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After 9 Months Of Competition And More Than 130,000 Submissions, Here Are The Most Breathtaking Pics Taken This Year (50 Pics)
After 9 months of competition and more than 130,000 submissions from photographers all over the world, the Top 50 finalists for the #AGORAawards2019 have been revealed.
From seals resting on the Antarctic ice to Nomads crossing the Sahara desert, this selection will make you travel across the continents to discover the wonders of Planet Earth and its various cultures, people and incredible landscapes.
The AGORA Awards 2019, hosted by free-to-use photography app AGORA images will reward the best image of the year with the grand prize of $25,000 for its photographer. Unlike any other contest, the third edition of the AGORA Awards recognizes the single most voted photo of the year, without any photography genre categories.
The competition has been running throughout 2019, where photographers from all around the world - amateurs and professional alike - could submit their best shots. The 50 finalists, coming from 21 different countries, are now competing to cast the most votes and will be awarded on November 6th during the official AGORA awards ceremony taking place in Barcelona.
Which of them will win the life-changing prize? See them now and have your say!
More info: agoraimages.com | Facebook | youtube.com
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Ant Balancing The Earth
It took the photographer 4 hours to take this shot of an ant carrying water drops spread on a piece of thread.
By @anadgphotography (Philippines), Analiza De Guzman/AGORA images
Final score:
416points
#2
The Best Friends
A lizard and a snail having a cute moment.
by @andihalil (Indonesia), Andi Halil / AGORA images
Final score:
286points
#3
Reaching For Heaven
The Mont Saint Michel, France, lost in the middle of the fog.
By @thedronelad (UK), Konrad Paruch/AGORA images
Final score:
276points
#4
Incense Work
In Vietnam, incense is known to connect living people with ancestors and gods.
By @ptkhanhhvnh (Vietnam), Khánh Phan/AGORA images
Final score:
272points
Monika Soffronow 5 years ago
Does anyone have any context knowledge to add to this gorgeous composition of colours and shapes? Is this a photo of a display? Of the manufacturing process? Preparations for a ritual/festival/holiday?
#5
Songs Of Freedom
More than a photo - an unspoken struggle for freedom and belonging, inspired by Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song'.
By @eighthman (Ghana), Michael Aboya/AGORA images
Final score:
252points
#6
Mother's Goodness
Perfect timing for this shot of a Hoopoe bird feeding its chicks.
By @phyomoe (Myanmar), Phyo Moe/AGORA images
Final score:
248points
#7
Rainy Day
Red-eyed tree frog in West Java.
By @hendymp (Indonesia), Hendy MP/AGORA images
Final score:
248points
#8
Echoes Of The Unknown
The photographer wanted to display the cordial relationship between a man and a beast.
By @theeastwoodexperience (Ghana), Clement Eastwood/AGORA images
Final score:
246points
#9
Alone In The Desert
The shot was taken from a high dune in Merzouga, Morocco, where Nomads are seen moving through the Sahara desert.
By @carlesalonsophotography (Spain), Carles Alonso/AGORA images
Final score:
245points
#10
Run And Fun
Young monks having fun at the Hsinbyume Pagoda.
By @lingling25 (Myanmar), Ling Ling/AGORA images
Final score:
243points
#11
Colors Of Life
Women fishing in West Bengal before heading to the market.
By @pranab_basak (India), Pranab Basak/AGORA images
Final score:
231points
#12
Under The Light Making Batik Crafts
Batik making in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Batik is a technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to whole cloth. The lady pictured has been mastering this art for the past 35 years. With this picture, the photographer hopes to keep this tradition alive.
by @_bimo_ (Indonesia), Bimo Pradityo/AGORA images
Final score:
226points
Rosie Hamilton 5 years ago
Remember learning how to do this at school - it's lovely fun and can leave you with beautiful fabric.
#13
Rainbow Reine
Double rainbow spotted as the photographer was crossing a bridge in the Lofoten Islands.
By @uglefisk (Norway), Paal Lund/AGORA images
Final score:
219points
ispeak catanese 5 years ago
We get a lot of rainbows in FL. I saw one end in the water once. So lovely.
