"Overcrowded trains often leave local travelers no other choice than standing in the open door or even hanging outside," says Yanick Targonski who took this action-themed shot. "I quickly discovered this is a photographer's dream." <br /><br />To capture this moment, Targonski had to hang outside of the train while it was moving at full speed "juggling the camera with one hand, but holding as still as possible to avoid camera shake."
Train from Ella to Kandy by Yanick Targonski (Sri Lanka) —
"Overcrowded trains often leave local travelers no other choice than standing in the open door or even hanging outside," says Yanick Targonski who took this action-themed shot. "I quickly discovered this is a photographer's dream."

To capture this moment, Targonski had to hang outside of the train while it was moving at full speed "juggling the camera with one hand, but holding as still as possible to avoid camera shake."
Courtesy National Geographic Traveller (UK)
"While my wife was photographing gentoo penguins coming out of the water on Bleaker Island's Sandy Bay, in the Falkland Islands, I dug a small hole in the sand so as to not startle the penguins on their route back to their nest," says Barry Robertson, who submitted this image in the "animal" category. "I laid in wait for hours before these curious chaps came over to see who I was -- I couldn't help but think they were posing for me."
Bleaker Island by Barry Robertson (Falkland Islands) —
"While my wife was photographing gentoo penguins coming out of the water on Bleaker Island's Sandy Bay, in the Falkland Islands, I dug a small hole in the sand so as to not startle the penguins on their route back to their nest," says Barry Robertson, who submitted this image in the "animal" category. "I laid in wait for hours before these curious chaps came over to see who I was -- I couldn't help but think they were posing for me."
Courtesy National Geographic Traveller (UK)
This photo, in the "people" category, captures the New Year rituals in Comanesti, Romania. Yes, those are bear costumes.<br /><br />"Accompanied by their gypsy trainer and a youth beating a tambourine-type instrument, the animals crawl through the crowd in this symbolic ritual," says Alecsandra Raluca Dragoi. "Reaching the center, they perform a dance until they eventually fall dead on the ground. After their hearts are taken by the trainer, they return to life.<br /><br />"This ancient rite suggests man's power to tame nature," he adds.
New Year's Traditions by Alecsandra Raluca Dragoi (Comanesti, Romania) —
This photo, in the "people" category, captures the New Year rituals in Comanesti, Romania. Yes, those are bear costumes.

"Accompanied by their gypsy trainer and a youth beating a tambourine-type instrument, the animals crawl through the crowd in this symbolic ritual," says Alecsandra Raluca Dragoi. "Reaching the center, they perform a dance until they eventually fall dead on the ground. After their hearts are taken by the trainer, they return to life.

"This ancient rite suggests man's power to tame nature," he adds.
Courtesy National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Lighting this shot, taken in the Son Doong Cave in Vietnam, was truly a group effort.<br /><br />"Two-way radios and a laser pointer were used to get people in position for this photo and ensure their headlamps provided just the right amount of illumination," says photographer Chris Miller.<br /><br />The photo has been selected in the "rural" category.
Son Doong Cave by Chris Miller (Vietnam) —
Lighting this shot, taken in the Son Doong Cave in Vietnam, was truly a group effort.

"Two-way radios and a laser pointer were used to get people in position for this photo and ensure their headlamps provided just the right amount of illumination," says photographer Chris Miller.

The photo has been selected in the "rural" category.
Courtesy National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Photographers don't have to travel long distances for a great image. London-based Braude took this "urban" category shot the city's South Bank "to show wilderness at the heart of the city."<br /><br />"I chose a well known cityscape to make the image familiar, while using two flashes to highlight the natural landscape," he explains.
Urban Trees by Philip Braude (London) —
Photographers don't have to travel long distances for a great image. London-based Braude took this "urban" category shot the city's South Bank "to show wilderness at the heart of the city."

"I chose a well known cityscape to make the image familiar, while using two flashes to highlight the natural landscape," he explains.
Courtesy National Geographic Traveller (UK)
"I traveled to Rio de las Vueltas, near El Chalten, Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia, in August, which is winter in the region, and expected challenging snow and ice," says Claire Carter. <br /><br />Instead, she was met with sunshine and clear views of the melting lakes and surrounding mountains.
Reflections on a Melting River by Claire Carter (El Chalten, Argentina) —
"I traveled to Rio de las Vueltas, near El Chalten, Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia, in August, which is winter in the region, and expected challenging snow and ice," says Claire Carter.

Instead, she was met with sunshine and clear views of the melting lakes and surrounding mountains.
Courtesy National Geographic Traveller (UK)