National Geographic chooses the best nature photographer in 2017 [US]

Orange Anemonefish, (Amphiprion Sandaracinos) or most commonly referred to as “Nemo” to most was shot amongst this vibrant, iridescent and highly toxic anemone. This reef habitat was situated in the pristine waters of Sipadan Island, Sabah Borneo Malaysia. Photo by Marc Hornig

During month of AUGUST and SEPTEMBER, there are millions of WILD BEASts, zebra, and other animal in Maasia mara game reserve. On this september morning, a wild beast eating glass intersected the sun coming out of the horizon, creating this image. It was one of the most beautiful sunrise i had seen so far. Photo by Jay Ruan

A polar bear is sniffing the air trying to sent seals - Svalbard - Norway. Photo by Daisy Gilardini

THE NYAKAMWE FAMILY of the drc - NEW MOM KANYARUNKA SHIELDS HER BABY FROM a RAMBUNCTIOUS TODDLER. Photo by Shannon Hinson-Witz

Heart racing, hands clenched on the handles of my camera housing, peering through the silty usually clear mangrove water. the american crocodile suddenly appeared out of the murk, almost resting its snout on the dome port of my underwater setup. i told myself to remain calm, that i was completely safe behind my camera. although it was a tense encounter at first the silty water adds to the dramatic nature of this image. a moment i will not forget in a hurry. Photo by Gary Peart

As we flew over the beautiful Holmes River, the glacial waters contrasted nicely with the forest - the waters extra blue due to increased glacial melt. Photo by Shane Kalyn

Shot at Lake Kekini, Greece. Photo by Ruzdi Ekenheim

After a long flight from aruba to canada and countless hours of driving i finally got to bonaventure island to be able to witness more than 54,000 breeding pairs of northern gannets. after 4 km of island hiking you can start to hear the sounds and even smell of the gannets.it was a beautiful day which made this capture seem like a the gannets were up in the clouds. the background fills the frame with hundreds of gannets and a clear blue sky. Photo by Damilice Mansur

Lava flows into the ocean at sunset, kamokuna, Kalapana, Hawaii. Photo by Grant Kaye

An Atlantic Puffin on the remote nesting island of Machias Seal Island off the coast of Maine. Photo by Harry Collins

A group of flamingos were flying over the natron lake. they casted their shadows on the ground. When I looked down from the helicopters high above, The birds looked like pink blossom in the sky. Photo by Phillip Chang

How many Mountain Goats can fit on this rock, if you start stacking them on top of each other? Mount Evans, Colorado, USA. Photo by Eivor Kuchta

Bahamas, Bimini. Portrait of a nurse shark swimming in mid water. Photo by Christian Vizl

Swedish outdoors association Friluftsfrämjandet arranges courses in how to handle a canoe in rough waters. a dozen teenagers tried their stamina in the chilly waters of river helge å, and didnt mind an occational plunge during the weekend course. Photo by Photo Dragos Pirvulescu

An aerial view over the swamps of Cenas Tirelis near Riga, Latvia. Photo by Dragos Pirvulescu