"The world behind an image" / "I spotted these guys swooping into the cliff below me. It took such a long time to wait for one to fly directly beneath, but I am glad I waited." @ryancantyloupe "In Volcan de Fuego, I wrapped a plastic bag around the camera, waiting for the moment the volcano erupted, and then it happened!" @diegorizzophoto Whether is it to witness a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or to develop a skill, patience, and passion, are key. "I dreamed of feeling so weightless and free. Although capturing my photo felt beautiful and scary, a force in me pushed me to make it happen. As I was underwater, it felt like I dived into an endless universe." @katarina_mandarina High in the mountains, or underwater, the beauty of nature is everywhere, and "for me, the ocean is the best canvas to witness something amazing." @timmboslice_ "I love how each wave is different and has a unique journey with the power to inspire - just like humans." @phlyimages Or like every creature living on Earth, "when photographing them, I like to get portraits – close-ups to capture the animal’s soul." @mankeyfoto "It’s incredible because you are there sharing the moment with these amazing animals, and at the same time, you’re documenting those very moments." @livli.productions But nothing comes without an effort, "to get my winning shot I woke up at 3 AM to climb the mountain. It took three hours of ascent in the dark and the cold to reach this small high-altitude lake which offers a breathtaking view of one of the most famous mountains in the world – the Matterhorn." @tofenpics "The mountains also inspire me greatly. My winning shot was captured at the Taldyk pass (3615 m), this pass is part of the most beautiful road - the Pamir Highway." @gladkov_nikolai "Many don’t like to go back somewhere they’ve already been. But, in my opinion, that is how you can surprise yourself and get better, seeing how nature changes. It is also crucial to never let yourself down and realize how strong you are when you focus on the beauty and the good of a situation, even if you are freezing!" @danvarsh @nomadict: Vote in our stories to see which of these fantastic photos makes it to the finals!