The judges of the 2019 National Geographic Travel Photo Contest must have furrowed brows. This sneak peek also includes a striking portrait of a Mongolian nomad dressed in traditional garb. Alessandra Meniconzi took this striking portrait of a nomad while travelling in Mongolia. The photographer explains: ‘Nomads are constantly on the move. Some have a small house, but never spend more than few months [in it]. To settle is to deprive a nomad of their roots, their culture, and their freedom’.

Both budding and established photographers have been encouraged to enter the competition, which is split into three categories: nature, cities and people. A grand prize of $7,500 (£5,700) is up for grabs, while first place winners in each of the groups will receive $2,500 (£1,900).

The competition opened on March 18 and National Geographic will be accepting submissions until May 31.