Every once in a while, a photo hits you right in the gut. It makes you pause mid-scroll, lean in, and feel something real. That’s exactly the vibe coming out of the Nat Geo Your Shot Picture of the Year 2025 challenge—where thousands of passionate shooters from around the globe threw their best frames into the ring, hoping to catch an editor’s eye.
For those who live and breathe wildlife photography, National Geographic Your Shot isn’t just a platform—it’s a proving ground. From pros trekking into remote wildlands to everyday folks capturing magic in their own backyard, the community is all about raw storytelling, patience, and respect for nature. And this year, the bar was sky-high.
After reviewing a massive wave of submissions, National Geographic photo editor Anne Farrar narrowed it down to ten images that refused to be forgotten. Some were shot in jaw-dropping, far-off locations. Others came from places you’d never expect—proof that wildlife moments don’t need a plane ticket, just sharp eyes and heart.
“The process was both exciting and challenging,” Farrar shared. She kept circling back to images that stuck with her visually and emotionally. And that’s the secret sauce here. These photos aren’t just technically tight; they linger. They reveal more the longer you sit with them—subtle light, quiet tension, or a blink-and-you-miss-it interaction between animal and environment.
Together, the final selection feels like a love letter to the wild world and the people patient enough to witness it. It’s not about the gear or the destination—it’s about timing, connection, and telling a story that feels alive.
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#1. Photo by Ary Nascimento Bassous
"We were on a boat on the Três Irmãos River in Encontro das Águas State Park in Brazil’s Pantanal. We were following a jaguar and her cub and they disappeared into the aquatic vegetation. Moments later, I heard the sound of a jaguar roaring in a fight. Soon after, she appeared in the river and was carrying something just below the water’s surface. I initially thought it was a caiman, but it was a yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus). For a few seconds, the anaconda tried to fight back, lifting its head from the water in an attempt to strike at the jaguar, but eventually the reptile was killed."
#2. Video by David Currie
"A True Albino Humpback Whale. Last seen July 2023. Exmouth, Western Australia. A moment I will never forget, seeing it glow underwater was unbelievable."
#3. Photo by Michel Godimus
This stoat in Hokkaido, Japan, emerged from a gap between the rocks slowly, as if checking that everything was still quiet. It looked at me for a second. It did not seem scared, just curious. All white in the snow, with those tiny spots on its head, it looked like a little mountain ghost.
#4. Video by Francois Potvin
"The Long-eared Owl, smaller than many expect, is easy to recognize by its facial disk and those long ear tufts, not ears but feathered crests that stand tall even in snow and wind. This is one of the most discreet nocturnal hunters in Québec, a quiet, elusive owl that rarely gives you a moment like this. Every encounter feels like crossing paths with one of the province’s most enigmatic owls."
#5. Video by Dara Ojo
"Damselfly sign language. Grooming after a dewy morning! Also looks like the hand sign is telling you to have a lovely 2026!"
#6. Video by Gerardo Parot
"Many times people tell me they felt like the moray eel was going to attack them because of the way it opened and closed its mouth when we saw it. But, That’s how moray eels breathe! They pump water through their mouths into their gills!! So don’t be afraid, it’s just breathing!!. I love moray eels, what about you? Do you like them or are you afraid of them?"
#7. Photo by Alicia Luna
"The delicate West Indian seagrape sawfly (Sericoceros krugii) and its vibrant eggs highlight nature’s beauty in an urban setting, reminding me of the hidden wonders that often go unnoticed in our everyday lives. I captured this image in San Juan, Puerto Rico."
#8. Video by Emily
Baby Beavers Eating: It is hard to describe the sheer joy of seeing these beaver kits happily munching on their reeds together at dusk…but I hope that watching it brings you some of the same happiness. Their cute little faces, clever grippy paws, and the way that they stay close to each other…all so adorable. At first, my son and I didn’t realize they were young beavers, since they’re already pretty big after a season of growing up. But then, one of the beaver parents showed up at twice their size. Before this, I could count the number of beavers I’ve seen in the wild on one hand, and have never had the chance to get real photos or footage, so it was a very special experience to share with my son."
#9. Photo by Nina Lozej
"In the early morning blue hour, St. Lenart Church in Crni Vrh, Slovenia, stands like a beacon above the snow-covered landscape. Its warm lights cut through the cold, creating a perfect contrast between winter stillness and human presence."
#10. Photo by Jules Jacobs
"On the slopes of Scripps Canyon in La Jolla, California, pelagic tuna crabs (Grimothea planipes) gather in dense, writhing masses thousands strong. Usually found offshore near Baja California, they may be pushed into San Diego’s submarine canyons by warm, El Niño-driven currents."
10 Images Shared by Nat Geo
In Summary
What is National Geographic Your Shot?
- A global photography community where photography lovers of all skill levels share images, join challenges, and get noticed by Nat Geo editors.
Who selected the 2025 favorite photos?
- The images were curated by National Geographic photo editor Anne Farrar.
How many photos were chosen?
- Ten standout images and videos were selected from thousands of global submissions.
Do photos need to be taken in remote locations to win?
- No. This year’s picks include both remote wildlife scenes and backyard moments.
Why are these photos special?
- They combine strong visuals with emotional impact that stays with the viewer over time.
