See the world in a new light with these prize-winning photos

These striking images have been declared among the winners of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition 2020.

The grand prize winner was snapped by Hadriel Torres at the Matavaa O Te Henua Enana arts festival, held on the remote Marquesas Islands. The celebration of local music, dance and crafts showcases the lively traditions of this Pacific archipelago, attracting delegations from all six inhabited islands, as well as tourists.

Here, the haka - a ceremonial dance of powerful gestures and stamping - is performed by the local dance group on the small island of Ua Pou while awaiting the arrival of the neighbouring islands’ canoes. The shot, entered into the ‘People’ category, was selected as the overall competition winner from more than 4,500 entries.

Annapurna Mellor’s photograph of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh, India won the Landscapes categoryAnnapurna Mellor’s photograph of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh, India won the Landscapes category
Annapurna Mellor’s photograph of Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh, India won the Landscapes category

Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), said of the grand prize winner’s photograph: “The shot was a clear winner with the judges, capturing the energy and the power of the dance against the backdrop of the stunning location. The immediacy and sense of place is captivating; you can almost feel the stamping of feet and hear the rhythmic chanting. A well-deserved winner.”

The Order of Glorious Motherhood by Kay Lockett, one of the entries to this year’s contestThe Order of Glorious Motherhood by Kay Lockett, one of the entries to this year’s contest
The Order of Glorious Motherhood by Kay Lockett, one of the entries to this year’s contest

The winners are:Grand prize Hadriel Torres: Performing the haka, Ua Pou island, Marquesas Islands, French PolynesiaCategory winners:Cities: Jordan Banks: Soho building on Odaiba artificial island, Tokyo, JapanLandscapes: Annapurna Mellor: Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh, IndiaPeople: Hadriel Torres: Performing the haka, Ua Pou island, Marquesas Islands, French PolynesiaNature: Francesca Page: Spotted eagle ray, near Cocos Island, Costa Rica

This picture, taken by Jordan Banks in Tokyo, won the Cities categoryThis picture, taken by Jordan Banks in Tokyo, won the Cities category
This picture, taken by Jordan Banks in Tokyo, won the Cities category

As the grand prize winner, Torres will travel to Mexico con the Cultural Wonders of Mexico tour - a new, nine-day itinerary exploring the cuisine and culture of the country. Each category winner will receive a Manfrotto Befree Advanced Aluminium Travel Tripod.

Visit nationalgeographic.co.uk/photography-competition-2020 to view the winners and for more information about the awards.

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