Best pictures from National Geographic's Photo Contest 2015

While black and white photographs may be stunning in it's simplicity, the best photographers know how to use the natural colors of the world to make truly breathtaking photos.

Below are just a few of the submissions to the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest, and each features color in an unforgettable way - from a diver peeking above the steely blue waters off Antarctica to the burnt orange skies of a sunset in Myanmar - the same color as the robes of a monk walking home in the magic hour.

Professional and amateur photographers alike still have a chance to submit their best pictures of people, places and nature around the world for this year's contest though November 16.

The grand-prize winning photographer of this year's contest will get his or her picture published in the magazine; $10,000 and a trip to visit National Geographic headquarters in Washington, DC to attend the society's annual photography seminar this coming January.

'National Geographic uses photography to inspire, illuminate and teach our readers about our world and beyond,' said Sarah Leen, National Geographic magazine’s director of photography.

'The National Geographic Photo Contest is an exciting opportunity for our photo community to participate in documenting the Earth, its creatures and its people. We look forward to seeing photographs that are passionate, skillful, surprising and beautiful. I’m very excited about seeing the entries we receive this year.'