One of our favorite contests of the year has started! National Geographic’s Travel Photographer of the Year competition has photographers from all over the world (and all levels) submitting their most stunning travel photos. Since the late 1800’s, National Geographic has been transporting readers from their living rooms to the most incredible destinations in the world with their iconic, glossy photographs. This contest is so special because it gives any photographer the opportunity to not only get their travel photography out there but possibly be recognized as one of the best in their field by one of the most well known travel photography publications in the world.

“Travel is about curiosity, and travel photography is about capturing and sharing that curiosity with the world,” George Stone, editor in chief of National Geographic Traveler magazine said in a press release about this year’s contest. “Our Travel Photographer of the Year contest surfaces extraordinary visions that inspire us all to get out and explore—with camera in hand.”

The grand-prize winner will receive a ten day trip for two to the Galápagosm in addition to the prestigious title of National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year. In each category (Nature, People, and Cities), National Geographic Travel will award first-, second-, and third-place cash prizes of $2500, $750 and $500 respectively. And of course, the crowning jewel for any travel photographer is that their work will be featured in the magazine.

This week, the editors’ picked their favorite photos* in the “People” category, and are letting us share them. Check them out, and if you want to enter, you have until June 30th!

*Captions are from the photographers, provided by National Geographic.

“Tibetan’s soul smile” This monk was running back to his room after the afternoon prayer. I was chasing him trying to get a nice shot, but he kept covering his face. In Chinese i called after him: (pai yi zhang ba) “just one shot!” He looked back and started to laugh. Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Tibet

“A Popular Rendezvous Spot in Tokyo” Two young ladies and two men stand waiting on the side of a decommissioned train that used to carry thousands of commuters and other passengers daily between Shibuya and Sakuragicho. The decommissioned train now serves as a Tourist Information Center just outside the Shibuya train station in Tokyo. The spot has also become a favorite rendezvous point for lovers and friends to meet. The facial expressions and body postures indicate people’s empathy gaps in some ways or other.

“Old and Young” This photo was taken in a small village in Wuyuan, China. It estimates that there are about 250 million countryside people living in the big cities. Many young people are making money in the cities, leaving their parents and kids at their hometown.

“Holy Bath” Yamuna river is most polluted when its flow in Delhi, its too muddy and full of filth. Yamuna is second most sacred river after Ganga. People took holy bath in as they feel its very sacred. Numbers of Siberian Sea Gull comes here in winter. They give the place a new dimension for few months. Here a local man took his daily bath in Yamuna river.

“Ramadan Prayers” This is shot of women praying inside Istiqlal Mosque,Jakarta which is the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia during the month of Ramadan.