-industry is big on the island a lot of the nature is still untouched. Cars are forbidden on the island and the nature is very important for the people living on the island. (Photo and caption by Björn Jonas Larsson/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Kawnedape's Goat”. I was staying with a Himba family in Northern Namibia. During my stay I developed a close friendship with one of the families daughters, Kawnedape. Every morning I would rise before dawn to photograph the morning murmurs through out the village. Regardless how early I rose, Kawnedape would have already beaten me as she began to set about her mornings duties and she would always be closely followed by her little goat that bleated as it followed her around the village in the early morning light. I wanted an image that would always remind me of these early mornings and Kawnedape's goat. Location: Epupa, Namibia. (Photo and caption by Ben McRae/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Father”. I spent a day with him and his wife, telling them things about Singapore where I previously spent three months. I had all their attention. Their son migrated to Singapore two years ago to work in construction. They haven't seen him since then. Location: Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, India. (Photo and caption by Manuel Valcarce/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Shaft Of Light”. This photograph was taken in the house of the two ladies in a rural village. Daylight streamed through the window to provide light in the house. When natural light is unavailable, wood fire is lit to provide light and warmth. Location: Shangri-la, Yunnan, China. (Photo and caption by G Huin/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Sunset near the Ho Chi Minh Trail”. The end of another hot day at the start of this harvest season as a farmer begins his long walk back home with his invaluable water buffalo in tow. Location: Phong Nha, Northern Central Vietnam. (Photo and caption by Jesus Davis/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Introspection”. I have always had a fascination with windows. The images they frame look different to each person, and what one chooses to see reflects their entire being – their emotions, their worries, their soul. In this remote village in the Lori region of Armenia, life has treated its subjects harshly, but a quick look out the window seems to provide an escape from life’s many troubles. This photograph reminds me that sometimes we must look into the window of ourselves to understand this complicated world. Location: A remote village in the Lori region of Armenia. (Photo and caption by Nar Gulvartian/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Hindu Untouchable ~ Woman of Grace”. A family of Hindu Untouchables, living in the forest, were provided several acres of land & a small home in the mountains of Manku, Nepal by the MountainFund.org. While I could not speak Nepalese, she was a gracious and loving host. This photograph was taken after she had prepared dinner and took a few moments to sit quietly & meditate. Shortly after this photo was taken, the room was transformed from the kitchen/dining area to sleep a family of four on mats made by hand. I was blessed to have them touch my life & I wanted to share her with the world to thank her for her hospitality & grace. (Photo and caption by Diane Cashin/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The last headhunters”. The Nagas of North-Eastern India were once ferocious headhunters. Though it sounds like a form of institutionalized violence, the ritual was intrinsically linked with fertility, status and marking of adulthood. With the advent of proselytizing Christian missionaries, head hunting gradually declined with the last incidents recorded in the 60's. The last living headhunters are all more than 80 years old now and will surely disappear in another ten years. They are easily identifiable by their distinct facial tattoo, an honor which only someone who had taken a head was entitled to. Location: Mon, Nagaland, India. (Photo and caption by Ayan Ghosh/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The Lost Boys”. Just outside Ta Prohm, a famous temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia, three young boys performed a choreographed song and dance in hopes that tourists would give them some change. They were lacking enthusiasm and their attention was waning, but their lackluster attitudes made the show far more endearing. (Photo and caption by Andrea Joynt/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)