There’s something truly captivating about nature photography; it’s raw, unpredictable, and humbling in ways words can hardly capture. The Nature Photography Contest gathers photographers from every corner of the world, inviting both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic newcomers to share their unique perspectives and reveal the wonders of our planet. This year, the winning entries in the Wildlife and Birds categories stand out as extraordinary.
At its heart, nature photography is about much more than beautiful images; it’s about fostering understanding and appreciation. These photographs remind us that our world is both delicate and powerful, and that it deserves our care. Each of the 22 winning photos draws you into a unique story, letting you experience the wild up close.
Janet Gustin claimed the top spot in the Wildlife category with her evocative photograph, “Following.” Imagine a young brown bear quietly walking behind a small seagull across sunlit tidal flats. The scene feels gentle and almost poetic. The bear’s quiet trust in such a tiny companion challenges our usual ideas about strength, revealing that true power can also be found in vulnerability and subtle confidence.
In the Birds category, James Welch’s “Before the Storm” offers a striking contrast. A group of king penguins stands motionless, gazing toward a darkening sky as a storm approaches. The tension is almost tangible; you can sense nature itself pausing in anticipation before the storm breaks.
Together, these photographs do more than showcase remarkable talent—they remind us why the natural world continues to inspire and captivate us.
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1. 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."
2. Finalist: "The Gateway" by Joanna Steidle
3. Finalist: "The Silhouettes on the Ice" by Xi Liu
4. Finalist: "Power and Presence" by Amish Chhagan
5. Finalist: "The Chorus of Silence" by Thomas Andy Branson
6. Finalist: "Amplified Intimidation" by Tom Hendrickson
7. Finalist: "Concerto" by Joanna Steidle
8. Finalist: "Through the Smoke" by Sam Sammia
9. Finalist: "Snuggle" by Min Li
10. Finalist: "She’s Mine Back Off" by Jill Hill
11. Finalist: "A Different Perspective" by Bingqian Gao
12. 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."
13. Finalist: "Parenting Goals" by Thomas Vijayan
14. Finalist: "Chase" by Xhou Chen
15. Finalist: "Liquid Flight" by Lee Greengrass
16. Finalist: "Defiance of the Small" by Panagiotis Xaxiris
17. Finalist: "After the Rain" by Nikita Chicherin
18. Finalist: "Strike from Above" by Panagiotis Xaxiris
19. Finalist: "Wings of Courage" by Kallol Mukherjee
20. Finalist: "A moment of care-the hoopoe on it way to the nest" by Karlheinz Reichert
21. Finalist: "Good to the Last Drop" by Lee Greengrass
22. Finalist: "Heron in a Teasel Dreamscape" by Montoya Whiteman
What 121Clicks Editor Thinks About These Awards
- These awards remind us just how much a striking image can open our eyes to the importance of protecting the environment.
- The winning photos have a genuine, heartfelt quality and an undeniable connection to the natural world.
- It’s great to see both new and seasoned photographers being celebrated on a global stage.
- The Wildlife and Birds categories really capture that mix of drama, beauty, and great storytelling.
- All in all, these photos are a powerful reminder that caring for nature isn’t just a choice, it’s something we all need to do.
