The 2025 World Nature Photography Awards have recently unveiled their winners, showcasing exceptional talent from photographers across 48 countries. Founded on the powerful notion that nature photography has the ability to shape how society interacts with our environment, these awards serve as a beacon of excellence in the realm of nature photography.
Maruša Puhek, hailing from Slovenia, emerged as the Nature Photographer of the Year, claiming the prestigious title and clinching the top spot in the Nature Art category. Her winning image captured two majestic deer darting through a snow-covered vineyard in Murščak, Slovenia. What makes Puhek’s victory truly remarkable is the fact that she captured this stunning shot using a modest 14-year-old camera in a quaint Slovenian village, dispelling the misconception that one needs high-end equipment to create masterful images.
Reflecting on her win, Puhek shared the serendipitous story behind her winning shot, recounting a chilly January day when she stumbled upon the deer. Lamenting her lack of a telephoto lens at the time, Puhek later realized that her wide-angle perspective had inadvertently elevated the composition of the image, allowing the snowy backdrop to play a crucial role in the visual narrative. “I knew the photo was somehow different, but I never realized how special it really was,” Puhek remarked, expressing her astonishment at her well-deserved win.
In addition to Puhek’s outstanding achievement, the World Nature Photography Awards also recognized 14 other category winners, each contributing their unique perspective and expertise to the dazzling array of nature photography. From Marcio Esteves Cabral’s vibrant portrayal of glowing wildflowers in Brazil to Paul Goldstein’s captivating image of cheetahs feasting on a hartebeest, the winning entries showcased a diverse range of subjects and styles.
Adrian Dinsdale, co-founder of the awards, expressed his awe at the caliber of submissions received, emphasizing the pivotal role that such imagery plays in inspiring conservation efforts. “Seeing these images cannot fail to motivate one to do everything to protect this fragile planet of ours,” Dinsdale remarked, underscoring the profound impact of nature photography in advocating for environmental preservation.
As you delve into the captivating world of the 2025 World Nature Photography Awards, you’ll encounter a mesmerizing visual tapestry that celebrates the beauty and diversity of our natural world. From underwater marvels to terrestrial wonders, these award-winning photographs offer a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations.
Exploring the Dazzling Array of Winners
Among the standout winners of the 2025 World Nature Photography Awards is Khaichuin Sim from Malaysia, who secured the Gold in the Animal Portraits category with his enchanting depiction of lanternflies in Danum Valley, Sabah. Sim’s striking image captures the delicate beauty of these insects in their natural habitat, showcasing the intricate details and vibrant colors that define these fascinating creatures.
Tom Nickels, hailing from Finland, clinched the Gold in the Behavior – Mammals category with his captivating portrayal of a polar bear in Svalbard, Norway. Nickels’ evocative image offers a glimpse into the intimate moments of a polar bear’s life, underscoring the raw beauty and resilience of these majestic creatures in the face of environmental challenges.
Malini Chandrasekar, representing the UK, was awarded the Gold in the Animals in Their Habitat category for her poignant photograph of walruses in Svalbard, Norway. Chandrasekar’s image serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between wildlife and their ecosystems, urging viewers to appreciate and protect these vulnerable species.
Unveiling the Diversity of Nature’s Splendor
The World Nature Photography Awards also honored photographers who captured the essence of nature in its myriad forms, from sweeping landscapes to intimate moments between species. Daniel Flormann from Germany secured the Gold in the Underwater category with his mesmerizing image of an olive ridley sea turtle in Kasait, Timor Leste, showcasing the ethereal beauty of marine life beneath the waves.
Clive Burns, a photographer from the UK, was awarded the Gold in the Behavior – Birds category for his captivating image of red knots in Snettisham, Norfolk, England. Burns’ photograph captures the graceful movements of these birds in their natural habitat, highlighting the intricate patterns and behaviors that make them a marvel of the avian world.
As you immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the 2025 World Nature Photography Awards, you’ll be transported to a realm of unparalleled beauty and wonder, where the intricate tapestry of nature unfolds in all its splendor. These award-winning images serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our natural world, inspiring us to cherish and protect the precious ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. Let the visual symphony of the world’s most talented nature photographers ignite your passion for conservation and environmental stewardship.
