Nature photography has once again mesmerized viewers with its unique perspective on the beauty and diversity found in our natural world. The annual Nature Photography Contest showcased breathtaking images that captured wildlife, landscapes, and humans in stunning ways. This year’s winning photograph, titled “Sea Lion in Los Islotes” by Glenn Ostle, depicted a sea lion seemingly striking a pose for the camera in Mexico.
The contest’s Photographer of the Year, Alain Schroeder, impressed the judges with his collection of powerful images. Among his winning entries was a photograph in the Sharing the Planet category, which highlighted the extraordinary relationship between humans and nature. Meanwhile, Muhammad Hossain from Bangladesh clinched the environmental impact category with his thought-provoking image of a woman sleeping atop a pile of rubbish.
Open to both professional and amateur photographers from around the world, the Nature Photography Contest aims to remind us of the invaluable treasures we possess and the urgent need to protect them. With ten distinct categories, including funny nature, birds, and underwater, the competition captured the essence of our natural world from diverse angles.
The natural landscapes category was won by Marek Biegalski, who wowed the audience with his photograph titled “Burning Flower,” featuring the intricate patterns of Icelandic rivers from a bird’s-eye perspective. Soumya Ranjan Bhattacharyya triumphed in the wildlife section with his captivating image, “Stories in the Sand,” which showcased a scorpion gracefully navigating sand dunes.
For those with an inclination towards macrophotography, Adrian Truchta’s winning entry, “The Dreamer – Philaeus chrysops,” presented an intricate close-up of a vibrant insect. Alessio Calviani’s photograph of a puffin in Iceland claimed the birds category, while Marcio Cabral’s “Pandora” captured the ethereal beauty of Chapada dos Veadeiros, a Brazilian national park, and secured the top spot in the plant life category.
In a mesmerizing display of the night sky, Marc Marco’s “Los Arcos y la Cueva” won the Night World category. The photograph showcased a panoramic view of the Milky Way passing over a natural rock arch, leaving viewers in awe of the vastness and wonder of the universe.
Each photograph in the contest conveyed an impactful message, serving as a reminder of the fragility and resilience of our planet. Whether it was documenting the effects of climate change, showcasing the fascinating beauty of wildlife, or capturing the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, these photographs truly exemplify the power of visual storytelling. As we immerse ourselves in these captivating images, let us be inspired to cherish, protect, and preserve the remarkable world we live in.
Nature Photography Contest: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the annual Nature Photography Contest?
The annual Nature Photography Contest is a photography competition open to both professional and amateur photographers worldwide. It aims to showcase the beauty and diversity of our natural world and raise awareness about the urgent need to protect it.
Nature Photography Contest
2. Who won the Nature Photography Contest in 2021?
Glenn Ostle won this year’s contest with his photograph titled “Sea Lion in Los Islotes,” capturing a sea lion striking a pose in Mexico. Alain Schroeder was named the Photographer of the Year with his collection of powerful images.
3. What categories were included in the Nature Photography Contest?
The contest featured ten distinct categories, including Sharing the Planet, Funny Nature, Birds, Underwater, Natural Landscapes, Wildlife, Macro Photography, Plant Life, Night World, and Environmental Impact.
Contest Categories
4. Can you provide examples of winning photographs from the contest?
Marek Biegalski won in the Natural Landscapes category with his photograph “Burning Flower,” capturing the patterns of Icelandic rivers. Soumya Ranjan Bhattacharyya triumphed in the Wildlife section with “Stories in the Sand,” featuring a scorpion navigating sand dunes. Adrian Truchta’s “The Dreamer – Philaeus chrysops” won the Macro Photography category, and Marc Marco’s “Los Arcos y la Cueva” won the Night World category.
5. What was the aim of the Sharing the Planet category?
The Sharing the Planet category aimed to highlight the extraordinary relationship between humans and nature.
6. How can I contribute to protecting our natural world?
These captivating photographs remind us to cherish, protect, and preserve the remarkable world we live in. Simple steps can make a difference, such as practicing sustainable habits, supporting conservation efforts, and promoting environmental awareness.
International Union for Conservation of Nature