Submissions have just opened for the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest has started to arrive, showcasing the sterling work produced by photographers all over the world examining three different categories – Nature, People, and Places.

By the time that entries close on November 16^th, thousands of images will be vying for the top prizes, considered one of the highest accolades for photographers in the world. But the competition rewards everyone, offering stunning photographs that uncover the beautiful, strange, and fascinating world we live in.

You can take a look at some of the entries so far in the gallery below, and find the winners from the 2014 competition here.