10 gorgeous entries from the 2015 NatGeo Photo Contest

The latest round of submissions to the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest transport us to another place, connect with us emotionally, and stir us to action.

The contest, hosted by National Geographic, invites professional and amateur photographers from around the world to submit photos into three categories: people, places and nature. The rules are simple -- the images must be taken within the past two years and may not be edited besides minor color correction and cropping.

"National Geographic uses photography to inspire, illuminate and teach our readers about our world and beyond," said Sarah Leen, National Geographic magazine's director of photography. "The National Geographic Photo Contest is an exciting opportunity for our photo community to participate in documenting the Earth, its creatures and its people. We look forward to seeing photographs that are passionate, skillful, surprising and beautiful. I'm very excited about seeing the entries we receive this year."

The grand-prize-winning image will be published in National Geographic magazine, and the winning photographer will receive $10,000 (USD) and a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar in January 2016.

Submissions to the contest will be accepted until Nov. 16 and an overall grand-prize winner will be chosen in December 2015.

To enter, visit http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/contest-2015/.