When it comes to wildlife photography, few things hit as hard as a frame that feels alive — a lion mid-roar, a bird frozen in mid-flight, or a fleeting glance between predator and prey. The Chromatic Awards, an international color photography competition, has once again showcased the incredible talent and passion of photographers who make the wild feel as close as your own backyard.
These 35 award-winning wildlife photos capture more than just animals — they capture stories, emotion, and the raw energy of life on Earth. From professionals to amateurs, each photographer brings their unique vision, freezing moments that are often invisible to the human eye. The competition isn’t just about accolades; it’s about celebrating the spirit of the wild and inspiring both artists and viewers to see nature differently.
The Chromatic Awards have always stood out for pushing boundaries. It’s a platform where creativity meets technical mastery, where color, light, and composition tell compelling stories. Winners not only gain international recognition but also receive support to continue developing their craft, turning passion into professional growth.
Whether it’s the glint in a wolf’s eye at dawn or the playful leap of a dolphin in sunlit waters, these photographs remind us why we are endlessly fascinated by the animal kingdom. Every image is a reminder that nature is untamed, unpredictable, and beautiful — and that the photographers who chase these moments deserve every bit of recognition they get.
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#1. 1st Place winner: "Through the legs" by Baiju Patil, India
"This photo was taken by Jim Corbett at a party, and you’ve been visiting the park regularly for 10 to 15 days. Jim Corbett National Park is indeed a fantastic location for wildlife photography, especially for capturing elephants and tigers in their natural habitat. Your description of the park’s rich and beautiful environment, particularly in April, is vivid and enticing."
#2. 2nd Place winner: "Blood Line’s" by Baiju Patil, India
"I captured this photo in Dharur, Maharashtra, India. Over the past year, I’ve been photographing fox bats, and this particular photo is my favorite. It was a cloudy morning surrounded by high mountains, and the sun was rising behind the mountains, creating a beautiful scene. Bats come to this place in the morning and evening and leave at night as part of their daily routine."
#3. 3rd Place winner: "Wildebeest on run" by Hira Punjabi, India
"The image of wildebeest was taken in the late evening safari at Nature Conservancy, Kenya, Africa."
Honorable Mentions
#4. "A tranquil moment" by Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod, Sri Lanka
"I, along with my family, ventured on a safari at Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka. At Kumbukwila, the park’s resting area, we observed toque macaques moving gracefully from tree to tree. When I noticed a newborn monkey clinging to its mother, suckling and dozing off, I captured their bond without disturbing them."
#5. "Apparent calm" by Marcello Galleano, Italy
"A dhole sits gracefully on a patch of ground in the heart of the lush Indian forest. Its coat is rusty-red with a pale underside. Its ears are perked, attentively tuned to the sounds of the jungle, and its watchful eyes connect with the surrounding nature. When a prey is spotted, it whistles to summon its pack for a successful hunt."
#6. "Autumn Hideaway" by Lucie Nermutová, Czech Republic
"This photograph captures the playful charm of autumn. The dog, partially hidden in a sea of colorful leaves, watches the world with curious eyes. The contrast between its black fur and the red autumn hues creates an image that feels both playful and serene, evoking a sense of nostalgia."
#7. "Bat Bath" by Hira Punjabi, India
"In the harsh summers when temperature cross 40 degree Celsius, these bats drop in the water to cooling off. The image was taken in the lake of Gujarat, India"
#8. "Behind The Veil" by Greg Du Toit, South Africa
"An abstract portrait of a lioness in Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve. I focused on the grass and closed my aperture so that the lioness became subtly visible."
#9. "Border collie hiding in a fern" by Lucie Nermutová, Czech Republic
#10. "Cows and Kites" by Andrew Lever, United Kingdom
"A herd of cows sunbathing on a beach with kites colourful kites flying overhead. I took the image in Tarifa, Spain."
#11. "Dreaming in Lilacs" by Samantha Ebeling, United States
"Amidst a soft sea of lavender hues, a handsome palomino "Gypsy stallion glances back…almost calling to the viewer, its creamy coat glowing under the gentle morning light. Surrounded by lush lilac blossoms, the scene feels like a fleeting dream, where nature and beauty intertwine in perfect harmony."
#12. "European Bison in snowfall" by Hira Punjabi, India
"The image of European Bison in snowfall was take in Russia."
#13. "Fight to Win or Die" by Xiaoping Lin, China
"There are countless wars in history in which the weak defeated the strong. The weak fish fought against the egret on the back of the big fish. How can the small fish win? Under the laws of nature, escape is also a victory. Biodiversity fills the Earth with vitality and is also the foundation for human survival and development."
#14. "Flamingo Fantasia" by Hira Punjabi, India
"The image of flamingo flying was taken from the doorless helicopter, I had made three rides to make some great shots."
