Some locations on our planet are so extraordinary, they seem as if they belong in a dream. The winning photographs from The Artist Gallery Awards 2026 Landscape Category capture this sense of wonder perfectly. The contest draws both amateur and professional photographers from across the globe, honoring those who find beauty in places others might overlook.
Founded to provide a stage for photographers to display their talents and gain recognition, The Artist Gallery champions creative vision. This year’s landscape winners are proof that nature is still the greatest artist of all.
First place went to "Cathedral" by Marcin Zajac of Poland. Taken at Iceland’s stunning Stuðlagil Canyon, the photo turns the towering basalt columns and bright turquoise river into a vision reminiscent of a Gothic cathedral. It’s an image that invites you to pause and marvel.
Second place, "Shaped by Time" by Colas Decloitre, spotlights the striking beauty of Argentina’s Campo de Piedra Pómez. Seen from above, the volcanic rock has been sculpted by centuries of wind into hypnotic ridges and textures, giving the land an almost alien appearance.
In third place, "Tempest in the Tetons" by Charles Janson freezes a moment as a powerful autumn storm sweeps over Grand Teton National Park. Golden leaves shine beneath heavy clouds, and sunlight breaks through the rain, filling the scene with drama and feeling.
From volcanic deserts and Icelandic gorges to stormy mountain valleys, this collection of 25 winning images shows why landscape photography never loses its appeal. These aren’t simply photos of scenery—they’re doorways to adventure, wonder, and a new way of seeing our world.
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1. 1st Place: Cathedral by Marcin Zajac, Poland
"Stuðlagil Canyon, situated in eastern Iceland, is a striking geological formation distinguished by its towering basalt columns and vibrant turquoise glacial river. The canyon reminded me of a Gothic cathedral, with its basalt columns resembling the grand"
2. 2nd Place: Shaped by Time by Colas Decloitre, USA
"In the Campo de Piedra Pómez in Argentina, wind and time have sculpted the volcanic rock into a dense field of ridges and grooves. Seen from above, the landscape becomes a textured surface where light reveals the slow process of erosion."
3. 3rd Place: Tempest in the Tetons by Charles Janson, USA
"An autumn rain storm fills a valley in Grand Teton National Park. The late afternoon sun lights the sheets of rain from behind, revealing their details. The dark grey-blue clouds overhead contrast with the yellow fall leaves below."
Honorable Mentions
4. Harmony by Panos Laskarakis, Greece
"The peak Fitz Roy in Patagonia of Argentina, after sunset during Autumn! After one week of snowstorms and winds of 120 Km/h, I feel grateful that I had the chance to admire from above with the drone, the most spectacular scenery on earth!"
5. The Silence of the Mist by Frederic Blanc, Canada
"A solitary wooden dock floats on the calm, misty surface of an early morning lake. In the background, a lone A-frame house is nestled within a dense coniferous forest, its reflection mirrored in the still water. I wanted to represent the quietness of the nature waking up at the dawn."
6. Solitary Balance Pangong Sunset by Saurabh Sirohiya, India
"A solitary stone cairn stands along the shores of Pangong Lake during sunset, captured with a 208-second long exposure. The extended exposure smooths the water and softens the dramatic clouds, while golden light illuminates the distant mountains, creating a scene of stillness, balance & tranquility."
7. Green Soul by Luca Pederneschi, Italy
"Northern lights over a mountain landscape in Iceland. The reflected light gave the scene a sense of soul and depth, creating a silent, otherworldly atmosphere."
8. Solitude by Stephen Majsak, USA
"Quite reflection at the edge of the Grand Canyon."
9. Sunset on Latemar by Nicola Simone, Italy
"The Latemar is bathed in the last breaths of light. Its spires, sculpted by time, emerge like stone cathedrals, while the setting sun opens a golden gap between the mountains and the sky. With this image, I wanted to capture not only the grandeur of the Alpine panorama, but above all the feeling of standing before something eternal, where time seems to stand still and nature speaks through light, wind, and silence.
10. Enrosadira by Nicola Simone, Italy
"After finding the perfect spot, I had to wait for sunset to see the mountains burn without flames. It’s the spectacle of the Alpenglow, which turns the peaks of the Dolomites red when the sun sets."
11. The Last Glow of Drangarnir by Colas Decloitre, USA
"As the sun dips below the horizon, Drangarnir’s dramatic sea arch catches the final light of the day, standing strong against the fierce winds of the Faroe Islands."
12. Purple Mountains Majesty by Charles Janson, USA
"Just at sunset, filtered light bathes the desert landscape with a soft warm glow that intensifies all the colors, from the purple-hazed mountains to the bright cinnamon of the stallion running back to its herd before nightfall."
