san francisco skyline at dawn

Your best photos of 2018

The best images this year from National Geographic’s photo community—curated from thousands of photographers and over a million photographs

Your Shot photographer Aya Okawa captured this image of a long exposure of the San Francisco city skyline emerging from the fog at sunrise.
Photograph by Aya Okawa, National Geographic Your Shot
ByKristen McNicholas
Curated byYour Shot Staff
December 10, 2018
35 min read

For almost 13 years, you have been sharing your photos with the Your Shot community. Our mission is to tell stories collaboratively with our photographers while harboring an educational and welcoming community for you to improve your photography. These 70 selections were curated from over 1.2 million photo uploads in 2018 from photographers around the world who are just like you. Our photographers always display an impressive variety of photographic styles and it all starts with picking up the camera closest to them. So, what are you waiting for? You can make these images, too. We’ll see you in 2019.

children play with shaving cream
“My family was always crazy, so the way we play is crazy too,” writes Your Shot photographer Marta Szulc. “Shaving cream fight? Why not?”
Photograph by Marta Szulc, National Geographic Your Shot
black bird flies
“The Grand Tetons in Wyoming are not currently home for me, but it sure feels like it when I'm here. If I were to sum up this place in one word, I would say inspiring,” writes Your Shot photographer Tommy Schuch. “This photo was taken in January 2018 on Jackson Lake in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming. The birds were coming in to drink water from our fishing holes we had cut into the ice.”
Photograph by Tommy Schuch, National Geographic Your Shot
a tiger sits in foliage in water
“It seemed like a painting: a tiger in a pool under the canopy of dense foliage, an almost dreamy look on his face. The reflection of the leaves in the water added to the magic of the scene,” writes Your Shot photographer Pallavi L. “Having been lucky to see plenty of tigers, I used to think still shots wouldn't interest me much, it would be mundane, boring even. Yet stumbling upon this scene had me jump up in my seat with an unnatural excitement and it still remains my fondest memory of the trip. The wild just does not cease to amaze!”
Photograph by Pallavi L., National Geographic Your Shot
a free diver swims toward surface in florida
“Probably one of my favorite spots to freedive,” writes Your Shot photographer Brandon Verdura. “This beautiful spring in Florida where the tannin from the river flows over crystal clear water from a spring. It creates these mind-blowing colors underwater.”
Photograph by Brandon Verdura, National Geographic Your Shot
child reaches for peach on counter
“This picture was made in our kitchen at the moment when the light fell into it, illuminating the subject of the photograph,” writes Your Shot photographer Kamila J. Gruss, who submitted this image to the Pop of Color assignment. “My kids love to sneak and steal sweets when they think I'm not watching. I love these small hands and the red color of the peach.”
Photograph by Kamila J. Gruss, National Geographic Your Shot
conceptual portrait with mirror and pink flowers
Your Shot photographer Milou Krietemeijer-Dirks describes this series as a search for identity and roots. The subject of the photo is her daughter and this image is part of a collaboration together.
Photograph by Milou Krietemeijer-Dirks, National Geographic Your Shot
aerial view of highlands in iceland rivers
Your Shot photographer Simona Buratti used a drone to capture this aerial view of the highlands of Iceland during the summer. In this photograph we are shown the vast changing landscape, thanks to the Icelandic rivers.
Photograph by Simona Buratti, National Geographic Your Shot
view of jefferson memorial in washington dc over tidal basin
Your Shot photographer Erinn S. found the perfect spot at sunset to capture this image of the Tidal Basin, located in Washington, DC. In the background the Jefferson Memorial is struck with the last reaches of sunlight, while branches of cherry blossom trees reach out towards the water.
Photograph by Erinn S., National Geographic Your Shot
little girl in front of lanterns at mitama festival in japan
“I took this photo at a Mitama Festival held at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo,” writes Your Shot photographer Takashi Furo. “More than 30,000 lanterns in this background are decorated, each contains a wish for peace. This festival has been held annually for more than 70 years.”
