Phillip Minnis, wholly self-taught, is the only Australian to have three or more photos selected by judges to proceed to the grand final. Only ten photographers across the world achieved the same feat.

The competition runs for ten weeks, and thousands of submissions were made. Each week, National Geographic editors selected their “favourites”, which progress to the grand final.

Now, 371 other photos from 327 photographers stand between Phillip and a win. “I don’t have delusions of grandeur, I don’t think my shots will win. These are some of the best travel photographers in the world. But to have three chosen two years in a row, well that’s an achievement I’m proud of,” he said.

Phillip, who runs Out and About Day Tours, said he focused particularly on composition, light and contrast.

His shots are all in the cities category and include Christmas in Zagreb, taken in Croatia at Hotel Dubrovnik; View From Above, a towering look at luxury villas and hotels along Burj Khalifa Lake in Dubai from 124 floors up; and Valley View, a sprawling view of Schluderns in South Tyrol, northern Italy.

“Overseas trips are my passion. Mountain roads, snow scenes and little villages appeal to me.” The winners will be announced in August.