Amusing Monday: Amazing nature photos from around the world

Some of the best photographers in the world contribute to National Geographic magazine. So it’s no wonder that a photo contest sponsored each year by the publication draws in some incredible photographs.

Last year, more than 7,000 entries were submitted by amateur and professional photographers from 150 countries, and I would expect an equal number this year. The deadline has passed for submissions in 2014, and the winner of the $10,000 grand prize plus several runners-up will be announced later this month.

For now, with permission from National Geographic, I’d like to share 10 water-related images from a gallery of the judges’ favorite photographs for 2014. To see more pictures, visit National Geographic’s Photo Contest 2014 Galleries.

When Gregory Lecoeur jumped into the Salish Sea near Vancouver Island’s Race Rocks, the water was cold, visibility was poor and the current was strong. When he sensed shadows moving about him, he slowed his movements. Soon, curious Steller sea lions were trying to play with his camera and nibble his fingers.
When Gregory Lecoeur jumped into the Salish Sea near Vancouver Island’s Race Rocks, the water was cold, visibility was poor and the current was strong. When he sensed shadows moving about him, he slowed his movements. Soon, curious Steller sea lions were trying to play with his camera and nibble his fingers.
Rick Loesche caught this decisive moment in the life of a crab, which was about to be eaten on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Rick Loesche caught this decisive moment in the life of a crab, which was about to be eaten on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Dave Kan was finishing up a photo shoot in Queensland, Australia, when a kangaroo appeared out of nowhere and bounded across the edge of a lake on the Noosa River, as if the animal were walking on water.
Dave Kan was finishing up a photo shoot in Queensland, Australia, when a kangaroo appeared out of nowhere and bounded across the edge of a lake on the Noosa River, as if the animal were walking on water.

Stefan Miadenov caught this image of a Caiman crocodile at Crocodiles of the World zoo near Gloucester, England.
Stefan Miadenov caught this image of a Caiman crocodile at Crocodiles of the World zoo near Gloucester, England.
Vincent Truchet needed his camera light to photograph a reef shark hunting among a school of mackerel on Fakarava Atoll in French Polynesia, yet the fish always moved away when the light was on. So he had to set up this difficult photo in darkness.
Vincent Truchet needed his camera light to photograph a reef shark hunting among a school of mackerel on Fakarava Atoll in French Polynesia, yet the fish always moved away when the light was on. So he had to set up this difficult photo in darkness.
Kristian Madalvee captured this image of lightning in Vergi Port, Estonia.
Kristian Madalvee captured this light-and-dark image with lightning in Vergi Port, Estonia.
Montse Grillo spends a lot of time among the curious green turtles along the coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. This turtle was diving from the surface as the sun shined down from behind.
Montse Grillo spends a lot of time among the curious green turtles along the coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. This turtle was diving from the surface as the sun shined down from behind.
Ben Bowes describes the coral reefs off the coast of Dauin, the Philippines, as a “beautiful metropolis full of wondrous varieties of luminous structures.” Among thousands of marine species, this Clark’s anemone fish helped him portray the fragile nature of this unique ecosystem.
Ben Bowes describes the coral reefs off the coast of Dauin, the Philippines, as a “beautiful metropolis full of wondrous varieties of luminous structures.” Among thousands of marine species, this Clark’s anemone fish helped him portray the fragile nature of this unique ecosystem.
Aaron Baggenstos found the right angle to view this bear catching a meal in Katmai National Park, Alaska.
Aaron Baggenstos found the right angle to view this bear catching a meal in Katmai National Park, Alaska.
David Swindler located this snow cave while hiking in Mount Rainier National Park. He went into the cave barefoot to avoid getting his boots wet in the standing water, and he nearly froze his feet. But once he saw his picture, he knew it was all worthwhile.
David Swindler located this snow cave while hiking in Mount Rainier National Park. He went into the cave barefoot to avoid getting his boots wet in the moist snow, and he nearly froze his feet. But once he saw his picture, he knew it was all worthwhile.

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