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Bodoquena Mountains, Brazil"One may imagine this is an aerial photography, but the image was captured from the edge of a sinkhole, in Bodoquena Mountains, Brazil. In the photograph, a broad-snouted caiman—Caiman latirostris—crosses the lake at the bottom of the cenote. The depression circumference is roughly 500m and it is about 100m deep. Water collects at the bottom and forms a shallow lake. Some caimans live in this wet environment. How they got there and how they survive is a mystery."  
Photograph and caption by Ary Bassous, 2019 National Geographic Travel Photo Contest

25 spectacular patterns in nature—and where to see them

Explore designs in nature with these submissions to the 2019 National Geographic Travel Photo Contest.

BySarah Polger
April 11, 2019
Captions were written and submitted by the photographers.

When you travel, what do you see? This gallery of submissions to the 2019 National Geographic Travel Photo Contest reveals natural patterns and designs that captured the eyes—and lenses—of photographers from around the world. From bold landscapes to intimate wildlife portraits, explore visions of our world and ask yourself if you see the pattern of your own life in nature.

Think you have the winning photo? Be sure to enter before May 3 at 12pm EST. Submit for a chance to win up to $10,000.