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MISTY MOUNTAINS

Breathtaking sunset snap of the Dolomites showcases the natural beauty of the Earth

An awe-inspiring snap showing the Italian mountain range topped by a wisp of cloud is among the latest set of images entered in National Geographic's new photography competition

TOWERING over a golden Italian landscape, the Dolomites stand majestically as they catch the setting sunlight in this awe-inspiring snap - which is among the latest to be showcased in National Geographic's new photography competition.

A range of new photos, which can be seen below, are from week three of the 2019 - which is currently open for entries until noon on May 3 and has a top prize of $7,500 (£5,600).

 Sunset at alpine meadows in the Dolomites, Italy. Photographer Gokul Kanagarajah said: 'I had to cycle 5km uphill from the hotel to catch the sunset, as I got to know at the last moment that visitors were not allowed to drive in this conservation area, but it was worth it.'
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Sunset at alpine meadows in the Dolomites, Italy. Photographer Gokul Kanagarajah said: 'I had to cycle 5km uphill from the hotel to catch the sunset, as I got to know at the last moment that visitors were not allowed to drive in this conservation area, but it was worth it.'Credit: Gokul Kanagarajah / 2019 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST
 A lightning strikes the shoreline of Attica behind the Acropolis of Athens, Greece, during a severe summer thunderstorm on June 23, 2018. By Alexandros Maragos.
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A lightning strikes the shoreline of Attica behind the Acropolis of Athens, Greece, during a severe summer thunderstorm on June 23, 2018. By Alexandros Maragos.Credit: Alexandros Maragos / 2019 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST
 Rio de Janeiro Bay taken from Corcovado. Photographer Marco Mirgone said: 'It shows the Pao de Acucar and the incredible scene of the Guanabara Bay.'
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Rio de Janeiro Bay taken from Corcovado. Photographer Marco Mirgone said: 'It shows the Pao de Acucar and the incredible scene of the Guanabara Bay.'Credit: Marco Virgone / 2019 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST
 Photographer Sergey Grekov said: 'Los Angeles is a well-recognised tourist destination. However, it is less known that it is also home to various wildlife. This osprey, shaking off water after a successful dive, was photographed next to the very busy 405 freeway in the heart of the San Fernando Valley - an urban and suburban enclave in the greater Los Angeles area. Harsh sun in the zenith made the shot very difficult, but revealed a beautiful cloud of water drops following the bird - and reminding me famous jet sonic boom images.'
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Photographer Sergey Grekov said: 'Los Angeles is a well-recognised tourist destination. However, it is less known that it is also home to various wildlife. This osprey, shaking off water after a successful dive, was photographed next to the very busy 405 freeway in the heart of the San Fernando Valley - an urban and suburban enclave in the greater Los Angeles area. Harsh sun in the zenith made the shot very difficult, but revealed a beautiful cloud of water drops following the bird - and reminding me famous jet sonic boom images.'Credit: SERGEY GREKOV / 2019 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST
 A valley of rainbows in Central Patagonia, by photographer Tetsuya Nomura
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A valley of rainbows in Central Patagonia, by photographer Tetsuya NomuraCredit: Tetsuya Nomura / 2019 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST
 Photographer Mauro De Bettio said: 'Every winter, between Christmas and New Year, in the north-eastern regions of Romania, the annual Dance of the Bears takes place - a ritual that symbolises the death and rebirth of time. Men and women of all ages dress with bear skins and dance to the rhythm of flutes and percussion to drive away evil spirits and welcome the New Year.'
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Photographer Mauro De Bettio said: 'Every winter, between Christmas and New Year, in the north-eastern regions of Romania, the annual Dance of the Bears takes place - a ritual that symbolises the death and rebirth of time. Men and women of all ages dress with bear skins and dance to the rhythm of flutes and percussion to drive away evil spirits and welcome the New Year.'Credit: Mauro De bettio / 2019 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST
 Photographer Daniel Yee said: 'The famous "Firefall" of Yosemite National Park is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the Horsetail Falls waterfall glows orange due to the angle of sunlight hitting the water, and will only occur when certain time and weather conditions are met. Some firefalls may glow a pale yellow, while others may glow like burning fire. I was lucky to witness the latter combined with strong winds, creating a spectacular sight. I went the extra mile up a snowy mountain to get the eye level shot.'
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Photographer Daniel Yee said: 'The famous "Firefall" of Yosemite National Park is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the Horsetail Falls waterfall glows orange due to the angle of sunlight hitting the water, and will only occur when certain time and weather conditions are met. Some firefalls may glow a pale yellow, while others may glow like burning fire. I was lucky to witness the latter combined with strong winds, creating a spectacular sight. I went the extra mile up a snowy mountain to get the eye level shot.'Credit: Daniel T Yee / 2019 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST
 Photographer Jesper Anhede said: 'Buzkashi (literally “goat pulling” in Persian) is a Central Asian sport in which horse-mounted players attempt to place a goat, calf, or a lamb carcass in a goal. Played in one form or another for more than 600 years, Central Asia’s national sport is alarmingly fast and extremely physical. It’s like the NFL, but with horses and a headless lamb.'
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Photographer Jesper Anhede said: 'Buzkashi (literally “goat pulling” in Persian) is a Central Asian sport in which horse-mounted players attempt to place a goat, calf, or a lamb carcass in a goal. Played in one form or another for more than 600 years, Central Asia’s national sport is alarmingly fast and extremely physical. It’s like the NFL, but with horses and a headless lamb.'Credit: Jesper Anhede/ 2019 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST
 A fisherman is suddenly surprised by a wave along the Malecón of Havana, Cuba, by Beniamino Pisati
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A fisherman is suddenly surprised by a wave along the Malecón of Havana, Cuba, by Beniamino PisatiCredit: Beniamino Pisati / 2019 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST
 Photographer Eric Seidner said: 'Xiapu is a giant mudflat in Fujian, China. Most famous for a battalion of bamboo poles stretching to the horizon and thrust into the mud to hang and dry seaweed, the area has preserved traditional ways of coastal living. After having visited an ancient forest we got lost on the country roads back towards the highway. I happened to look out the passenger window and saw these giant nets floating in the breeze like tentacles clawing at the boatman. I parked, slid down a muddy bank and took the shot.'
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Photographer Eric Seidner said: 'Xiapu is a giant mudflat in Fujian, China. Most famous for a battalion of bamboo poles stretching to the horizon and thrust into the mud to hang and dry seaweed, the area has preserved traditional ways of coastal living. After having visited an ancient forest we got lost on the country roads back towards the highway. I happened to look out the passenger window and saw these giant nets floating in the breeze like tentacles clawing at the boatman. I parked, slid down a muddy bank and took the shot.'Credit: Eric Seidner / 2019 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST
Heart-stopping footage shows climber Alex Honnold scale 3,000ft mountain El Capitan with no rope


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