In a stunning display of global photographic talent, National Geographic turned social media into an artistic arena when they launched their historic #natgeo100contest, attracting nearly 100,000 breathtaking images from photographers worldwide.

The contest, celebrating the brand's milestone of reaching 100 million Instagram followers, invited photographers to showcase their most extraordinary visual storytelling through a 24-hour submission window. Professional photo editors meticulously reviewed the submissions, ultimately selecting ten finalists whose images would compete for a once-in-a-lifetime prize.

Grand prize winner Ketan Khambhatta was awarded an exclusive National Geographic photo safari to Tanzania, while other top finalists received signed photo books and the prestigious opportunity to have their images featured on @NatGeo's official account.

Among the most remarkable entries were images that captured profound moments of natural connection and wildlife preservation. Photographer Ami Vitale's poignant image of a National Park Ranger embracing Matabishi, an orphaned mountain gorilla at the Senkwekwe Center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, powerfully illustrated humanity's complex relationship with the natural world.

Another stunning submission from photographer Muhammed Muheisen captured the dynamic landscape of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, where zebras and wildebeest create a mesmerizing scene of survival and movement across a river teeming with potential predators.

The contest not only celebrated photographic excellence but also raised awareness about critical conservation efforts. One particularly moving entry highlighted the Tikki Hywood Trust's groundbreaking work with pangolins, the world's most trafficked animal, showcasing the organization's commitment to rehabilitation and public education about these extraordinarily endangered creatures.

By transforming Instagram into a global gallery, National Geographic demonstrated how powerful visual storytelling can connect millions, inspire conservation, and celebrate the raw beauty of our planet in a single frame.