Photograph by Takashi Furo, National Geographic Your Shot
woman lays by pool in sunshine
“The whole idea behind this series is to deconstruct the concept of summer and Menorca, an island in the Balearic archipelago,” writes Your Shot photographer Jorge Delgado-Ureña. “One way to synthesize an idea is by creating images with very simple but strong compositions and one or two colours — if they are complimentary colours, even better! If you think about Menorca you think of blue and white. In this photograph I included orange to complement and add 'punch' to the image.”
Photograph by Jorge Delgado-Ureña, National Geographic Your Shot
boy stands in shadows in turkey
“During a recent trip to Turkey,” writes Your Shot photographer Amanda Jane Dalby. “[It was] so hot, the only place to be was in the pool and out of the sun.”
Photograph by Amanda Jane Dalby, National Geographic Your Shot
conceptual image of person with white towels
Your Shot photographer Yukimasa Takagi photographed this scene in early May 2018.
Photograph by Yukimasa Takagi, National Geographic Your Shot
woman with cancer prays
“I wrote this poem in my sleep,” writes Your Shot photographer April Nocifora. “You didn’t know I was there, I’d been there a while. My name is Cancer, I hid deep inside spreading like a wildflower, a thorn in your side. I sit and wait as you douse me with pain. The fight is on, battle after battle, who will win the answer remains. I know who will win and it will be ME!”
Photograph by April Nocifora, National Geographic Your Shot
underwater view while a girl cannon balls
Your Shot photographer Dana C. made this underwater image with a GoPro in February 2018. She writes, "This was my first experience shooting underwater and I'm totally hooked!"
Photograph by Dana C., National Geographic Your Shot
aerial view of cars in desert
Your Shot photographer Jassen Todorox captured this aerial view in the middle of the California Mojave Desert where thousands of recalled Volkswagons and Audis models from 2009-2015 sit as a result from the 2015 V W emissions scandal. This image was also recognized as the Grand Prize winner of the 2018 National Geographic Photo Contest.
Photograph by Jassen Todorov, National Geographic Your Shot
man sits in chair taking pictures of kilauea volcano eruption
“I have mixed emotions about this photograph,” writes Your Shot photographer Joseph Anthony. “[It was] a surreal moment. The owner of the house I had been staying in for three weeks came back briefly during a lull in the eruption only to see the entire scene erupt once more. He watched as the lava consumed part of his property [while] sitting in a garden chair to watch in numb resignation. As a full moon began to rise he took out his phone to photograph it. The house eventually burned down due to a brush fire but they returned by helicopter to rebuild.”
Photograph by Joseph Anthony, National Geographic Your Shot
a fruit bat clings to woman as she prepares bottle
“Julie is a wildlife caregiver in Melbourne and has spent four years fostering grey-headed flying foxes (also known as fruit bats), orphaned after their mums were killed by powerlines or caught in backyard fruit tree netting and barbed wire,” writes Your Shot photographer Doug Gimesy. “She bottle-feeds them six times a day, moisturizes their wings with baby lotion and keeps them stimulated with kids’ toys. In the wild, the mother bats would lick them clean, but she draws the line at that.” This image was published as part of a natgeo.com story about flying-foxes in November 2018.
Photograph by Doug Gimesy, National Geographic Your Shot
boy reacts to inflatable shark at a lake
Your Shot photographer Agnieszka Maruszczyk captured this moment of an inflatable shark flying overhead as swimmers enjoy a day at the lake. “This is part of a series I am working on entitled BOYHOOD,” writes Maruszczyk.
Photograph by Agnieszka Maruszczyk, National Geographic Your Shot
a cat eyes a fish on a dinner table
Your Shot photographer Julia Wimmerlin's spynx cat "hunts" a fish.
Photograph by Julia Wimmerlin, National Geographic Your Shot
woman stands for portrait on nature trail
Your Shot photographer Chanel French made this radiant portrait on a local nature trail in October 2018.
Photograph by Chanel French, National Geographic Your Shot
frozen landscape of finland
“The most beautiful days in Lapland, Finland are those when you can't feel your fingers!” writes Your Shot photographer Laura Vilne.Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region, a sparsely populated area bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea.
