There’s something about nature that makes us pause, and the winners of the 2025 Nature Photography Contest capture that feeling perfectly. These 30 stunning photos are more than beautiful snapshots; they invite you in. Each image transports you to wild places, delicate habitats, and quiet moments that feel almost spiritual. This is more than just photography; it’s a powerful reminder disguised as art.
At the center of the contest is Canadian photographer Thomas Vijayan, whose “Photograph of the Year” is hard to forget. His photo of an orangutan among the ruins of its devastated home tells a story that’s impossible to ignore. It’s honest, deeply moving, and heartbreakingly real, a clear sign that deforestation isn’t just something we read about; it’s happening as we speak.
Then there’s Angela J. Sanchez from Georgia, USA, who earned the title of Photographer of the Year. Her collection is intentional, varied, and full of respect for the natural world. Every shot feels thoughtful, as if it was captured with care rather than just snapped in passing.
Spanning 10 categories, the winners showcase incredible talent. Whether it’s intense moments with wildlife, peaceful scenes, or tiny details we’d usually overlook, each photograph feels like both a tribute to our planet and a quiet alarm bell. These photographers aren’t just recording nature, they’re standing up for it.
The truth is, what we’re seeing is delicate. And when it’s lost, there’s no way to bring it back.
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1. Photograph of the Year: “Please spare our home” by Thomas Vijayan
“Our changing world is a major threat to many living beings around us one among them is this greatest living ape on Earth, The Orangutans. Humans are on a run to satisfy their immediate requirements and are forgetting the impact of it on the coming future. Orangutans are closest to humans. If deforestation continues then the coming generation may miss seeing this majestic creation of God.”
2. Natural Landscape – Winner: “The Earth’s eye” by Pawel Zygmunt
“An aerial view of the Hveravellir geothermal area in Iceland shows a natural formation that looks like an animal’s eye. A dark, deep-blue pool sits at the center, surrounded by rough, textured ground in rich brown shades. The mineral deposits create a layered effect, adding to the eye-like appearance. The surrounding rocky landscape is barren, making the formation stand out even more. The whole scene has a raw, natural beauty that feels almost alive.”
3. Wildlife – Winner: “Following” by Janet Gustin
“A young brown bear follows the confident lead of a small seagull across the tidal flats as nature painted the world in golden pastels. The bear’s gentle, humble posture as it trusts this tiny guide speaks to a deeper truth – sometimes the greatest strength is found in quiet surrender to gentle guidance. In this extraordinary moment, we’re reminded that wisdom often comes in the smallest whispers, and true courage lies in following where we’re led with childlike trust.”
4. Macrophotography – Winner: “Sporing Party” by Indranil Basu Mallick
“A captivating macro scene captured under the cover of night. Two glass snails are diligently feeding on the decaying cap of a Termitomyces fungi. The drama is amplified by backlighting with an LED, which brilliantly illuminates the fine details and creates a dramatic silhouette. A long exposure was essential here, enabling the creation of an amazing pattern of discharged spores scattering in the air, adding a surreal, ethereal quality to this natural decay cycle. The diffraction of light through the spores truly transforms the scene.”
5. Underwater – Winner: “Whale Dreams” by Remuna Beca
“A playful Humpback Whale calf pauses gracefully at the surface in the deep blue of the South Pacific Ocean. A dreamlike scene, which I hope inspires a greater fascination for the wonders of our incredible ocean and the dream to experience and protect it.”
6. Birds – Winner: “Before the Storm” by James Welch
“A group of king penguins look out to sea as a grey sky indicates an incoming storm.”
7. Plant Life – Winner: “My Jeffrey Pine, Sierra de Baza” by Miguel José Ávalos González
“Every year I climb into the extreme winter of my nearby mountain. There, far from my comfort zone and immersed in biting cold, right at the upper edge of the treeline, I find myself alone among ancient conifers, battered by the wind. Their ability to adapt to any weather condition is astonishing.”
8. Night World – Winner: “Creation” by Peter Hergesheimer
“The Eagle nebula with the iconic Pillars of Creation is captured in this starless narrowband image. Filter used in narrowband astrophotography allow the camera to capture only specific frequencies of light emitted by ionized gases, in this case Hydrogen, Sulphur and Oxygen. The stars were intentionally removed during processing. Total exposure time: 30+ hours.”
