Nature Photography How To

If you need some inspiration to get your creative juices flowing, look no further than these top entries in the 2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year contest. The deadline for entries was last Friday, and the Editors at National Geographic have shared their favorites.

The international competition opened last August, inviting photographers to submit entries in four categories: Landscape, Animal Portraits, Action, and Environmental Issues. Entrants were asked to submit images in digital format, and only photographs that were taken in the past two years were eligible.

If you’re wondering about the degree of image editing permitted, here’s what the official rules stated: “Only minor burning, dodging/or color correction is acceptable, as is minor cropping. High dynamic range (HDR) and stitched panoramas are acceptable.” Any other changes to the original photograph were not permitted—rendering the submission ineligible.

National Geographic received thousands of submissions showcasing the awe-inspiring natural world around us, and they will announce the winners early next month.

The Grand Prize winner will receive a 10-day trip for two to the Galapagos with National Geographic Expeditions. Each of the categories will feature three winners; First Place receives $2,500, Second Place $750 and a signed National Geographic Book, and Third Place $500.

You can view a gallery of favorite submissions on this page, and download a number of stunning wallpapers here.

Via My Modern Met