Photograph by Laura Vilne, National Geographic Your Shot
upside down image of person walking by pond
“It was an autumn afternoon and I had a few hours, so I decided to find that little lake that I saw some years ago with my grandfather. I took my camera, the car keys, a backpack,” writes Your Shot photographer Ivelise Caruso. “Once I found it, waiting for me there was a dragonfly flying around the pond. In silence, surrounded by the magical atmosphere of high altitude clouds, I followed the dragonfly.”
Photograph by Ivelise Caruso, National Geographic Your Shot
san francisco skyline at dawn
Your Shot photographer Aya Okawa captured this image of a long exposure of the San Francisco city skyline emerging from the fog at sunrise.
Photograph by Aya Okawa, National Geographic Your Shot
a catrina during dia de los muertos
“The largest celebration of Dia de los Muertos (outside of Mexico) takes place in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery,” writes Your Shot photographer Melissa Cormican. “Normally cemeteries are quiet places, yet on this special day the atmosphere erupts with color, music, and art. Altars are created and festival goers paint their faces with calaveras make-up in order to keep the spirits of their deceased loved ones and ancestors alive. I set out to create a series of photographs to showcase these amazing tributes, in appreciation of this sacred event.”
Photograph by Melissa Cormican, National Geographic Your Shot
a horse wears a mouth piece for dental work
“Ginger Belle wears a speculum and is going to get her teeth floated by an equine vet at Underhill Stables,” writes Your Shot photographer Jennifer MacNeill. “Horse's teeth are continuously growing and need to be filed flat or floated regularly to take off sharp points so they can chew their food properly. Often a thin horse has sharp teeth in the back of their mouth that prevent them from chewing their food and getting all the nutrition out of it.”
Photograph by Jennifer MacNeill, National Geographic Your Shot
person walks on high line in washington state
“Mike Boyd walks this newly established 260 meter highline in Index, Washington,” writes Your Shot photographer Katrin Bell. “This line is currently the longest highline in the state of WA. Established early September 2018, we began this day by hiking up to the line just before dawn. The location provided for spectacular views along with the gorgeous light.”
Photograph by Katrin Bell, National Geographic Your Shot
an owl sits on tree while rainbow forms
“This burrowing owl is enjoying a sprayer during the hot Summer days in the Netherlands,” writes Your Shot photographer Marta Demarteau. “Because of the Sun, a rainbow appears. This bird is staying at a nature park in Diessen, where it can run, dig, fly and rest free in the area.”
Photograph by Marta Demarteau, National Geographic Your Shot
fire crews put out forest fire
"A close up look at mop-up: spray, mix, feel, repeat. The most efficient use of water when digging heat out of the ground is a combined spraying and stirring action,” writes Your Shot photographer Eli Espinoza Goodman. “The fire burns roots in the ground, like little (and not so little) hidden tunnels of embers and trapped heat winding their way below. We follow them with tools and sensory input to smother and disperse heat until it no longer can feasibly spread or reignite. Basically, we like making mud, lots of it, and playing in it.”
Photograph by Eli Espinoza Goodman, National Geographic Your Shot
tennis player serves the ball
Your Shot photographer Ian Webb captured a tennis player serving the ball during the China Open.
Photograph by Ian Webb, National Geographic Your Shot
abstract underwater portrait in mexico
Your Shot photographer Cynthia Cortes made this abstracted underwater portrait while playing in the pool.
Photograph by Cynthia Cortes, National Geographic Your Shot
aerial view of the prismatic springs at yellowstone national park
“When I was young, I remember seeing a photo of the Grand Prismatic Spring in an issue of National Geographic Magazine,” writes Your Shot photographer Helder Silva. “I was really dazzled and impressed by the bright colors, the texture, the weirdness of it all. It seemed like something that would be on a super cool and crazy alien planet. For my birthday weekend, I took a trip to Yellowstone, and I flew above the Grand Prismatic to photograph it and recreate this amazing image from my childhood memories.”
Photograph by Helder Silva, National Geographic Your Shot
westernaire performer prays before entering arena on horse
Your Shot photographer Diana Cervantes photographed Charles Dugan, 18, as he prays before the Westernaires enter an arena for the final performance at the Sandoval County Fair in Cuba, New Mexico. The Westernaires is a non-profit organization centered around horsemanship and character development in young people.
