Epic Entries To Washington Posts 2017 Travel Photo Contest

For the 18th year, Washington Posts Travel asks readers for their best photos. This sampling shows that the contest has some stiff competition.

“The combination of earth, sky and light in this location is simply magical”, wrote Mark Franko about his submission taken in Arizona’s Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. “It is no wonder why the Native Americans hold this place sacred”. The 57-year-old from Hughesville, Md., was part of a small group that was hosted by a resident Navajo family. Submit to the annual contest here. (Photo by Mark Franko/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)

More info: Washington Posts Travel Photo Contest

Lucia Hatch, 81, of the District, was participating in a photo workshop in Scotland when she took this image in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. (Photo by Lucia Hatch/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)

In Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Sarah Hodge, 27, snapped this shot during a quiet moment in Pasar Beringharjo, a traditional market in the old town quarter. “The market is utterly massive, stretching several blocks and several stories”, wrote the Alexandria, Va., resident. “It’s crowded with batik shops, kitchenware vendors, satay stalls, and in the back section, butchers and vegetable sellers”. (Photo by Sarah Hodge/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)

Ken Smiy, 54, of Stephens City, Va., took this image during a morning walk in Lucca, Italy. (Photo by Ken Smiy/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)

Gibran Hadj-Chikh, 44, took this sunrise shot in Buffalo’s Delaware Park while visiting family for Thanksgiving. “I hope this photo encourages others to consider less-traveled destinations as they explore America”, the Chicago resident wrote. (Photo by Gibran Hadj-Chikh/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)

“Touring the Koko-en Gardens adjacent to the Himeji castle was an unexpected highlight of our visit”, wrote Jeff Solar, 64, of Silver Spring, Md., about his trip to Japan. “The fall colors were outstanding and the gardens were both amazing and a bargain (just a few Yen added to the cost of the Himeji Castle admission)”. (Photo by Jeff Solar/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)

In Lisbon, Shadi Salehi, 32, of the District, captured this scene from Sao Miguel while she was on a walking tour of the city. (Photo by Shadi Salehi/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)

“For this shot I noticed a very colorful large bus approaching my photo plane and used a three-second exposure to capture the motion of rush hour traffic in contrast with the stillness of the timeless monuments”, wrote Christopher Buoscio, 50, of Falls Church, Va., about his photo from the District. (Photo by Christopher Buoscio/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)

Chris Tereyla, 37, of Frederick, Md., was on his honeymoon in Italy when he took this photo in Venice. “One sunny afternoon it suddenly started raining. I was able to capture this picture of a sunny, rainy day¨. (Photo by Chris Tereyla/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)

“After standing over an hour on a frosty mountainside in Skofja Loka, Slovenia, waiting for the sunrise over the mist filled valley, I was blessed with a ten minute appearance of St. Thomas Church”, wrote Joseph LaRose, 71, of Cherry Hill, N.J. (Photo by Joseph LaRose/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)