“Inspiring people to care about the planet” is the motto of National Geographic, formed in 1888 by Gardiner Greene Hubbard. National Geographic pictures could easily be some of the most popular pictures in the world, or the world. This year’s National Geographic photo contest has been amazing, well from the pictures I have seen that were released early. Here are just a few, and I can’t wait to see more!

Photo by Michael Hanson

Photo by Aaron Feinberg

Photo by Andrew Cwiklewich

Photo by Michael Johnson

Photo by Gemma Collier

Photo by Sean Crane

Photo by Cesare Naldi

I know, breathtaking right? Fortunately for you, you can view these as bigger pictures Here. But wait, the fun does not stop here. There happens to be 18 more early releases readily available for your viewing pleasure. These are amazing pictures that say a million words. Beautiful. Enjoy!