#14
Reitdiephaven
Long exposure sunset shot in the District in the city of Groningen, Netherlands
By @anskar (Germany), Anskar Lenzen/AGORA images
Final score:
219points
#15
Sand Wasp With Prey
This wasp is on a mission to bring its prey home!
By @pokokemoto (Indonesia), Imam Primahardy/AGORA images
Final score:
218points
Monika Soffronow 5 years ago (edited)
What a shot! But let me officially state that I am damn glad that wasps are not our size!
#16
Veins Of Earth
The Amazon-like shot was taken in East Sussex, where the Cuckmere river divides the grasslands.
By @hugohealy (UK), Hugo Healy/AGORA images
Final score:
216points
#17
Motherly Love
More than a 2-hour wait for this photographer to capture a tender moment between a chimpanzee and its infant at the Tenerife zoo.
By @santiagolopezfotografia, Santiago López/AGORA images
Final score:
212points
#18
Wild Look
Lynx spotted in the Cábarceno Natural Park.
By @saavedraphotography (Spain), Sergio Saavedra/AGORA images
Final score:
211points
Miranda Noble 5 years ago
Me: Here kitty kitty, come here kitty, let me hug you and love you foreverrrrrrrrrr Kitty: Mmmmm stupid huummaan.... snack time!!
#19
Unknown
Taking this shot without getting his lenses soaked was a hard exercise for this photographer in Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, East Java.
By @jprphotos (UK), Jonathan Rogers/AGORA images
Final score:
204points
Mia Cardenas 5 years ago
nature is amazing and we look so insignificant compared to it's power
#20
Throwing Nets
Fisherman in action at the Situ Patenggang lake.
By @g13nnn (Indonesia), Glenn Valentino/AGORA images
Final score:
195points
#21
Expressions
Saint met in a Pakistani Shrine.
By @asimijaz (Pakistan), Asim Ijaz/AGORA images
Final score:
193points
Andrea Bernier Hall 5 years ago
This photo is a source of endless curiosity and fascination for me. The eyes. The hair. The different textures. The map across his face. His expression Why him? Did he pose or was this candid? We have been so regularly exposed to the concept that Middle Eastern people can have such malicious intent. So, is this man "good"? Is he "evil"? This is such an amazing photo.
Geeky Gargoyle 5 years ago
I agree. This man's face is just so... wow. Every time I look, I see something different. He's mysterious, wise, sad, halfway amused at something, and he even has a bit of a sexy look about that chiseled face. Then I'm utterly appalled at myself for thinking he looks a little sexy, because he's way old and he has the long hair and beard, which normally are mega-turn-offs for me. Must be those eyes...
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Elizabeth Draper 5 years ago
Yes , eyes are not brown but Amber Magnificent this a awesome photo of looking deep into soul .
Kenny Kulbiski 5 years ago
He's got all the answers about the meaning of life, peaceful living, etc. We, of course, won't pay any attention.
#22
Among The White Umbrellas
Traditional umbrellas factory in Mandalay, Myanmar. The production of a traditional umbrella cannot be done by a single person or within a day: there is a division of labor in the making of a single umbrella. Each worker is responsible for different parts to finish one umbrella.
By @aungthuya (Myanmar), Aung ThuYa/AGORA images
Final score:
171points
#23
Nature Always Wins
Shipwreck graves in Brittany, France. Some boats have been there for more than 100 years.
By @charliieb (Monaco), Charlie Berthaume/AGORA images
Final score:
167points
#24
Dark Disneyland
Vertical panorama of the Neuschwanstein Castle.
By @tommimatz (Germany), Tommi Matz/AGORA images
Final score:
165points
#25
Sea Of Ice
The professional wildlife photographer took this photo in Antarctica, where crabeater seals like to rest on ice for a nap.
By @florianledoux (France), Florian Ledoux/AGORA images
Final score:
160points
#26
The Most Beautiful Roundabout In The World
Vertical panorama of Paris' Arc de Triomphe, where 12 avenues come together.
By @henrydo (USA), Henry Do/AGORA images
Final score:
156points
ChickyChicky 5 years ago
How are there no cars going around it? Did they change that since I've been to Paris?
#27
Hearts On The Sea
Aerial photos of fishing nets in Vietnam.
By @phannguyen5285 (Vietnam), Nguyen Phan Xuan/AGORA images
Final score:
156points
#28
Oeil De Zèbre
Shot taken at the Madrid safari.