Photograph by Diana Cervantes, National Geographic Your Shot
long exposure star trail in california aimed at north star
“A starry night at Yolo County, California. This tree is the only one left in the farm, and rarely anybody ever visit this farm. For me, it can't be better to stay there for a couple hours without any electronics,” writes Your Shot photographer Jiawei L. “I enjoy every second I spend under this stunning night sky that many people haven't seen before, and I'd love to share my night photos and motivate people to go outside and look up the stars. This spot became one of the most often visited places I've ever been during my college years.”
Photograph by Jiawei L., National Geographic Your Shot
crocodile tries to bite camera
“Up close and personal with Gambit, a 12ft long American Crocodile in Banco Chinchorro, Mexico. She was close enough to me, that at times I could hear her pointy teeth clacking against the glass of my camera housing's dome port,” writes Your Shot photographer Santiago Zurbia Flores Otero. “She had come up for air and just slowly walked to me, after a few seconds in the surface, she went back to the bottom to continue her stalking, waiting game.”
Photograph by Santiago Zurbia Flores Otero, National Geographic Your Shot
peewee football kicks ball
“This photograph was captured during my first visit to the United States,” writes Your Shot photographer Huang Chao. “I happened to see an ordinary high school football team in training, so I took some pictures, and it was the first time I saw a football team and felt the strength of the high school students through their fierce competition.”
Photograph by Huang Chao, National Geographic Your Shot
girl stands for portrait with dog
Your Shot photographer Francesca Torracchi went with a vertical composition here as she captured this portrait of a young girl and her dog.
Photograph by Francesca Torracchi, National Geographic Your Shot
abstract portrait of girl in sunshine
“Portraits of motion and connection and sunshine,” writes Your Shot photographer Candy K. This image is not even close to Katie's personal story. I hope she keeps finding the light and strength in each of these precious days.”
Photograph by Candy K., National Geographic Your Shot
drag queen in mirror
“This image is from a larger documentary series on a local drag queen group,” writes Your Shot photographer Pippa Scott. “As kids we dress up and pretend play. Drag queens not only play by transforming themselves in to a character that they invent but also have a ton of fun in front of mirrors. The mirror is a form of play to them as they complete their transformations and slowly immerse themselves in to their characters.”
Photograph by Pippa Scott, National Geographic Your Shot
sea turtles gather on hidden cove next to ocean
“After poking around the coast line of Hawaii, I stumbled upon this hidden cave with sea turtles venturing out of the water,” writes Your Shot photographer Leighton Lum. “It was quite amazing hanging out all afternoon with these living dinosaurs.”
Photograph by Leighton Lum, National Geographic Your Shot
woman in himba village in africa
“As the last afternoon sun was fading and the dust from a day of motion at the busy Himba village settled, I was able to snap out some shots of the beautiful young girl,” writes Your Shot photographer Rebecca Ney.
Photograph by Rebecca Ney, National Geographic Your Shot
boy lays on floor of tent while camping
“Camping has easily become one of my favorite pastimes. There’s something so comforting knowing you become almost nonexistent within the mountains as all communication with the real world is lost,” writes Your Shot photographer Shelby Clowers. “My oldest son gazed upon the size of our new tent as we unpacked. We roads our bikes. We played in the creek. And later we cozied up and fell asleep to the sound of the rushing water beside us and the nightlife that wondered.”
Photograph by Shelby Clowers, National Geographic Your Shot
man stands at observation deck in abu dhabi
"Here is a very rare view and a heartwarming composition of the clouds hugging the heavy fog below," writes Your Shot Photographer Khalid Al Hammadi. While photographing in Abu Dhabi, Hammadi captured this image of his friend looking out towards the UAW Towers in the distance. "I chose to capture my friend in this place, to reflect the Emirati’s contemplations and visions. Presenting the culture in the past, the present and the future of Abu Dhabi in one frame and being witnessed by the entire world."
