2012 Grand Prize Winner
Kathy Biehn, 7-time traveler
Bountiful, Utah

A woman holds her granddaughter while celebrating the completion of a new temple in a local village near Bagan, during the Burma & the Irrawaddy River pre-trip extension of our Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia adventure.

Comments from the judges: "This is an image we kept coming back to … we loved the contrast of young and old, captured in a quiet moment. We can feel a lot of love between the older woman and her granddaughter. It really speaks to the emotions that we all share, regardless of where we live."

2012 Landmark Winner
Barry Schirm, 6-time traveler
Rolling Hills Estates, California

A double rainbow appears in the late afternoon as a storm departs Machu Picchu during our Real Affordable Peru adventure. “I was the last person to leave that day!” said the winning photographer.

Comments from the judges: "We liked that this was a different perspective on an iconic landmark that we see frequently. The dramatic scale of the ruins is truly impressive—you get to see so much within the frame. The warm colors enhance the mood of image and make the texture of the old ruins even richer."

2012 Nature Winner
Jo Ann Crebbin, 3-time traveler
Englewood, Florida

This stunning photo of a leopard resting in a tree was taken in Tanzania during our Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari.

Comments from the judges: "This image shows how powerful a simple composition can be. The technique applied to blur the background really makes the leopard come to life. The lack of background details also makes the image appear dream-like. It is an intense and direct photo, but also beautiful."

2012 Local People Winner
Sharon Arkin, 7-time traveler
Tucson, Arizona

Against a backdrop of whitewashed walls, an Indian holy man studies religious texts in Delhi during our Heart of India adventure.

Comments from the judges: "We like the long shadows and the bright light coming from the alley, as well as the contrast between the colors of the man’s clothing and the white walls. This is a great moment that gives you many details about the place ... we are curious to know more about the story behind this photo."

2012 Traveler Winner
Nancy Garner, 16-time traveler
Coram, New York

Despite being much shorter than the average Maasai, the photographer’s husband, Ed, enthusiastically participated in their traditional jumping ceremony during our The Best of Kenya & Tanzania adventure.

Comments from the judges: "This was an easy pick for the judges—it put a smile on all of our faces. We love the pure happiness of the man’s expression. It encompasses our shared love of travel and new experiences. Plus, the motion in the photo captures a very unique moment."