The National Geographic 2014 Photo Contest has launched and is accepting entries in three categories: people, places and nature.

The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 (£6,170) and a trip to the National Geographic headquarters in Washington DC to participate in the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar in January 2015. The first place winner in each category will each receive $2,500 and his or her winning photograph will be published in National Geographic magazine.

The closing date to submit photos is 31 October. IBTimes UK has selected some inspiring early entries.