An elephant driver goes for a swim. Photo courtesy of Cesare Naldi/National Geographic

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s leading non-profit scientific and educational organizations in the world, whose general purpose is to get people to care more about their planet. And in its annual International Photography Contest, the NGS gathers some of the most stunning portraits from all over the world.

The National Geographic Magazine has been home to some of the most outstanding photojournalism in the world for almost a century, and in its open photography contest, amateur and professional photographers alike have a chance to show their own images. This year’s round is a collection of thousands of images from all over the world, with the winners earning a chance to have a spread in the magazine, along with a brand new LEICA D-LUX 4 camera kit.

This year’s competition is already closed, but you can see a slideshow of the best entries and vote for your favorites, as well as view past winners, play puzzles or download wallpapers, all at the NGS website.