This year’s National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest had the judges reviewing nearly 18,000 photographs. Three amazing shots were chosen for the top three places, while seven others were given merit. The photographers entered their pictures info four categories: Travel Portraits, Outdoor Scenes, Sense of Place, and Spontaneous Moments.

Below are the chosen 10.

1. First Prize:  Whale Whisperers

Photo by: Anuar Patjane

2. Second Prize: Gravel Workmen

Photo by: Faisal Azim

3. Third Prize:  Camel Ardah

Photo by: Ahmed Al Toqi

4. Merit: A Night at Deadvlei

Photo by: Beth McCarley

5. Merit: Catching a Duck

Photo by: Sarah Wouters

6. Merit: Kushti, Indian Westling

Photo by: Alain Schroeder

7. Merit: White Rhinos

Photo by: Stefane Berube

8. Merit: Sauna in the Sky

Photo by: Stefano Zardini

9. Merit: Highlanders

Photo by: Bartlomiej Jurecki

10. Merit: Romania, Land of Fairy Tales

Photo by: Eduard Gutescu

Read This: 11 Photos You Should Check Out from a Malaysian Photographer

Source: National Geographic