“The Untamed Majesty of Nature’s Champions: Photographing the Wild Side of Wildlife”

A tender embrace shared by two young foxes
Marcia Walters, United States – Nature Photographer of the Year

The Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOTYcompetition has revealed its winners for this year’s wildlife photography contest, featuring an impressive total of , entries submitted by photographers from nations.

This esteemed competition recognizes and honors the artistry of nature photography, welcoming both amateur and professional wildlife photographers from across the globe. The overall winner is awarded a grand prize of €,, while finalists in twelve distinct categories receive € along with photographic equipment, as well as the Fred Hazelhoff Portfolio award.

The Nature Photographer of the Year competition is orchestrated by Nature Talks, the organization that manages the annual Nature Talks Photo Festival in the Netherlands.

Paolo Della Rocca, an esteemed nature photographer hailing from Italy, has been awarded the grand prize and designated as the Nature Photographer of the Year for his captivating image titled 'Game Between Siblings,’ which portrays two young snow leopards engaged in a playful interaction.

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“This remarkable photograph encapsulates what many regard as the pinnacle of…

The judges articulated, ‘This striking confrontation captures an astonishing instant wherein these elusive felines rise upon their hind legs, their majestic figures starkly contrasted against the pristine, snowy terrain, thereby crafting a tableau of unrefined strength and natural spectacle.’

Submissions for NPOTY will commence on December .

Overall Champion in Nature Photography

Sibling encounters; Overall Winner NPOTY and Winner in the Mammals category, Paolo Della Rocca from Italy – Nature Photographer of the Year .

Nestled in northern India is Spiti Valley, a region characterized by its rugged allure and serving as the habitat for one of nature’s most elusive species.

Realizing a lifelong aspiration became a reality during an extraordinary encounter with two sub-adult snow leopard siblings, which I was fortunate enough to observe and capture through photography at various stages of their lives, Paolo Della Rocca articulates.

For this particular photograph, he endured over six hours at the rim of a canyon, confronting an unyielding snowstorm as temperatures plummeted to -°C. Once the tempest abated, the leopards emerged from their den, frolicking along the slopes. Then arrived that moment: a flawless composition and one of the most enchanting days of my existence.

Nature Photographer of the Year

A small-spotted genet approaches a pond for hydration and observes a school of small carp swimming beneath the surface. These elusive animals are proficient in hunting a diverse range of prey, including fish, frogs, mammals, birds, eggs, reptiles, and amphibians, along with a taste for fruits, insects, and mushrooms found on the forest floor. “My intention was to connect these two realms, both above and below,” remarked Hannes Lochner.

Curious Guanaco, Highly Commended, Mammals category
Charles Janson, U.S. – Nature Photographer of the Year

'The temperature plummeted to – degrees Celsius, creating an environment so frigid that we were enveloped…

“Dense frozen fog,” remarks Charles Janson. “While we were en route to locate a puma in the vicinity of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, I was on the verge of capturing a landscape photograph when a guanaco emerged over the hilltop, disrupting my immaculate composition.

“Shortly thereafter, another guanaco appeared, followed by several more. The leading guanaco exhibited signs of curiosity similar to those of llamas. As it moved closer, I anticipated the precise moment it would harmonize with the surrounding scenery and subsequently captured this image.

The moral

In conclusion, Hannes Lochner’s stunning photography captures the delicate balance of life both above and beneath the surface, inviting us to appreciate the intricate interactions between diverse species. His work not only highlights the hunting prowess of elusive carp but also reminds us of the stark realities of nature, as illustrated by the chilling temperatures that challenge even the hardiest animals. The highly commended piece, “Curious Guanaco” by Charles Janson, adds another layer to this exploration, showcasing the resilience and beauty of wildlife in harsh environments. Together, these works encourage us to look deeper into our natural world, celebrating its complexity and urging us to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations. As we reflect on these remarkable glimpses into nature’s realm, we are reminded of our responsibility to foster a harmonious relationship with all living beings that share this planet.