Photograph by Khalid Al Hammadi, National Geographic Your Shot
view of street at night in hong kong
“The neon signages of Hong Kong are disappearing and changing the iconic street views of this city forever,” writes Your Shot photographer Steve Roe. “In fact, since my last visit six months ago, three of my favorite signs have already been taken away including the famous ones around the Koon Nam Wah Bridal sign. These particular signs in this picture are up at one of the oldest dim sum restaurants. Neon signs are the reason I fell in love so much with the city, but at least we will have photos to document one of Hong Kong's most iconic features.”
Photograph by Steve Roe, National Geographic Your Shot
water creates trails in red soil in chinese coast
“Water that is flowing down from the mountain towards the sea makes amazing patterns on the red soil,” writes Your Shot photographer Prasad Ambati. “When the light is right, they look so amazing. This image was taken from a bridge in Xiapu County, near a fishing village along the East China Sea coast.”
Photograph by Prasad Ambati, National Geographic Your Shot
woman stands by pond at sunrise with swan
“Early risers are awarded with great energy and opportunity,” writes Your Shot photographer Neelima Azad. “I was supposed to sleep like a log after travelling a great distance to this amazing resort in the desert and I decided to wake up early just so I could roam around and explore. I was in for a treat as the desert was covered in fog and the lake close by had swans and this swan right here followed me wherever I moved. I set up my tripod and put it on timer and ran and posed so I could forever cherish this morning!”
Photograph by Neelima Azad, National Geographic Your Shot
man and woman sit outside in the countryside of russia
“This photo was taken during my summer photography trip around countryside in Russia,” writes Your Shot photographer Dmitry Ersler. “This picture is a part of the series called Russia at Dusk dedicated to my beloved mom and dad.”
Photograph by Dmitry Ersler, National Geographic Your Shot
octupus hang to dry on beach in greece
“This image was captured on the Greek island of Samos,” writes Your Shot photographer Feray Umut. “Here we see some octopuses hanging on a rope to dry in the sun. Octopus has been a popular dish in Greece for thousands of years and many fish restaurants in the country have been the item as a staple on their menu.”
Photograph by Feray Umut, National Geographic Your Shot
womens boxing knock out
“'I’m not here because I fell down in life, I’m here because I got up,' says Claressa Shields, a 2x Olympian and a world boxing champion," writes Your Shot photographer Terrell Groggins. "Shields suffered a second round knockdown by the boxer Hanna Gabriels. It was the first time Claressa hit the canvas in her career. Claressa Shields won this match vs Hanna Gabriels by unanimous decison. June 22nd was a historic night for women's boxing."
Photograph by Terrell Groggins, National Geographic Your Shot
view from boat deck as the sea is rough
Your Shot photographer Ivan Kutasov captured this moment of a sailing adventure from Canada to Greenland.
Photograph by Ivan Kutasov, National Geographic Your Shot
lion climbs tree
“Lions have been known to climb trees for several reasons,” writes Your Shot photographer David Chen. “Those reasons involve avoiding attacks from larger animals such as buffalo or elephants, climbing for a better vantage point for identifying potential targets and to avoid biting insects.”
Photograph by David Chen, National Geographic Your Shot
man looks at CT scan on screen
“What worlds exist inside the human head and, when we put them together, what limits are there to the potential accomplishments of our species?” writes Your Shot photographer Reed Galin. “A CT scan doesn't show thoughts and promises, though. It doesn't show love and fear and wisdom or anger. It shows tissue and connections. What this technician reads in the images- unknowable abstractions to a layperson- may reveal a future of tragedy or triumph. What he sees this moment may very well change someone's life. And, he does this every day.”
Photograph by Reed Galin, National Geographic Your Shot
toucan tries to bite camera
“Capturing images of wild creatures at a very short distance is always an interest to me,” writes Your Shot photographer Shan W. “Because I like to see their expressions, make eye contact with them, and try to have a better understanding of the wildlife.”
Photograph by Shan W., National Geographic Your Shot
a pygmy sea horse gives birth
Your Shot photographer Reiko Takahashi captured this moment of a male pygmy seahorse giving birth. For the pygmy seahorse the females pass the eggs to the males who keep the eggs secured in a pouch on their trunk as they wait for the young seahorses to hatch.
