Every year, photographers around the world submit their best photographs to the prestigious National Geographic Photo Contest. This year, images submitted to the contest so far dramatically transport viewers to spectacular places around the world—from the terraced paddies of Vietnam to an ice edge where penguins gather in Antarctica.

The 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest is accepting entries until November 16 in three categories: People, Places and Nature. 

Each category's first place winner will receive an award of $2,500 and his or her photograph will be published in National Geographic magazine. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 that includes a trip to the District of Columbia, USA to participate in the National Geographic Photography Seminar. 

Take a look at the slideshow above to see a selection of current top entries. For more information about the contest and to submit a photo, visit the photo contest website.