By @s.p.marin (Spain), Sara Pinto Marin/AGORA images
Final score:
155points
#29
Diamond Ring Total Solar Eclipse
Snapshot of the 2017 total solar eclipse, pictured from Nebraska.
By @edoindo (USA), Edward Panjaitan/AGORA images
Final score:
150points
Mary Rose Kent 5 years ago
It was foggy in my San Francisco neighborhood on the morning of the eclipse and all I saw was a brief, mild darkening
#30
Dancer
Taken at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Athens.
By @markellos (Greece), Markellos Plakitsis/AGORA images
Final score:
149points
Monika Soffronow 5 years ago
If this contained the sum total of the information an alien had on the human species, then how would the humans be described?!? ;-)
#31
Snow Horseman
Winter in Mongolia.
By @zayyarlin (Myanmar), Zay Yar Lin/AGORA images
Final score:
146points
Jacqui Cyrus 5 years ago
The lone horseman contrasting in red makes this an eye-catching photo.
#32
La Mujer Que Espera
Women waiting to be served in a salami shop in Rome, Piazza de la Rotonda.
By @paulaaranoa (Argentina), Paula Aranoa /AGORA images
Final score:
140points
Monika Soffronow 5 years ago
The shop keeper gives me the feeling that if you ask for 100 grams of salami the scale will say 100. Not 99, and not 101. It will say 100. You cannot possibly become more professional.
#33
Undefined
Snapshot taken during a road trip in California, Todos Santos. The photographer was lucky to snorkel with the animals afterwards!
by @jordisark (Spain), Jordi Sark/AGORA images)
Final score:
140points
#34
When The Buffalo Comes Back
Buffalos bathing in Pleiku, Central Vietnam.
By @hoangquocvinh, Hoang Quocvinh/AGORA images
Final score:
139points
Mia Cardenas 5 years ago
Stunning the contract between the buffalo and water. Nature is amazing
#35
Water Is Life
Although typhoons are pretty common in The Philippines, the citizens still worship the life-giving element of water.
by @froirivera (Philippines), Froi Rivera/AGORA images
Final score:
134points
#36
In Retrospect
Lonely man looking at the horizon in Kobe, Japan.
By @patriciasoon (Malaysia), Patricia Soon/AGORA images
Final score:
128points
Kenny Kulbiski 5 years ago
I don't see him as lonely, just a guy enjoying some rare solitude. I'm envious.
#37
Eid Prayer
The Eid prayer is celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, after the fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
By @azimronnie (Bangladesh), Azim Ronnie/AGORA images
Final score:
124points
#38
Strawberry Greenhouses
Young women working in a strawberry field, located in the Aegean region of Turkey.
By @leylaemektar (Turkey), Leyla Emektar/AGORA images
Final score:
124points
#39
Rain
Powerful portrait of the photographer's father under the rain.
By @wunderbilder (Germany), Perry Wunderlich/AGORA images
Final score:
123points
#40
Farming
Shot of the rice fields in Northern Vietnam, where workers plant the rice seedlings for the upcoming harvest.
By @diepvan (Vietnam), Diep Van/AGORA images
Final score:
122points
#41
Six Feet Under
Foggy morning in Ukraine, where the photographer spotted a man digging a grave with his bare hands in a little cemetery.
By @davidedziegler (Spain), David Carbonell/AGORA images
Final score:
116points
#42
The Lights Of Life
Early morning shot of the Cirahong Bridge, located on the border of Tasikmalaya Regency and Ciamis Regency. The bridge was built in 1893 by the Dutch colons.
By @dikyedarling (Indonesia), Dikye Ariani/AGORA images
Final score:
111points
#43
Blue Eye
The photographer pictured his son running through the City of Arts and Science, in Valencia.
By @ajuriaguerra (Spain), Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra Saiz/AGORA images
Final score:
104points
#44
L’espurna Que Fa Que Tot Comenci
Correfocs during a traditional Catalan festival, where groups dressed as devils light fireworks in the crowd.
By @xopet1969 (Spain), Albert Castañe/AGORA images
Final score:
102points
#45
Striving
The shot was taken near the Nias Islands, an internationally famous surfing destination.