Photograph by Reiko Takahashi, National Geographic Your Shot
buddhists pray in the night
"Hundreds of Buddhist pray in the night of flower garlands and colored lanterns on the birthday of the Buddha,” writes Your Shot photographer Tran Tuan Viet. “It’s a respectful ritual to pray for peace and health of mankind in Dien Quang pagoda, Bac Ninh province, of Northern Vietnam. At the ritual, virgin girls will be selected to stand in the first row. It starts when the sun goes down over the horizon and last for three hours.”
Photograph by Tran Tuan Viet, National Geographic Your Shot
twin girls pose for portrait
"Leida and Laëlle, 9, are twin sisters and are living in Brazil recently, they came as refugees from Haiti,” writes Your Shot photographer Tati Itat. “They say that living here is like living in paradise, very different from the reality of their country of origin. They are extremely connected, while the parents are working, they take care of each other. They dream and make plans together to become models and teachers as a way to obtain money to bring their relatives that are still in Haiti. They are very creative, faithful and lovely children.”
Photograph by Tati Itat, National Geographic Your Shot
inside of a french cello
“I started a new series of inside instruments,” writes Your Shot photographer Adrian Borda. “This is a very old French cello made in Napoleon times. I did it with a mirrorless camera and a smartphone as a wireless remote, using artificial light and long exposures, around 30 seconds. For sure the instrument had quite a life, but only it's scars remember it's past now.”
Photograph by Adrian Borda, National Geographic Your Shot
waves crash on lake michigan
“Michigan weather during the spring can give exciting photo opportunities,” writes Your Shot photographer Levi Langerak. “I saw the wave prediction for St Joseph showed large waves that afternoon. After finding the position I wanted I put my 150-600mm Tamron on my tripod that was dug into the sand and weighted it down with my backpack to combat the fierce winds that were shaking my camera. I enjoy going to this lighthouse for wave pictures due to the main lighthouse is on the north side which I find gets larger waves.”
Photograph by Levi Langerak, National Geographic Your Shot
blue car parked in front of green and pink buildings in south africa
“The colorful streets of Bo Kaap in Cape Town weren't always this way,” writes Your Shot photographer Stephanie Miller. “The facades were once mandated to be a drab, uniform color during Apartheid. After Apartheid ended, the residents painted their homes every color of the rainbow to celebrate their freedom and Eid (a Muslim festival). Visiting Bo Kaap during the intense mid-day sunlight, the houses were so brightly colored it was almost blinding!”
Photograph by Stephanie Miller, National Geographic Your Shot
abstract portrait of person in yellow rain jacket with leaves covering face
“During a misty morning adventure in New South Wales, Australia we came across this dark road filled with autumn leaves on the side of the road,” writes Your Shot photographer Matt Horspool. “My friend had a clear umbrella and I spontaneously thought it would be a great idea to shoot something like this. It took a few goes but this was the final image.”
Photograph by Matt Horspool, National Geographic Your Shot
boy fires fun during turkey season in arkansas
“This photograph shows a young child practicing for youth spring turkey season which opened the following weekend,” writes Your Shot photographer Terra Fondriest. “Youth turkey is for ages 6-15 and marks the opening of spring turkey season. His father pictured in the background has always been an avid hunter, so he is bringing up his son the same way. Besides hunting for turkey and deer meat, they also raise meat pigs and chickens. They live just down the road from us in the Ozarks of Arkansas.”
Photograph by Terra Fondriest, National Geographic Your Shot
mother and child near clothesline
“It isn't always obvious - your identity as a mother. It's clouded by expectations, demands and sleep deprivation,” writes Your Shot photographer Laura Wood. “For the most part, you live out your day and your duties behind doors with only children looking on who don't fully understand the sacrifices you make. 7pm rolls around and you breathe a big breath as your children go to sleep, you pour a glass of wine and your identity changes again. Always a mother, but sometimes more than others.”
Photograph by Laura Wood, National Geographic Your Shot
boy plays basketball with dad
“In just a couple of months, his interest in basketball grew from a 2 to a 20. Whether he's practicing his dunk on the hoop hanging on his door, watching his favorite players on TV, or taking a shot on the ‘big boy’ hoop on the playground, he's always excited to show off his moves as he attempts to emulate the greats. All the while yelling out ‘Watch this daddy!,’” writes Your Shot photographer Lisa Coker.
