In pictures: National Geographic Traveler 2013 Photography Contest

The annual National Geographic Traveler Magazine's 2013 Photography Contest is now underway - and, judging by this little selection of entries below, it's likely to be as spectacular than ever.

The winner of this prestigious contest, which invites photographers from around the world to enter their best work, will scoop a 10-day National Geographic Expedition to the Galapagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Endeavour.

In the last few years it seems as if the quality of shots has taken a quantum leap forward."

"The pictures increasingly reflect a more sophisticated way of seeing and interpreting the world, making the judging process more difficult. We encourage photographers to enter their work and compete against the best."

Entrants can submit photographs at nationalgeographic.com in any of four categories: travel portraits; outdoor scenes; sense of place and spontaneous moments for a $15 (£9.68) fee per photo.

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Have a look at the winning images from the 2012 Travel photographer of the Year Award, below.

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