Environmentgreen cute-animal-photosAnimals

National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest 2013 Produces Stunning Images

LOOK: National Geographic's Stunning Photo Contest

The 'National Geographic Traveler' Photo Contest is upon us, and some stunning images have already started to flow in.

The contest is in its 25th year and asks amateur photographers to submit photos from their travels for a chance to have them published in the magazine. More than 3,000 shots have already been submitted (you can see all of them here), and so far, the results are breathtaking. Images of an alligator resting on the back of a turtle and another of two vultures battling are particularly stunning.

The contest will be open until June 30, 2013 and entries cost $15. Click here to check out some past National Geographic photos, and take a look some of this year's incredible submissions below:

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Gentoo Chicks(01 of13)
Open Image Modal
Two newly hatched Gentoo Penguin chicks get their first glimpse at the Antarctic wilderness. (credit:Photo and caption by Richard Sidey/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="12" data-vars-position-in-unit="16">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Curious Whaleshark(02 of13)
Open Image Modal
Whaleshark encounter in the Bohol Sea, Philippines. (credit:Photo and caption by Jonne Seijdel/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="11" data-vars-position-in-unit="15">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
In The Rain(03 of13)
Open Image Modal
This photograph was taken while I was on vacation in South Carolina. It was a rainy miserable day until I happened uppon this alligator hanging out in a local pond. (credit:Photo and caption by Kandace Stroupe/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="10" data-vars-position-in-unit="14">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Hidden Treasure(04 of13)
Open Image Modal
A surprise companion, the Pacific Tree Frog, lurking in the lichen. (credit:Photo and caption by Jessi Fikan/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="9" data-vars-position-in-unit="13">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Fighter(05 of13)
Open Image Modal
Two vultures in action from Massai Mara in Kenya while they are fighting. (credit:Photo and caption by majed ali/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="8" data-vars-position-in-unit="12">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Oregon Lion(06 of13)
Open Image Modal
Sea Lion on Pacific Coast of Oregon. (credit:Photo and caption by gary migues/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="7" data-vars-position-in-unit="11">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Togetherness(07 of13)
Open Image Modal
A family of snow monkeys cuddling up together for security and warmth. They appeared very protective of one another and seemed unsure of my presence. (credit:Photo and caption by Petra Bensted/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="6" data-vars-position-in-unit="10">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Ruffled Feather Inspection(08 of13)
Open Image Modal
A cafe outside of Aquas Calientes in the Cuzco region of Peru has perches for wild parrots that come and feed on seed and fruit left out for them. This curious little fella was peeking out from behind a leaf to get a better look at me. Apparently he was entertained by the odd human with the camera because he let me get only a few inches away, where my ring light could better illuminate his beautiful feathers. (credit:Photo and caption by Adam Lichtcsien/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="5" data-vars-position-in-unit="9">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Morning Game Drive(09 of13)
Open Image Modal
Our first morning game drive on Safari in South Africa brought us this magnificent leopard. He was bathed in the orange hues of the sunrise and it was breathtaking. (credit:Photo and caption by Douglas Croft/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="4" data-vars-position-in-unit="8">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Who Needs to Fly(10 of13)
Open Image Modal
This is one of the Big Major Cay's pigs swimming in the clear, turquoise waters of the Bahamas. Pigs are great swimmers! (credit:Photo and caption by Paul Lee/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="3" data-vars-position-in-unit="7">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Unexpected Alliance(11 of13)
Open Image Modal
I have seen alligators and turtles together in ponds before, but never like this! I was at Bluebill Pond in Harris Neck NWR when I saw what I thought was an alligator sunning itself on a stump. As I got closer I realized that it was actually perched on the back of a turtle! I wish I had been there to witness how this surprising esprit de corps had came to pass! (credit:Photo and caption by Mary Ellen Urbanski/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="2" data-vars-position-in-unit="6">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Look Into My Eyes(12 of13)
Open Image Modal
This picture was taken on a game drive in the Addo Elephant National Park, the third largest national park in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The park contains a wide diversity of fauna, flora and landscapes and incorporates semi arid landscapes all the way to a marine reserve. These zebra were so calm and you just got the feeling they wanted to be photographed! (credit:Photo and caption by Natalie Murray/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="1" data-vars-position-in-unit="5">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Osprey Launching(13 of13)
Open Image Modal
I clicked this photo as the Osprey was taking off from his perch. (credit:Photo and caption by Mark Gottlieb/<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb13a23e4b09bbe9a5cc133" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="0" data-vars-position-in-unit="4">National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest</a>)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip