National Geographic Photography

"David Hanson crosses a fallen log beneath soaring trees and a lingering fog in Washington's Olympic National Park." (Photo and caption by Michael Hanson)

"Andrew and his friend, a young sperm whale named Scar, were swimming together off the west coast of Dominica. The two of them became "friends" after Andrew saved Scar's life." (Photo and caption by Peter Allinson)

"When the wave conditions are right a wave appears, infrequently, as a result of the splash back off the cliff connecting with an incoming wave. This causes the incoming wave to pop up, creating fan-like shapes. On this particular day, over the two hours I spent on the rocks, this wave only appeared once. This is that shot." (Photo and caption by Aaron Feinberg)

"On my second day visiting the astounding Iguazu falls on the Brazilian side I was forced to change to my telephoto lens as my wide angle had been damaged by the water vapour. In had rained solid for 10 days prior to my arrival and so the falls were at their most spectacular. Standing on the elevated viewing platform I was able to shoot this school group who stood transfixed, emphasizing the incredible size of the falls." (Photo and caption by Ian Kelsall)

"A male gelada baboon on the Guassa Plateau of the Ethiopian Highlands enjoys a good grooming." (Photo and caption by Robin Moore)

"Nazroo, a mahout (elephant driver), poses for a portrait while taking his elephant, Rajan, out for a swim in front of Radha Nagar Beach in Havelock, Andaman Islands. Rajan is one of the few elephants in Havelock that can swim, so when he is not dragging timber in the forest he is used as a tourist attraction. The relationship between the mahout and his elephant usually lasts for their entire lives, creating an extremely strong tie between the animal and the human being." (Photo and caption by Cesare Naldi)

"Taken at Kwena Croc Farm in South Africa" (Photo and caption by Wayne Holloway)

Above are some of my favourite images from National Geographic's Annual International Photography Contest. In my opinion, some of the best photography in the world turns up in the pages of National Geographic. The most stunning scenery and breathtaking images. And every time I see them, it makes me realise how much beauty in the world there is to see and how little time there is to see it! Thanks to modern technology, you can experience a snippet of it from the comfort of your own home.

Visit the National Geographic website for the full archive of photographs and further information.