The incredible detail that Suren Manvelyan is able to get with these macro shots of the human eye, makes one truly lost in one's eye.

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Here's a selection of photographs for the National Geographic Photography Contest 2010. Some are truly breathtaking, while others stir the imagination and capture within a single frame the drama's people face from around the globe. Click here to go to the National Geographic Photography Contest website for details of each photographs and the photographers.

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Someone once asked me along time ago if I had a choice, would I choose flight or to breath underwater. I said that I would choose to breath underwater. The ocean holds such an alluring mystery which I just can't resist and if I could, I'd journey to the bottom of the deep, exploring it's many wonderful and often weird underwater world.

These are some of the best underwater photography I've ever encountered that captures the ocean in all it's beauty and mystery.

Photos by Wayne Levin

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Just stunning! That is how I would describe Norway. I never imagined a place so beautiful. It was perfect in so many ways. The landscape, the people, but best of all, the fjords. There were many times I thought to myself, I could never capture their magnificence. I often stood and just gazed at the spectacular scene in awe. Tall snow capped mountains, that ended in great rivers, streaked with countless waterfalls. I never knew a place existed. I think it's the closest thing to heaven on earth!

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Took a boat cruise to one of the villages called Vaxholm, on one of the several islands dotted all over the place. It was such a cute village and it wouldn't take you a whole day to walk the entire island. I couldn't help myself for a bit of a dip in the river. Had to come straight out not expecting the water to be so freezing.

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The skiing was magnificent! The 3 Valleys, France really did live up to all my expectations.This picture was taken on top of 3 Marches (2704m), Les Menuires. Powder snow conditions for 3km down to our apartment.

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Finally made it to Berlin after being in the UK for almost 3 years and not once visit the wonderful city. We've been to Germany four times, yet somehow have missed getting to Berlin until now. I had a great time there and honestly think it is one of the most amazing cities in the world. Very interesting place, great architecture, well designed and all done with a certain level of class and sophistication. Not not once did I think anything looked tacky or over the top. However, while I walked amongst all the beautiful buildings and modern architecture, I couldn't help feel a level of sadness about the place. Berlin was the center of the Nazi Government therefore a big part of Berlin's history saw one of the greatest crimes ever committed. The feeling I had is something that I will take away with me and define my experience in Berlin.

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One of the most photographed building in the world, I tried to make a very conscious effort not to try and take a picture of Notre Dame, just like all the rest.

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Greenwich University has got to be one of my most favourite buildings in London. With it's pair of matching towers at the end of a long corridor of columns, it's setting on the banks of The Thames, there's not many other London buildings that could match it's grand beauty.

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It’s views like this that make Scotland one of the most beautiful place I’ve been and one of my favourites. This was taken on our hike up Ben Nevis (The Hill), just as the mist started to roll in.

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This picture was taken at Hierapolis, Turkey just as the sun was about to set which bathed the theater in the background in such beautiful light.

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This picture was taken after an amazing walk along the coast of Wales. The colour of the ocean reminded me of Australia, with just one difference. There was no waves crashing onto rocks. The calmness added to what was already a peaceful lighthouse on top of a cliff scene.

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This shot was taken in York, on the eve Valentines Day. In the distance you can see one of the many gateways, Bootham Bar.

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This photo really captures the character of the of a quaint, beatiful old village of Brugge. I only a spent short time walking around and taking photos, but I couldn’t leave without having bought some chocolate truffles, which I purchased from the shop in this picture.

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How amazing is Ireland. Words just can’t describe it’s beauty.

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This was one of the most loveliest things I have ever done in England, a walk in a Bluebell Wood.

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Eilean Donan Castle was the most perfect, movie-set castle that you could imagine, thing is, it was real. Situated in the most picturesque backdrop, with a stone bridge across the moat, leading you to the castle entrance. A curtain wall and keep beyond. I was truly amazed and rank it as the best castle I’ve been too so far.

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This photo was taken just after a snow fall.

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For this shot I didn’t have a tripod so I placed my camera on my bag which is why the shot is tilted. I think the slight imperfection is what makes this photo great.

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