Best shots from National Geographic Traveller photography award

Grand Prize and People category winner - Renato Granieri

The judging panel loved the “authenticity of shared laughter; the vibrancy of the colours juxtaposed against the white wall” in the winning image of Mariama Turay (left) and Marah Hawa in Mansonia village, Loma Mountains National Park.

Portfolio category winner - Serge Melesan

This category requires a photographer to submit ten photos for a “full photography feature” with each image able to “uniquely progress the story”, National Geographic Traveller said.

The winner was Serge Melesan, whose series was shot at Mayotte, a French archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The underwater shots were all “compelling and a few utterly outstanding”, the judges said.

Food category winner - Simon Urwin

The winning food shot was taken by Simon Urwin at a barbecue restaurant in Brownsville, Tennessee. The judges were impressed by how the “atmospheric image transports the viewer to a dimly lit, smoke-filled restaurant” adding that the composition was “spot on”.

Landscape category winner - Sam Davies

This shot was captured by a drone off the coast of Greenland among “constantly shifting ice”, photographer Sam Davies said. The judges said the “beautiful layers of blue” and “simplicity of the image” made it the winner.

Urban category winner - Richard Quirke

The water feature El Paraguas at the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico City, was shot by Richard Quirke and took home the prize in the urban category. The judges said it showed “patience” and “dedication” to “seek out unusual angles within our urban environments” and wait for the shot.

Wildlife category winner - Ed Hasler

The wildlife category-winning shot was taken in Richmond Park, London, capturing a stag during the rutting season in autumn. The judges said it was notable for its “classic composition” and how it captures the “serene, intimate scene”.