Okay amateur lensmen and women, wannabe photojournalists and undiscovered Ansel Adamses, now's your chance! National Geographic is once again opening up the floor to you, the photographer with a eye for the evocative aesthetic. This year's International Photography Contest is underway and Natty Geo is soliciting your best travel photos.

Same as it ever was, they're looking for your most profound images in one of three categories—People, Places and Nature. And because you know you have a shot you think is better than some of those you've seen in their magazine, go ahead and submit it. There's an entry fee of $12 per photo, so you might not want to send over your whole hard drive (there's a limit of six anyway). The prize is a digital camera kit—sure to be awesome—and having your photo flaunted on National Geographic's esteemed, glossy pages.

The deadline for submissions in October 31, 2009 and winners will be announced in December. So get snapping!
 
And don’t forget, if the glory of NG is a bit of overkill (or you'd rather not pay a fee) you can always upload your travel shots for free on the AirTreks World Journey group page on Flickr. Sure, your pictures won't be appear inside the famed Yellow Rectangle but you will be much adored by the AirTreks staff and clientele (we showcase 5 per week). That's worth at least 12 bucks, ain't it? Snap.

* Image cover of National Geographic Magazine circa Jan, 1915.