Entries in our 12th Annual Photography Contest prove yet again that amateurs can take incredible pictures—and that Traveler readers do get around, indeed. We asked you to capture a “magic moment,” that blink of an eye when all the elements come together just right. You sent thousands of images taken in places near and far. We saw family pets, monks in Tibet, an elephant sitting on a car, lightning striking the Golden Gate Bridge. And then there was that French farmer holding the severed head of a pig.

Congratulations to the winners—presented here—and a hearty thanks to all who tried. (Seeing your images gave us insight into where you like to go.) Look in our May/June issue, or check-in online for word of our next contest.