13. Pastoral Palouse by Charles Janson, USA
"A sun-filled peaceful agricultural landscape of the Palouse in Washington state contrasts with the violent spring storm surging towards us from the horizon. We had only a few minutes to photograph before we felt the first rain drops."
14. Frozen Horizons from Klakkur by Colas Decloitre, USA
"From Klakkur’s snowy summit, Kunoy stretches into the fjords, framed by the rugged peaks of Kalsoy and Borðoy, where winter and sea collide."
15. Cono De Arita: Where light Travels Far by Colas Decloitre, USA
"Rising from the vast emptiness of the Salar de Arizaro in Argentina, the Cono de Arita stands alone under early morning light. Its elongated shadow stretches across the desert floor, emphasizing the scale and stillness of the surrounding landscape."
16. Monumets by Marcin Zajac, Poland
"First light on the sandstone pillars of Monument Valley paints the desert landscape in warm hues of orange and pink. Morning light illuminates every crag and crevice of the ancient rock formations, creating a breathtaking display of nature’s architecture in the American Southwest."
17. Dunes by Marcin Zajac, Poland
"Layers of sand dunes illuminated by the sun before it hides below the horizon in Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park. The rippled texture of the sand forms smooth, sensuous curves that seem to flow like waves across the desert landscape."
18. Antartica Iceberg Sculpture by Bill Wilkins, USA
"This photo I took shows just one of the many spectacular icebergs you will find down in Antartica. This dramatic scene shows several icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean, with one iceberg forming a natural arch you can see another one behind it."
19. The Warden by Ryan Hermelyn, USA
"This was taken on the Olympic Coast in Olympic National Park at sunset and features the gigantic iconic sea stacks and the pebble filled shoreline."
20. The Dark Pinnacle by Ryan Hermelyn, USA
"Taken in the desert of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Northern Arizona. The unique black sand and clay of the surrounding land compliments the dark blues and purples of the mornings sky. In the distance stands tall a sand and rock sculpture."
21. Lost Memories by Ryan Hermelyn, USA
"This was captured during sunrise at Jenny Lake in the Grand Teton National Park. The low wind over the lake creates the mirror-like appearance reflecting the red and purple of the morning light. The colorful rocks underneath the surface compliments the picturesque scene."
22. Londrangar by Judith Kuhn, Germany
"Even though not many tourists visit Iceland in January, I wasn’t alone at this spot to photograph the wonderful sunset."
23. Desolate Tide by Ryan Hermelyn, USA
"Taken in Northern Arizona at sunset, this shot captured the uniqueness of the red rock landscape. Dubbed the New Wave, these rock formations have such a unique pattern that reminds us of waves."
24. Aldeyjarfoss by Judith Kuhn, Germany
"Aldeyjarfoss, covered in snow and ice, is a truly captivating sight. Those wishing to explore it independently have only a small window of opportunity in autumn after the first snowfall. When there is too much snow, access is only possible with specialized vehicles."
25. Snow-White and Rose-Red by Judith Kuhn, Germany
"At the end of February 2020, the Lofoten Islands presented themselves in all their winter splendor. Red fishing huts in a landscape blanketed in deep snow – the fact that the sky remained grey didn’t matter."
FAQs:
What is The Artist Gallery Awards?
The Artist Gallery Awards is an international photography competition designed for both amateur and professional photographers. It provides a platform for creatives to showcase their talent, gain recognition, and share outstanding photographic work across multiple categories, including landscapes, wildlife, and fine art photography.
Who won first place in the Landscape category of The Artist Gallery Awards 2026?
Marcin Zajac from Poland won first place with his photograph Cathedral, captured at Iceland’s Stuðlagil Canyon. The image highlights dramatic basalt columns and a turquoise glacial river, creating a scene that resembles the architecture of a grand Gothic cathedral.
What makes the winning landscape photos special?
The winning images combine technical excellence, artistic vision, and powerful storytelling. They showcase extraordinary natural locations while capturing unique light, weather, textures, and perspectives that transform familiar landscapes into unforgettable visual experiences for viewers worldwide.
Can amateur photographers participate in The Artist Gallery Awards?
Yes, The Artist Gallery Awards welcomes both amateur and professional photographers. The competition was created to provide equal opportunities for photographers of all experience levels to showcase their work, receive recognition, and connect with a global audience.
Why is landscape photography so popular in photo competitions?
Landscape photography inspires viewers by revealing the beauty, scale, and diversity of the natural world. It challenges photographers to master composition, timing, weather conditions, and light while creating images that evoke emotion, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.