By @bastian_as (Indonesia), Bastian AS/AGORA images
Final score:
100points
#46
Preparing For 1000 Takjil Iftar Ramadan Kareem
Three volunteers serve 1000 plates of chicken and rice prepared for the Iftar, an evening meal during which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.
By @dharmaku (Indonesia), Dharma Kurniawan/AGORA images
Final score:
93points
#47
Fire Fighter
Locals and firemen work as a team to fight a fire caused by a power incident in Bangladesh.
By @tanveer.rohan (Bangladesh), Tanveer Rohan/AGORA images
Final score:
88points
Donald Stokes 5 years ago
I helped to bring power to the people of Bangladesh. Look what they did with it! (joke).
#48
Out At Sea - Msc Orchestra
Entry from the contest's youngest finalist, a 18-year-old photographer from the Jersey Channel Islands. The cruise boat was visiting the harbor close to his hometown.
By @above_and_beyond_visuals (UK), Cameron Aird/AGORA images
Final score:
81points
#49
The Road And The Farm Have Been Flooded
Floods in Gorgan city, Northern Iran.
by @mohammadmoheimany (Iran), Mohammad Moheimani/AGORA images
Final score:
71points
#50
Boys
With this shot, the photographer wanted to portray equality between two human beings.
By @diegocampomar (Uruguay), Diego Campomar/AGORA images
Final score:
69points
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Diver Driver 5 years ago
I really enjoy these type of posts on BP. Amazing talent and eye for beauty the photographers have.
Michael DeSavoy 5 years ago
The compositions of the selected artists was amazing. I can only wonder at those who didn't make the cut this year.
Cheryl Wilcox 5 years ago
Wow. I am blown away. I so enjoyed this post. These are all amazing and some are beyond amazing. Thanks to all photographers and the compiler.
Elec trifying 5 years ago
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Tiny Dynamine 5 years ago
The top ones are good but there's a lot that I think are pretty standard. Weird that there weren't 50 outstanding photos out of all those entries.
Elec trifying 5 years ago
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Full Name 5 years ago
Apparently out of the whole world, most great photos come from Indonesia, Vietnam and France. Bonus points for how many of the greatest photos in the world just so happen to involve individuals and fishing nets. Methinks ya'll seriously need to broaden your scope. No abstract, no sports, no humour, no long exposures etc.
Diver Driver 5 years ago
I really enjoy these type of posts on BP. Amazing talent and eye for beauty the photographers have.
Michael DeSavoy 5 years ago
The compositions of the selected artists was amazing. I can only wonder at those who didn't make the cut this year.
Cheryl Wilcox 5 years ago
Wow. I am blown away. I so enjoyed this post. These are all amazing and some are beyond amazing. Thanks to all photographers and the compiler.
Elec trifying 5 years ago
Descubre los anuncios de las mejores escorts de Santiago y consigue los contactos de las damas de compañía más bellas de Santiago Centro. En GuiaX podrás encontrar los contactos de las escorts independientes de Stgo. de Chile y elegir la acompañante que más desees entre el extenso listado de anuncios sexuales de las chicas más sexys de Chile. https://guiaxescorts.com/anuncios-de-escorts-en-santiago-centro
Tiny Dynamine 5 years ago
The top ones are good but there's a lot that I think are pretty standard. Weird that there weren't 50 outstanding photos out of all those entries.
Elec trifying 5 years ago
BELLAS ESCORT EXCLUSIVAS,,SOLO DOMICILIOS Y HOTELES EN TODO SANTIAGO LAS 24 HR TODA LA NOCHE , EXTRANJERAS Y CHILENAS SELECCIONADAS,,PAGOS EN EFECTIVO Y TRANSFERENCIA BANCARIA ,LLÁMANOS Y ATRÉVETE A CONOCER LAS MEJORES DAMAS DE COMPAÑÍA DE SANTIAGO https://guiaxescorts.com/anuncios-de-escorts-en-santiago-centro
Full Name 5 years ago
Apparently out of the whole world, most great photos come from Indonesia, Vietnam and France. Bonus points for how many of the greatest photos in the world just so happen to involve individuals and fishing nets. Methinks ya'll seriously need to broaden your scope. No abstract, no sports, no humour, no long exposures etc.
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