If you’re in awe of untamed landscapes, breathtaking moments, and the kind of scenery that makes you stop and stare, the 2026 Memorial Maria Luisa Awards have just announced a collection that’s guaranteed to leave you speechless. This isn’t just another photo competition; it’s a global stage for the very best in mountain, nature, and adventure photography. And this year’s entries? Simply unforgettable.
From a staggering 18,059 photos and 182 videos sent in by 1,450 photographers from 78 countries, the jury faced a tough task: choosing the shots that truly stood out for their impact, technical brilliance, and unforgettable beauty. And they definitely rose to the challenge.
In the Mountain Landscapes category, Slovakian photographer Filip Hrebenda stole the show with his dramatic and powerful shot, “Thunderstorm.” It’s the kind of image that makes you feel the raw force of the elements. Over in the Nature Landscapes category, France’s Maxime Daviron wowed the judges with “Beings of Light,” a photograph that seems to capture a dream, all soft glows and magical atmosphere.
What truly sets these winning images apart isn’t just their scenery, it’s the emotion behind them. These photographers go beyond capturing what’s in front of them; they translate nature’s energy, mood, and quiet majesty into something you can almost feel in your bones.
From mountain peaks shrouded in storm clouds to tranquil moments bathed in golden sunlight, these 20 award-winning photographs remind us why we’re drawn to the wild. It’s not just about seeing stunning places, it’s about the feeling of being there, immersed in the moment.
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Mountain Landscapes
1. Winner: "Thunderstorm" by Filip Hrebenda, Eslovaquia
2. "Alpamayo" by Harry Lichtman, USA
3. "Licancabur At Sunset" by Marcio Esteves Cabral, Brazil
4. "A Winter Cloud Investment" by Tyler Lekki, USA
5. "Monte Bianco-Emergence" by Thomas Crauwels, Switzerland
6. "Between Ice and Glaxies" by Ramiro Torrents, Argentina
7. "The Cathedral at Moonset" by Mieke Boynton, Australia
8. "The Cabine" by Eric Courcier, France
9. "Christmas Tales" by Nicola Manfredi, Italy
10. "Into the Cave" by Filip Hrebenda, Slovakia
Nature Landscapes
11. Winner: "Beings of Light" by Maxime Daviron, France
12. "Waves Against the Cliff" by Luis Manuel Vilariño López, Spain
13. "Scars of the Earth" by Jabi Sanz, Spain
14. "Bonsai" by Davide Biagi, Italy
15. "Storm Train" by Fran Rubia, Spain
16. "Yarisli Monster" by Armand Sarlangue, France
17. "The Poisoned Drawing" by Gheorghe Popa, Romania
18. "Nature’s Secret in the Desert Folds" by Shyjith Onden Cheriyath, United Arab Emirates
19. "The Eye" by Ivan Pedretti, Italy
20. "Breath of Fire" by Arai Josue Alonso Melian, Spain
FAQs:
What are the Memorial Maria Luisa Awards?
The Memorial Maria Luisa Awards is a global celebration of mountain, nature, and adventure photography and video. Every year, passionate photographers from around the world come together to share their best images that capture the magic, drama, and sheer wonder of the natural world.
How many entries were submitted in 2026?
In 2026, photographers from 78 countries submitted an incredible 18,059 photos and 182 videos, with 1,450 storytellers chasing the perfect shot. With so many unique perspectives, this year’s competition was one of the most exciting and diverse yet.
Who won the Mountain Landscapes category?
The Mountain Landscapes category was taken by Filip Hrebenda from Slovakia, whose image “Thunderstorm” crackles with energy. His photograph doesn’t just show mountains, it lets you feel the storm’s raw power rolling through the peaks.
Who won the Nature Landscapes category?
Maxime Daviron from France claimed the Nature Landscapes prize with “Beings of Light,” a photo that’s pure magic. With its soft glow and dreamy atmosphere, it transports you straight into a world that feels almost otherworldly.
What makes these landscape photos special?
What makes these photos truly special isn’t just their technical skill; it’s the feeling behind them. These photographers don’t just document the world; they draw you in, letting you experience the mood, grandeur, and beauty of nature in a way that stays with you.
