Wildlife photography is more than just capturing animals on camera—it’s about telling the untold stories of the natural world. These 35 captivating award-winning wildlife photos stand as a testament to the patience, skill, and artistry of photographers who venture into forests, mountains, rivers, and deserts to bring us closer to the wild’s true essence. Each image reflects moments that are fleeting yet powerful—glimpses into the raw beauty and behavior of creatures great and small.
Photo by: Kevin Dooley
The photos span diverse environments, from the icy landscapes of the Arctic to the lush rainforests of Asia, showcasing nature’s grandeur in all its forms. Some images highlight intimate moments—a mother nurturing her young, a predator in silent pursuit, or a bird mid-flight against a golden sky. Others focus on the drama and unpredictability of the wild, revealing both its tenderness and ferocity.
Award-winning wildlife photography is not only about aesthetic excellence but also about storytelling. These images convey the struggles, survival instincts, and interconnectedness of life on Earth. They invite viewers to see animals not as distant creatures but as vital parts of our shared planet, deserving of admiration and protection.
Through meticulous timing, mastery of light, and deep understanding of animal behavior, these photographers have immortalized moments that might otherwise be lost to time. Beyond their beauty, the photographs inspire awareness about conservation, reminding us of the fragile balance between humans and nature.
Together, these 35 remarkable images offer more than visual pleasure—they’re windows into the wild’s soul, urging us to cherish and protect the world that makes such moments possible.
#1. Sony World Photography Awards : Winner – Ian Ford, United Kingdom
#2. Sony World Photography Awards : Shortlist – Christopher Baker, United States
#3. British Wildlife Photography Awards : Overall Winner – Ryan Stalker
#4. British Wildlife Photography Awards : Animal Portraits Winner – Mark Williams
#5. British Wildlife Photography Awards : Habitat Winner – Daniel Valverde Fernandez
#6. Monochrome Photography Awards : Winner – Lars Beusker
#7. Monochrome Photography Awards : 2nd Place – Fenqiang Liu
#8. Monochrome Photography Awards : 3rd Place – Merche Llobera
#9. reFocus Color Photography Awards : 1st Place – Bence Máté
#10. reFocus Color Photography Awards : 2nd Place – Kathy Sergio
#11. reFocus Color Photography Awards : 3rd Place – Nathan Myhrvold
#12. reFocus Color Photography Awards : People’s Vote Award – Vicki Santello
#13. 35 Photography Awards : 1st Place – Hari K Patibanda, India
#14. 35 Photography Awards : 2nd Place – Jeff C Birmingham, United States
#15. 35 Photography Awards : 3rd Place – Siddhartha Ghosh, India
#16. Fine Art Photography Awards : 1st Place – Greg Du Toit
#17. Fine Art Photography Awards : 2nd Place – Marcello Galleano
#18. Fine Art Photography Awards : 3rd Place – Jan-Tore Oevrevik
#19. One Shot Wildlife Photography Awards : 1st Place – Gary Cox
#20. One Shot Wildlife Photography Awards : 2nd Place – Fenqiang "Frank" Liu
#21. One Shot Wildlife Photography Awards : 3rd Place – Remuna Beca
#22. reFocus Black And White Photography Awards : 1st Place – Kyriakos Kaziras
#23. reFocus Black And White Photography Awards : 2nd Place – Kyriakos Kaziras
#24. reFocus Black And White Photography Awards : 3rd Place – Kyriakos Kaziras
#25. Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards : Finalist – Alexander Fine
#26. Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards : Finalist – Alexander Pansier
#27. Monovisions B&W Photography Awards : 1st Place – Inés Godínez Aguirre de Cárcer
#28. Monovisions B&W Photography Awards : 2nd Place – Simon Biddie
#29. Monovisions B&W Photography Awards : 3rd Place – Wolfgang Schmitzberger
#30. Siena Drone Photography Awards : Winner – Toby Nicol
#31. Siena Drone Photography Awards : Runner Up – Paul Mckenzie
#32. Nature’s Best Photography Awards : Winner – Kevin Dooley, USA
#33. Nature’s Best Photography Awards : Finalist – Krishna Daga, India
#34. Nature’s Best Photography Awards : Finalist – Keith Bannerman, USA
#35. European Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards : Winner – Theo Bosboom (NL)
