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National Geographic Photo Contest

As a leader in capturing our world through brilliant imagery, National Geographic sets the standard for photographic excellence. More than 22,000 entries were submitted from over 150 countries, with professional photographers and amateur photo enthusiasts across the globe participating. Photographs were submitted in three categories: people, places and nature. The competition was judged on creativity and photographic quality by a panel of experts comprised of natural history photographer Christian Ziegler and documentary photographers Gerd Ludwig and Debbie Fleming Caffery. View the winning images and honorable mentions–plus the Viewers' Choice winners!

The Grand Prize Winner will receive $10,000 and a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar in January 2013: A behind-the-scenes experience like none other.

Check out our editors' top picks. Want to be your own judge? View every photo, choose your own faves, then share them with family and friends.