They say never work with children or animals, but these photographers have managed to get up close and personal with some of nature's most imposing creatures. What's more, the vivid, spontaneous nature of their shots often cast their subjects in an entirely different light to the way they're normally perceived. A great white shark looks almost genteel as it glides atop the ocean. A bathing tigress is clearly in her element as she shakes off post-pool session. A Sargassum Frog Fish - pictured in rare promixity - is both beautiful and grotesque.
All these photos, shown below, are editor's favourites from the 2012 National Geographic Photo Contest. The annual competition has already received over 1,600 entries from a variety of professional and amateur photographers. It closes at the end of November so there's still time to enter if you're keen - find out more here. Be inspired by some of the highlights of the contest so far, below.
Relax
Photo and caption by Ondrej Zaruba/National Geographic Photo Contest
This cow is looking very happy.
Sargassum Frog Fish In Net
Photo and caption by Deron Verbeck/National Geographic Photo Contest
This Sargassum Frog Fish was in a net floating of the Kona coast. These are rare fish for us to see here so a unique opportunity to get a shot of such a large one.
Great White, Sun Light
Photo and caption by Kirk Nielsen/National Geographic Photo Contest
As I am sitting on top of a suspended submersible cage, 30 feet below the surface, a 15 foot Great White Shark swims overhead just starting to block out the sun. I took the shot right after I had released a breath though my respirator.
The Stand Off
Photo and caption by Richard Davies/National Geographic Photo Contest
Taken on a Canon EOS 40D
Atlantic Spotted Dolphins having an underwater chat
Photo and caption by John Gaskell/National Geographic Photo Contest
These three Atlantic Spotted Dolphins were acting playful for a few minutes so I swam over to join in. When I got close the dolphins came together as if they were going to discuss my presence. One of them seemed to say something then they did a little dance and were on their way. Amazing animals, I felt very lucky to capture the moment.
The Explosion!
Photo and caption by Ashley Vincent/National Geographic Photo Contest
The subject's name is Busaba, a well cared for Indochinese Tigress whose home is at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Thailand. I had taken many portraits of Busaba previously and it was becoming more and more difficult to come up with an image that appeared any different to the others. Which is why I took to observing her more carefully during my visits in the hope of capturing something of a behavioural shot. The opportunity finally presented itself while watching Busaba enjoying her private pool then shaking herself dry. In all humility I have to say that Mother Nature smiled favourably on me that day!
King
Photo and caption by Michaela May/National Geographic Photo Contest
Spotted this male lion while on safari in Kruger National Park. His disdain for the light clearly shows his imperiousness for those around him.
Clash of the Titans
Photo and caption by James Cumming/National Geographic Photo Contest
I followed these two big bucks around the NCC Greenbelt in Kanata, Canada for an hour or so during the rutting season. They finally came out to an open field and started to play fight or so it seemed. No buck was injured and I was the only one really happy about the fight.
Great Horned Owl
Photo and caption by Ken Blye/National Geographic Photo Contest
Great Horned Owl in black and white. Well camouflaged almost missed him...
Adrift
Photo and caption by Joshua Holko/National Geographic Photo Contest
Penguins adrift on iceberg during a heavy snow storm in Antarctica
Protective Mother Cheetah
Photo and caption by Scott Belt/National Geographic Photo Contest
This mother cheetah, with 5 cubs nearby, made it clear that her limits had been met (or exceeded).
Baby seal
Photo and caption by Ondrej Zaruba/National Geographic Photo Contest
Baby of elephant seal relax on the beach.