Photograph by Lisa Coker, National Geographic Your Shot
abstract portrait of person with flowers on head
“I love bright lights, but I prefer being in the shadows; I love flower gardens but in winter I enjoy nature in a vase; I am shy in the beginning but can open up easily in warm and nurturing environment,” writes Your Shot photographer Toni Minchev. “I love blue tones, but if I have to choose a feminine color it would be ash pink; I love listening to alternative rock but my favorite composer is Antonio Vivaldi; I am inspired by bold colors but I live my life in the pastel palette.”
Photograph by Toni Minchev, National Geographic Your Shot
giraffes on african horizon as sun sets
“The experience of observing an absurdly stunning twilight, turned into an unforgettable photographic experience when this tower of 4 giraffes walked into the frame,” writes Your Shot photographer Zhayynn James. This moment was captured in Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania.
Photograph by Zhayynn James, National Geographic Your Shot
husband and wife on their couch after 67 years of marriage
“Joan and Carl sit together inside of their home of 54 years,” writes Your Shot photographer Meg Brock. “The two were married in 1950 and together have built a beautiful family that includes sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. After 67 years of marriage the mutual love and respect they have for one another still shines brightly. Love in its newness is sweet. Love that flourishes through trials and time is inspirational. Knowing them and seeing their love has inspired many, including myself.”
Photograph by Meg Brock, National Geographic Your Shot
view of mount fuji during cherry blossom season
“The five-storied pagoda of Arakurayama Sengen Park located in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi is a location that has become popular year by year for both foreign tourists and Japanese tourists.,” writes Your Shot photographer Takashi Nakazawa. “Because we can see the five-storied pagoda, Mt Fuji and cherry blossoms symbolizing Japan at the same time. In particular, it gets very crowded when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. When you see this scene once, your visions of Mt. Fuji change forever.” This image was published on the June/July 2018 Traveler magazine cover as part of Your Shot's " Trip That Changed My Life" assignment.
Photograph by Takashi, National Geographic Your Shot
body builder shares breakfast table with puppy
“The last bodybuilding champion of the USSR and the former president of the Bodybuilding Federation Kirill Dubkov has drastically changed his career,” writes Your Shot photographer Anton Dotsenko. “Currently, Kirill is busy with breeding one of the rarest dog breeds - Alaskan Malamutes. Kirill says that this new pastime of his is not different from going to the gym to meet his own needs: it is the source of happiness and enjoyment. Breeding them in a natural environment makes them healthier and lets them live longer.”
Photograph by Anton Dotsenko, National Geographic Your Shot
behind the scenes of selma portrait project
“I assisted photographer Kathryn Mayo for six months while she created the "Selma Portrait Project,” writes Your Shot photographer Douglas Winter. “Ms. Mayo photographed a cross-section of Selma residents, capturing over 60 wet plate collodion portraits. One of the portraits she made was of the Rev. F.D. Reese, one of the "Courageous Eight". Meeting Rev. Reese and the many beautiful people of Selma was a life-changing experience for me. This "behind the scenes" image I made encapsulates the trip that changed my life.”
Photograph by Douglas Winter, National Geographic Your Shot
afghan child inteacts with soldier
“An Afghan child interacts with Marine Cpl. J.W. Morris through a checkpoint barrier at forward operating base Musa Qal'ah, Helmand province, Afghanistan,” writes Your Shot photographer Alejandro Peña. “Though discouraged from interacting with the local children, many Marines ignored this rule. Morris was from Spokane, Washington, and had young children of his own. He would save the chocolate candies from care packages to pass out to the local children. Needless to say he was very popular.”
Photograph by Alejandro Peña, National Geographic Your Shot
vulture feeds on carcass
“This was such a difficult moment for me to capture,” writes Your Shot photographer Ali Alshami. “I waited patiently for the vulture eye to come into the middle of the other vulture’s beak. It happened so fast, but I was able to slow the moment down and capture this photograph.”
Photograph by Ali Alshamsi, National Geographic Your Shot

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