National Geographic Breath-taking Shots

The National Geographic jet set: Breath-taking shots taken around the world by photographers vying for the 2013 Traveler Photo Contest By Helen Pow National Geographic is calling for travelers the world over to share their epic adventures with its readers. The 25th annual National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest is now accepting submissions, and thousands of professional and amateur snappers have already entered their stunning travel pictures showcasing everything from Hindu devotees in Malaysia to a fearless climber in St Erebus, Antarctica. The winner of the 2013 Traveler Photo Contest will receive a 10-day National Geographic Expedition to the Galápagos and have their prized photo published in National Geographic Traveler magazine. Runner up with be awarded a seven-day National Geographic Photography Workshop, while third prize is a six-day cruise on a Maine windjammer schooner for two. Some of the wonderful photos already submitted include a spectacular image titled 'Door to Hell' by Priscilla Locke, which shows a woman standing at the edge of the fiery Darvaza Crater in Turkmenistan. The crater has been burning for decades, fueled by the rich natural gas reserves found below the surface. In a quirky entry, traveler Melih Sular captures record seller Ahmet as he pokes his head through a gap in his exhaustive collection. Photographers can enter their favorite travel memories in any of four categories including travel portraits, outdoor scenes, sense of place and spontaneous moments. To enter click here. The power of the Criollo: Photo and caption by Chris Schmid for the 2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest Music Collector: Ahmet is a record seller who loves music very much. He has a small and charming shop and he makes collection of long-play records. He spends his life on music and its changes, and he is very happy with the old melodies. Photo and caption by Melih Sular Shadows in dust: A herd of wildebeest kick up dust at sunset, revealing their shadows. Photo and caption by Max Seigal Spotters Paradise: Where big jets skim the beach enthralling the spectators, at Princess Juliana International Airport in St Martin. Photo and caption by Bernie Verhoeven Devotees: Devotees performing their rituals during the Thaipusam festival held at Malaysia. It is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month usually during the month of January to February. Photo and caption by Mervyn Dublin Another perspective of the day: The fisherman at Bira Beach. Photo and caption by Dody Kusuma Mount Erebus Ice Cave: A scientist climbs out of an ice cave formed by volcanic vents near the summit of Mt. Erebus, Antarctica. Photo and caption by Alasdair Turner Barranco Camp at night: Barranco camp was our third on our seven day hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Taken after dinner while the group was getting ready to get a good nights rest before tackling infamous Barracno Wall in the morning. Photo and caption by Trevor Booth Door to Hell: Standing at the edge of the Darvaza Crater in Turkmenistan. Known as the Door to Hell, this flaming crater has been burning for decades, fueled by the rich natural gas reserves found below the surface. Photo and caption by Priscilla Locke King of the penguins: Taken at Booth Island in Antarctica. Photo and caption by Nancy Dowling Cormorant fisherman: Cormorant fishing is a traditional fishing method in China. Fishermen control the birds by tying a snare near the bird's throat in order to prevent the birds from swallowing larger fish. This technique is practiced in the early morning before sunrise or in the hours before dusk, when fishermen attract the fish with lantern light. Unfortunately, cormorant fishing is long past its glory days and nowadays only a few fishermen from fishing villages along Li-river still practice it. Photo and caption by Andrey Pavlov Yellow Lady: The hostile desert landscape in the Little Rann of Kutch in western Gujarat state is where these day labourers work. The stark, white salt is a challenging environment to work in, dry and bright but there is a peace and beauty to this place too which is overwhelming. It was the second time I visited these parts and each time I leave with a sense of joy and sorrow, the people are lowly paid but full of welcome and smiles to me even though life is tough for them as this is their environment. Photo and caption by Charlotte Anderson Main Bazaar in New Delhi, India: This is a long exposure, evening look at Main Bazaar in Paharganj. Photo and caption by Edward Graham