Grand Prize Winner

Paul Lacombe, First-time traveler
Great Barrington, MA

This evocative photograph of one of the hillside vineyards lining the Mosel River was taken on our Romance of the Rhine & Mosel River Cruise.

Comments from the judges: The photograph is made so much more interesting through the use of repetitive lines that create both a pattern and an optical illusion. By intentionally cutting off the horizon line, the photographer also forces the viewer to focus solely on the foreground elements, creating a very pleasing abstract composition.

Honorable Mention

Judy Fox-Tepper, 2-time traveler
Potomac, MD

A traveler makes a new underwater friend on the Great Barrier Reef in this photo taken on our Australia & New Zealand trip.

Comments from the judges: The underwater perspective does a great job of introducing the variety of activities experienced on our itineraries. The photograph truly captured a serendipitous moment between a traveler and a Maori Wrasse, a local reef resident whose expressive features reveal its friendly and curious nature.

Honorable Mention

John Booker, First-time traveler
Highlands Ranch, CO

This striking photograph of a solitary Gray wolf was taken on our Alaskan Discovery: Denali National Park & the Kenai Fjords trip.

Comments from the judges: Capturing this Gray wolf in profile brings out the details and enhances the composition of the photograph. The use of lighting, color, and shallow depth of field combine perfectly to bring the viewer up-close and personal with this beautiful and elusive predator.

Honorable Mention

Judith Sisneros, 13-time traveler
Rocklin, CA

The surreal beauty of Ayers Rock (Uluru) in the Australian Outback is fully captured in this photograph taken on our Australia & New Zealand trip.

Comments from the judges: The photographer’s excellent use of light and color bring out the region’s beauty. And the placement of Ayers Rock to the left (utilizing photography’s “rule of thirds”) also reveals the true vastness of the landscapes of the Australian Outback.