Images that Reveal Nature's Stunning Spectacle
- By Leon Lindenberger
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Images reveal captivating splendors of the natural world. - Nature's allure in these images highlights its captivating charm.
Each year, the "Splendors of Nature Photography" contest recognizes the finest animal and nature photos submitted by photographers worldwide. In 2023, over 900 photographers from 35 nations participated, with a whopping 22,693 entries presented to the jury. Their selection focuses on both technical brilliance and the compelling narratives woven into the photographs. They grant top honors in eight categories, including avian marvels, rugged mammals, primordial ice, and sophisticated felines.
The competition's 2023 junior winner, Julius Kortlepel, hailing from Germany, captures a mountain wagtail in the midst of a water spray (Image 4). The overall champion is Norwegian Pål Hermansen, who snapped a striking drone shot displaying a bloodstained ice scene on Svalbard (Image 8).
The celebration of the winning photographs took place on May 2nd, in conjunction with the International Nature Photography Days in Fürstenfeldbruck. Following the ceremony, the exhibition of winning photos will travel across Germany.
GEO
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Stunning Victories from the Past
In The Nature Photography Contest 2024, remarkable photos of landscapes, wildlife, and nature's delicate balance made their mark.
- Photography of the Year: "Polar Bear Amid Fireweed Blooms," taken by Christopher Paetkau, showcases a polar bear frolicking amidst bright fireweed flowers, demonstrating wildlife's knack for adapting1.
- Photographer of the Year: Thomas Vijayan, celebrated for his exceptional talent in capturing the essence of nature, won for his work across diverse categories1.
Feel free to admire these award-winning shots on websites such as 121 Clicks or My Modern Met1. To stay informed about photography contests, including upcoming competitions, visit Photo Contests 20253.
- The community policy for the "Splendors of Nature Photography" contest, which was won by Norwegian Pål Hermansen in 2023, outlines the rules and guidelines for photographers from all over the world participating in the contest.
- In the category of rugged mammals in the "Splendors of Nature Photography" contest, Julius Kortlepel, the 2023 junior winner from Germany, submitted a photograph of a mountain wagtail in the midst of a water spray.
- The "Stunning Victories from the Past" section of GEO, a partner brand of stern, features photographs from the "Nature Photography Contest 2024," including the Photography of the Year winner, Christopher Paetkau, whose photograph showcases a polar bear frolicking amidst bright fireweed flowers in Kortlepel, Germany.








