2015 Grand Prize Winner
Howard Jennings, First-time traveler
Cadyville, New York

A zebra works against the current of wildebeests in Serengeti National Park on Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari.

Comments from the judges: This image has an incredible impact as you make a special connection with the zebra—he is looking right at you. The photo’s composition draws you right to the zebra. Although this photo shows a busy and chaotic scene, there is still a calmness in how the photographer captured it.

2015 Landmark Winner
Herb Knopp, 16-time traveler
East Northport, New York

An early morning balloon ride over the ancient temples of Bagan on Burma: Land of Golden Temples & Floating Gardens.

Comments from the judges: This photograph exhibits such great quality and color. It’s captured at the perfect time so that there are balloons visible between the temples. The image shows the true scale of the stupas and vastness of the scene.

2015 Nature Winner
Roland Suarez-Ontog, First-time traveler
Venice, Florida

A bird perches atop a flower in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden on Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari.

Comments from the judges: The selective focus and quality of color is wonderful, and allows the image to show the detail of a larger scene. The graphic quality exhibits the technical skill of the photographer.

2015 Local People Winner
Scott Moats, 4-time traveler
Pekin, Illinois

Scott Moats says, “In South India, women make patterns with colored sand each morning in front of their homes. The patterns are called kolams and are thought to bring prosperity to the homes.” This young girl proudly presents her artwork to Scott’s OAT group as her mother hides timidly within the house on Soul of India: The Colorful South.

Comments from the judges: You can feel the relationship between the older women and the young girl in this photo—the girl is confident and her mother is quietly checking in on her. The young girl is modern, while the older woman seems more traditional and hesitant to pose for the camera. Even though the photo is “posed,” it still captures a nice moment and you feel as if you’re connecting with the girl. The framing of the photo is great with the addition of detail on the floor … the color of the image is impactful.

2015 Traveler Winner
Marvin Derezin, 4-time traveler
Los Angeles, California

During Marvin Derezin’s Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari adventure, he captured this playful moment between a fellow traveler and a group of students at a local school.

Comments from the judges: This is truly a genuine moment and shows great interaction—no one in the image even notices the camera. The traveler and children are engaged and enjoying each other’s company. It’s a great representation of the experience of visiting a community and school on this trip.