Showing is always better than telling. It says a thousand things at once. It lets our subconscious and imagination run rampant. And it allows us to make up our own minds independently, rather than being led, guided, or persuaded by the voice of another (in this case mine).
Although we have access to more wonderful photography than ever before now, we also have access to more mediocre imagery than ever. This is because the cost of taking digital pictures is basically nothing. So we take photos of everything now—even if it doesn’t deserve it—and are left with mountains of rubbish that must be rummaged for keepers.
Fortunately for us, there are Wikimedia Commons editors to help find diamonds in the rough. Here are five, in particular, that could easily be mistaken for appearing in National Geographic even though they’re public domain and royalty-free.
Khao Yai National Park
I’ve seen the open road, before, but never like this (pictured above). This spectacular shot of wild, roaming elephants was taken by Khunkay in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Popular among locals, the preserve features exotic wildlife, tropical forests, and dreamy waterfalls.
Ponta de São Lourenço
Photo by Richard Bartz/Wikimedia
Who knew the Iberian Peninsula was capable of rivaling Ireland’s famous Cliffs of Moher? This sprawling photo was taken by Richard Bartz on the Portuguese island of Madeira. And unlike other coastal cliffs, there’s touches of red among the familiar blue, grays, and greens.
Trona Pinnacles National Landmark
