Last week, the photography world hit pause when the winners of the SINWP Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 were announced—and yeah, the internet absolutely felt it. But today, we’re shining the spotlight on something just as electric: the Highly Commended Bird Photography that nearly stole the crown. These images aren’t runner-ups; they’re mic-drop moments frozen in time.
Curated by the Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers, this collection of 33 jaw-dropping photos proves one thing loud and clear: birds are drama queens of the natural world—and photographers love them for it. From razor-sharp mid-air dives to soft, poetic portraits perched in golden light, every frame tells a story that feels alive.
SINWP isn’t new to the game. It’s a long-established, UK-based professional photographers’ association with members from every corner of the globe. Known as one of the UK’s leading qualifying bodies, SINWP supports and recognizes photographers working across nature, landscape, and wildlife genres. That pedigree shows in the judging—these images aren’t just pretty, they’re powerful, technical, and emotionally loaded.
The Highly Commended photos featured here capture birds in all their raw glory: hunting, fighting the wind, bonding, surviving. Some frames feel cinematic, others intimate, but all of them pull you straight into the wild. You can almost hear the wingbeats, feel the cold air, and sense the split-second timing it took to nail the shot.
Scroll through this gallery slowly. Let the colors, motion, and mood sink in. These 33 photos aren’t just about birds—they’re about patience, obsession, and the wild beauty that still exists when you’re willing to look up.
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#1. Highly Commended Winner: Xiaoping Lin
#2. Highly Commended Winner: Braeme Holland
#3. Highly Commended Winner: Louise Farrell
#4. Highly Commended Winner: George Varley
#5. Highly Commended Winner: Giovanni Frescura
Camera Lenses & Settings That Actually Work
- Use a telephoto lens (300mm–600mm) to get close without disturbing birds
- Shoot at fast shutter speeds (1/1600s or higher) to freeze motion
- Keep ISO flexible (Auto ISO helps) for changing light conditions
- Use wide apertures (f/4–f/6.3) to isolate the subject from the background
- Switch to continuous autofocus (AF-C / AI Servo) for moving birds
#6. Highly Commended Winner: Linda Williams
#7. Highly Commended Winner: Priyanka Arora
#8. Highly Commended Winner: Renato Granieri
#9. Highly Commended Winner: Ian Rowley
#10. Highly Commended Winner: Richard Lovelock
Capturing Birds in Action (Flight, Hunting, Drama)
- Anticipate movement—watch patterns before pressing the shutter
- Use burst mode to catch wing positions and peak action
- Track birds smoothly using back-button focus
- Position yourself with the light behind you for clean highlights
- Practice panning to add motion blur while keeping the bird sharp
#11. Highly Commended Winner: Charlie Swan
#12. Highly Commended Winner: Charlie Swan
#13. Highly Commended Winner: Richard Lovelock
#14. Highly Commended Winner: Robert Gloeckner
#15. Highly Commended Winner: John Ellingsen
Know Your Birds Before You Shoot
- Learn species behavior, feeding times, and habitats
- Study migration seasons for rare opportunities
- Understand flight paths and takeoff habits
- Identify calls and warning sounds to predict action
- The more you know, the fewer random shots you take
#16. Highly Commended Winner: Alan West
#17. Highly Commended Winner: Maggie Bullock
#18. Highly Commended Winner: Maggie Bullock
#19. Highly Commended Winner: Alan West
#20. Highly Commended Winner: Maggie Bullock
Wildlife Conservation Comes First
- Never disturb nests or breeding grounds
- Avoid baiting or altering behavior for a shot
- Stick to ethical distances, even with long lenses
- Support conservation by documenting, not interfering
- Remember: a missed photo is better than a harmed species
#21. Highly Commended Winner: Maggie Bullock
#22. Highly Commended Winner: Amanda Graham
#23. Highly Commended Winner: Bjorn Stuedal
#24. Highly Commended Winner: Ann Aveyard
#25. Highly Commended Winner: Sarah Keates
Respect Nature and the Species You Photograph
- Leave no trace—don’t trample habitats
- Be patient, quiet, and invisible
- Avoid overcrowding popular birding spots
- Respect local laws and protected areas
- Let the bird decide the moment, not you
#26. Highly Commended Winner: Damon Mitchell
#27. Highly Commended Winner: Jo Lee
#28. Highly Commended Winner: Willem Kruger
#29. Highly Commended Winner: Paul Williams
#30. Highly Commended Winner: Robert Gloeckner
Submitting Bird Photos to Awards & Competitions
- Read rules and ethics guidelines carefully
- Submit images with minimal editing and honest storytelling
- Choose photos that show behavior, emotion, or rare moments
- Add accurate captions (species, location, behavior)
- Start with Highly Commended categories to build credibility
#31. Highly Commended Winner: Sarah Keates
#32. Highly Commended Winner: Nerijus Porvaneckis
#33. Highly Commended Winner: Allen Low
In Summary
What is SINWP Bird Photographer of the Year?
- It’s an annual international photography competition organized by SINWP, celebrating excellence in bird and wildlife photography.
What are Highly Commended photos?
- These are standout entries recognized by judges for exceptional quality, just below the winning spots.
Who can participate in SINWP competitions?
- Photographers from around the world, both professionals and serious enthusiasts, working in nature and wildlife genres.
Why are these photos special?
- They combine technical mastery with storytelling, capturing rare, emotional, and high-impact bird moments.
Where is SINWP based?
- SINWP is based in the United Kingdom but serves a global photography community.