9. Environmental impact – Winner: “First Gaze” by Wiktoria West
“A cheetah opens its eyes for the first time after sedation, during which it underwent X-rays, laser treatments, and various other veterinary procedures. This cheetah was a victim of snaring. Snares, often set by impoverished communities to catch small game for food, are indiscriminate and can trap any animal. Fortunately, thanks to the NGO’s daily monitoring team, we were able to intervene quickly and bring her in for treatment to repair torn ligaments. In this image, she is preparing to be transported back into the wild after several weeks in rehabilitation.”
10. Sharing the Planet – “The Honey Keepers of Sundarbans” by Muhammad Mostafigur Rahman
“In the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a honey collectors gather wild honey using traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. This careful and respectful approach reflects a longstanding relationship between local communities and the forest, where people depend on its resources while recognizing the presence and power of wildlife such as the Royal Bengal Tiger.”
11. Funny Nature – Winner: “Into the Gape: Dalmatian Pelican at Dawn” by Panagiotis Xaxiris
“Eye-level, natural light, lake Kerkini. A Dalmatian Pelican opens its bill wide right in front of the camera as a group emerges through the soft morning mist-a close, intimate moment showing the character and presence of this iconic species. Dalmatian Pelican Lake kerkini Greece.”
12. Photographer of the Year: “Mobula Rocket” by Angela J Sanchez
“The Photographer of the Year 2025 award has been presented to Angela J Sanchez for her extraordinary talent in capturing the wonder of the natural world through photography. Her work reflects a unique combination of artistic sensitivity, technical skill, and a profound respect for wildlife and the environment. Across different categories, her images convey movement, intimacy, and emotion, inviting us to look more closely at the beauty and complexity of life on our planet.”
Finalists
13. “Black Eagle” by Luca Tambella
14. “The Gateway” by Joann Steidle
15. “Two Silhouettes on the Ice” by Xi Liu
16. “The Chorus of Silence” by Thomas Andy Branson
17. “Snuggle” by Min Li
18. “She’s Mine, Back Off” by Jill Hill
19. “Seeds of Life” by Alicia Luna
20. “Symmetry” by Hasan Baglar
21. “Dew Covered Mantis” by Lane Kirstein
22. “Shout and About” by Daniel Sly
23. “Playtime amid the school” by Glenn Ostle
24. “The dive” by Fabi Fregonesi
25. “Defiance of the Small” by Panagiotis Xaxiris
26. “Strike from Above” by Panagiotis Xaxiris
27. “Good to the Last Drop” by Lee Greengrass
28. “Fireworks” by Marcio Cabral
29. “Aurora and Milky Way” by Markus van Hauten
30. “Golden Drops Beneath the Milky Way” by Marcio Cabral
FAQs:
What is the Nature Photography Contest?
The Nature Photography Contest brings together photographers from around the world to share their unique perspectives on nature. This competition not only highlights stunning images of our planet, but also helps shine a light on the importance of protecting the environment. Photographers of all backgrounds are encouraged to submit their best shots, capturing the beauty and diversity of Earth, as well as the urgent need to safeguard our delicate ecosystems.
Who won the Photograph of the Year in 2025?
Canadian photographer Thomas Vijayan took home the Photograph of the Year award with a striking image showing an orangutan amid a devastated forest. His photo tells a moving story about the loss of wildlife habitats and the serious effects of human activity on animals and nature around the globe.
Who was named Photographer of the Year?
Angela J. Sanchez, who lives in Georgia, USA, was named Photographer of the Year. Her collection of photos impressed judges thanks to its variety, powerful stories, and a creative style that shows both her love for nature and her dedication to telling important environmental stories through her lens.
Why is nature photography important for conservation?
Nature photography isn’t just about beautiful pictures; it’s a powerful tool for conservation. By capturing and sharing images of the natural world, photographers can spark conversations, inspire people to care, and even drive real change. A single photo can shift how we see the planet and encourage all of us to play a part in protecting wildlife and wild places.
What makes these winning photos special?
What makes these winning photos truly special is the way they combine skill, emotion, and story. They capture once-in-a-lifetime moments, bring attention to urgent environmental issues, and remind us just how breathtaking nature can be. Each photo draws viewers in, helping us appreciate the wonders of our world and why we need to protect them.
