Here are 20 of the most incredible photographs from the nature category of the world renowned National Geographic Photo Contest.
Nature photography is perhaps one of the hardest forms of photography as the animal that is the subject of the photograph or sometimes even the landscape is constantly changing and moving. A lot of these shots happened by chance and are quite literally once in a lifetime photographs.
King of the Zoo by Cindy Rossit
UN[DOMESTICATED] by Cathrin Schulz
Searching for Love by Spencer Black
Blue Ghost Fireflies in Brevard, North Carolina. Blue Ghost fireflies are unique because they stay lit and only hover about a foot off the ground.
The Rainforest´s Rainbow by José Mingorance
In the rainforest of Africa inhabited by the last individuals of a species that in the past had to be very large, the Mandrillus. Today the species is seriously endangered by the illegal bushmeat trade and the destruction of its last refuges.
Mezmorized by Grace by tylee parvin
The Lord of The Ocean by Marc Henauer
Walking on Water by Dave Kan
I was finishing up a photo shoot when a wild kangaroo appeared out of nowhere and bounded onto the lake, as if walking on water. This, along with the picturesque sunset combined to create an absolute visual treat!
2014 Holuhraun eruption in Iceland by Haukur Snorrason
Late afternoon flight over the eruption site at the remote Holuhraun craters in central highlands of Iceland. photo taken 4. of september 2014. By landing in a remote landing strip close to the eruption and camp over night, we managed to be the last plane in the area, allowing us to stay longer over the eruption site in low sun.
Catch of the Decade by Aaron Baggenstos
From the sky by montse grillo
Proportions… by YARON SCHMID
A herd of elephants approached our car in the Serengeti, Tanzania. When the biggest male walked by, he turned sideways and I could see the rest of the herd in the background between his legs – putting things in proportion…
Bringing home breakfast by Sandy Scott
Swans in Golden Midst by Kiat Teo
A tree dreaming by christian spencer
In the Strezlecki desert of Australia a flock of galahs replenish on the only small water avaliable at the base of this lonely tree.Its a rare photo opportunity to get such a clear and symetrical shot of these beautiful birds in flight in the middle of the desert.
Arctic Hi five by colin mackenzie
Two Polar bear cubs full of adrenaline on iceflow in Svalbard. The mother was just trying to have a quiet stroll but the cubs were not having any of that.This was the male cub and he just was so entertaining to watch.
Sunward by Hasan Baglar
When the Mediterrenean Mantis opened its wings, It seemed very impressive at the sunshine …
Rain is a Gift by Nicolas reusens
The Iguana’s Cave by Lorenzo Mittiga
Unexpected underwater encounter with a Green Iguana. I was attempting to take some overunder sunset shots in a semi-submerged cave in Bonaire, when a Green Iguana swam toward my dome with an inquisitive doing. Just in front of my lens, she came up to the surface to take a quick breathe….
Electric Night by Adam Adkins
Hello by Misty Gage
Capturing this gentle giant’s inquisitive nature was rather easy as he swam right up to us and just stared for several long seconds. I love all the bubbles and his cute little face.
