The photos of the year have been revealed, and what a bunch they are.

From stunning wildlife shots to stark depictions of the way we live now, the National Geographic 2014 Photo Contest looks back at the 12 months that was around the world.

One of the most respected photography competitions, it drew in more than 9,200 entries from professionals and amateurs in over 150 different countries.

The winning entry is a captivating photo of a woman spotlit by the light of her phone on a crowded train. An eerie glow reflects from the phone onto the girl who is consumed by the device - an image that could equally represent one of us.

Other spectacular moments captured in the shortlist of photographs include a wildebeest jumping off a cliff to join its herd and a beautiful intricate pattern formulated in ice on a window.

The competition which is divided into three categories - nature, people and places - was judged by a panel of experts including National Geographic photographers and is based on creativity and photographic quality.

Take a look at the stunning winning entries below.

A Node Glows in the Dark (Grand Prize and People Winner)

The most amazing photographs of 2014; National Geographic unveils competition winners