These pictures are worth more than a thousand words.
Based in Siena, Italy, the Siena International Photo Awards garner submissions from photographers in over 100 countries around the world. The winner receives €1,500 (about $1,666 USD) as well as the coveted Pangea Prize.
The subject matters range from landscapes to subtle portraits to dramatic encounters in the animal kingdom, with categories such as nature, sport, travel, architecture, and a student division for up-and-coming photographers under the age of 20.
Here are the first, second, and third place winners across 11 categories.
Photo of the Year: "Sardine Run" by Greg Lecoeur

Location: South Africa
"During the sardines' migration along the coast of South Africa, all marine predators are looking for sardines! I was lucky to be at the right place at the right time to photograph their capture."
First place in Travel: "Strawberry Greenhouses" by Leyla Emektar

Location: Nazilli (Aydin), Turkey
"To take this shot, I had to climb a relief, which allowed me to include interesting, colored greenhouses located near Nazilli. To make the picture more interesting, I waited for the moment when a Turkish peasant who was working with the strawberries entered the frame."
Second place in Travel: "Boys Trainers" by Matjaz Krivic

Location: Diafarabe, Mali
"When we met, the boy was carrying his shoes in his hands as he couldn't use them anymore. Traveling prepared makes a difference, and with my sewing needle and dental floss, we patched them up, so that he could follow his herd."
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