#15. "Frozen Feet" by Alex Pansier, Netherlands
"In an almost otherworldly frame, a solitary chinstrap penguin traverses an expansive ice floe, its path revealed by the striking blue patterns etched into the frozen surface. As the penguin ventures towards the distant edge, this captivating scene highlights the resilience and grace of life in Earth’s most unforgiving landscapes."
#16. "GHO flyby" by Philip Smith, United States
"Female Great Horned Owl flying down the river in Illinois."
#17. "In the Quiet Company of Nature" by Lucie Nermutová, Czech Republic
"In these quiet frames, I sought to capture a gentle dialogue between dogs and the natural world. Each image tells its own story—of curiosity, serenity, or fleeting joy."
#18. "In the Scent of Jasmine" by Lucie Nermutová, Czech Republic
"Amidst the delicate blooms of a jasmine bush, this portrait captures a peaceful moment of curiosity. The dog, standing serenely, is drawn into the soft fragrance of the flowers, as if savoring the sweetness of nature."
#19. "Japanese crane" by Hiroto Fukuda, Japan
"I photographed a Japanese crane. The shooting location is Tsurui Ito Sanctuary in Tsurui Village, Hokkaido. The Japanese crane is designated as a special natural monument of the japan. I moved to Hokkaido because I admire Japanese cranes."
#20. "Japanese macaque" by Peter-Paul de Meijer, Switzerland
"A face of stoic resilience: A Japanese macaque, or ‘snow monkey,’ meets the camera with an unimpressed gaze in Hakuba, 2013. These remarkable primates, native to Japan, are famous for their ability to thrive in cold climates."
#21. "Matching" by Ngar Shun Victor Wong, Hong Kong
"Two white rhinoceros were matching rapidly towards us during a game drive in Zimanga reserve, South Africa."
#22. "Mystic Gallop" by Matt Dusig, United States
""Mystic Gallop" captures the raw power and grace of three wild mustangs in full stride, their manes and tails flowing in the wind. The dynamic movement of the horses creates a captivating visual harmony against the ethereal backdrop."
#23. "On Golden Pond" by Hilda Champion, United States
"A quaint family reunion of cranes on the shores of a golden pond."
#24. "Population Density" by Hilda Champion, United States
"Ibis and egrets gathering on their preferred roosting tree for the night. Everyone has their favorite spot, and, like in any densely populated neighborhood, loud arguments and squabbles are the norm."
#25. "Raffy in the bluebells" by Susan Lang, United Kingdom
"An elderly Labrador enjoying a rest during a spring walk."
#26. "Reflections in the Night" by Marcello Galleano, Italy
"In the dark savannah, a Kenyan impala is drinking in a moonlit pond. The glistening surface perfectly duplicates the elegant creature in a parallel realm below the water borderline, as suspended in an ethereal dimension."
#27. "Reflections in the Night" by Marcello Galleano, Italy
"In the darkness of the Kenyan forest, the reflections of the moonlight reveal the spotted fur of a leopard drinking from a tranquil pond. A distant sound makes it look up while nature seems to hold its breath: the leopard is a symbol of grace and power."
#28. "Shark Sunset" by Remuna Beca, United States
"Blacktip Reef Sharks swim in a shallow lagoon at sunset in French Polynesia, a designated shark sanctuary. Sharks are critical for healthy marine ecosystems, yet globally many species are threatened with extinction due to overfishing and other anthropogenic impacts."
#29. "Soulful Encounter" by Matt Dusig, United States
""Soulful Encounter" depicts an intimate moment between two wild mustangs, their heads gently touching in a display of affection and connection. The soft, diffused light creates a serene and ethereal atmosphere, enhancing the emotional depth of the scene."
#30. "The cunning jackal" by Marcello Galleano, Italy
"A suspicious look precedes the momentary relaxation of an African jackal. After caring for its paw, it lies on the ground, but at the slightest sign of threat it instinctively changes position, showing its teeth."
#31. "The scavenger" by Ngar Shun Victor Wong, Hong Kong
"A vulture was hovering over a dead body in Zimanga reserve, South Africa."
#32. "Towards the sun" by Baiju Patil, India
"This photograph was taken at the Tal Chappar Blackbuck Sanctuary in rural Rajasthan, India. I have been visiting this place for the past five to six years, hoping to capture a photograph of the blackbuck."
#33. "Walking with the lion" by Marcello Galleano, Italy
"The ferocity behind the Indian lion’s gaze is so fervent it makes you shudder. He looks like a posing sovereign, a model with perfect proportions who is portrayed in all his mysterious vanity."
#34. "Wild and Free" by Remuna Beca, United States
"A pod of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins swims in perfect symmetry, wild and free in the Bahamas."
#35. "Wolf" by Hubert Mielnik, Poland
"I’ve been waiting for this first meeting for a long time and it’s finally here, it happened! I always wondered under what circumstances we would meet, whether I would be ready, whether the settings would be OK, whether my hand would tremble, whether it would be a meadow, a forest path, whether I would see him while driving a car, whether I would panic."
