20+ Finalists From The 2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer Of The Year

2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year contest has come to an end, but before the judges pick the winners, let’s take a look at the best entries ourselves.
This year, photographers from around the world were competing in four categories: Landscape, Environmental Issues, Action, and Animal Portraits. “The four categories of this year’s contest will give photographers a chance to capture the complexity and beauty found in the world around us,” remarked Sarah Polger, senior producer for National Geographic Travel and manager of National Geographic photo contests. “We anticipate compelling and revealing images.”
The photographers are competing for a grand prize consisting of a 10-day trip for two to the Galápagos with National Geographic Expeditions, and an incredible chance for two 15-minute portfolio reviews with National Geographic photo editors.
Who’d you give the grand prize to? Shout out in the comments below!

#1 Hummingbird

#2 Dancing In The Rain

#3 Moving At A Snail’s Pace…

#4 Bathing In The Snow Flake

#5 Pacific Storm

#6 Puffin Studio

#7 Icescape

#8 Under The Waves

#9 Mystic Woods

#10 Dragging You Deep Into The Woods !

#11 Crocodile Waterline

#12 Great Horned Owl Returning

#13 Ocean Guest

#14 Alien Lights

#15 A Portrait Of “Trapper”

#16 Aerial Autumn

#17 Engagement Present

#18 Wild Horses

#19 Sandstorm

#20 Hair Lines Of Zebra

#21 Phantom Spring

#22 Aladdin’s Cave

#23 Confrontation

#24 Great Egret Against The Setting Sun

#25 The Frozen Pond With Snow

#26 Crocodile Tears

#27 Stare Into My Eyes

#28 From The Shadows

#29 Larger Than Life

#30 Fire Dancer

#31 Proud Momma

#32 Ufo Formation

#33 Under The Milky Way

#34 Long Shadows

#35 Huge Scale Of Bats Hibernation

#36 The Zebra And The Oxpecker

#37 Tequilla Sunset

#38 Covered With Mist

#39 The Glacier Pattern

#40 Life And Death

#41 Time At The Water Hole

#42 Never Bother Dad When He’s Sleeping

#43 Diving

#44 Harvest

#45 Wet! Wet! Wet!

#46 Colorado River Trees

#47 Empire Rising

#48 Our Beloved Possessions

#49 Land Of Everlasting Salt

More info: National Geographic (h/t: mymodernmet)