Landscape photography is one of the most popular genres around the world. The tranquil beauty of the lush vegetation, the crevasses in arid landscapes, or the colors of the water meeting isolated snow-capped ground have always found their place in our homes and offices. As we navigate the challenges of urban life, landscape photography provides a moment of respite before we dive back into our daily responsibilities. To recognize and celebrate those behind the lens of such stunning photographs, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards organized a competition where the best represented their creativity. And now, after a months-long grueling contest, the organizers have finally found their winner.
The lead image is by Takeshi Kameyama, courtesy of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards. All images are used with permission.
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The Natural Landscape Photography Awards Goes to…
… Canadian landscape and nature photographer Andrew Mielzynski! From 12,179 submissions sent from 59 countries, the judging panel chose Meilzynski for the coveted title of Photographer of the Year for his exceptional portfolio. The award also comes with a cash prize of $5,000.
Founded in 2021, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards is the brainchild of landscape photographers Tim Parkin, Matt Payne, Alex Nail, and Rajesh Jyothiswaran. What makes this platform so different is that the organizers promote human photographers. The winning images have undergone extensive analysis to choose the best photographers who promote their work without deceptive digital editing and artificial intelligence.
In that regard, Meilzynski won for his exceptional and diverse use of techniques and subjects. His photographs have been assessed individually to seek the photographer’s impact on the genre as a whole. According to Meilzynski, the pictures were created during the pandemic, when the photographer walked to a local park with his camera. As a result of the winter storm, Meilzynski saw the “chaotic” scene, where many trees had been interwoven due to the harsh winds. “I loved how the snow, driven by the high winds, got embedded in the bark of the tree trunks,” he said. “I took a few frames, trying to simplify the scene in front of me, and settled on this one, loving the tones, the depth, and the minimalism,” he added about his image, titled Winter Cottonwoods.
After learning he won the prestigious award, Meilzynski expressed his joy: “I am overwhelmed, amazed, excited, and deeply honored to win the Natural Landscape Photography Award’s Photographer of the Year award for 2024.” The winner thanked the organizing team, judges, and sponsors, adding, “I am very proud, thrilled, and appreciative to be included in this group of very talented photographers.”
There is also a Grant Winner!
The awards also have a dedicated grant for young photographers who are working towards conservation through their photography. This year, that prize went to Anders Thøstesen for his series “Flying Rivers.” According to the organizers, this project aims to highlight the impacts of deforestation in the Amazon. While people are aware of the feeling of stress, many are unaware of how it directly leads to disruption in the water cycle.
Thøstesen will use the grant prize to travel to areas that rely on a particular river for their daily lives and agriculture. He will also document the potential threats these regions face due to the scarcity of this essential fresh water source.
A Look At All The Winning Images
Photographer of The Year
Runner-up | Tobias Richter
Some photographers have not sent their captions to the Natural Landscape Photography Awards yet. As a result, we haven’t been able to help you with more details.
Third place | Sho Hoshino, Japan
After the harsh winter, with temperatures dropping close to -20°C, plants begin to bloom. The cherry blossoms, cherished in Japan for centuries, beautifully color the country. As summer brings tropical heat, the mossy forests and misty wetlands prepare for winter, showcasing vibrant autumn foliage. Hoshino loves how Japan’s four seasons offer such diverse and stunning landscapes. The series is titled Japan’s Enchanting Forest: The Ever-Changing Beauty of Four Seasons.
Photograph of the Year
Winner | John Hardiman, Australia
It was a foggy morning when John visited Tallarook State Forest. The raindrops, which were falling in the waterbody, created harmonious ripples. The blue hue, along with the ripples, made for a striking photograph.
Project of the Year
Winner | David Southern, the U.K.
To reach this area of sugar kelp anchored to the rocks, David had to clamber over slippery boulders while the spring tide was at its lowest point. The allure of these environmentally important habitats is not always apparent. Still, with their rich colors and naturally created patterns arranged to artistic effect by waves and wind, he adds that they make for a wonderful photographic subject. The series seen in the Natural Landscape Photography Awards is called Crossed Wires.
Runner-up | Thomas Spinner, Germany
Thomas has been photographing erupting volcanoes for over 12 years, traveling to far-reaching lands for his project. Of the 84 volcanoes he visited, he fell in love with the Dukono volcano in Indonesia. Stunning Erupting Volcanoes is a series that results from his perseverance, and it bore him recognition through the Natural Landscape Photography Awards.
Third place | Andrew Baruffi, U.S.A.
For the past five years, Andrew has been photographing the unique ice of Zion, and during this period, he created a project called Formed. “Knowledge guides my creativity in the plentiful national park, and despite no longer living in the area, the occasional visit does prove that concepts gained are never lost with time. As difficult as it is, I’m proud of the rare scenes of ice that freeze a leaf in movement, bask in the evocative reflected light that Zion conveys so well, or simply shimmer in the ambient light that bounces among the geometric shapes and vivid textures,” he says about the series.
Special Awards
Grand Scenic
Winner | Peter Coskun, U.S.A.
It can be challenging to imagine a more elegant unveiling of nature than a winter storm clearing from within the Grand Canyon. Peter notes that during a winter trip to the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park in 2023, he saw the scene, which captured his interest. “As the clouds parted, windows into the canyon were illuminated with colorful gold and red hues, and a snow-covered rocky outcrop seemed to rise from the sea of clouds,” he explains, highlighting the elements that caught his attention.
Runner-up | Ciaran Willmore, Ireland
This photograph was captured on the southeast coast of Iceland during a wild and unpredictable morning. “I had originally planned to photograph Eystrahorn Mountain, but as I prepared my shot, my attention was drawn to the massive waves that began rolling towards the shore,” states Ciaran. The offshore winds, with their “incredible energy,” to the scene added to the scene. The sea spray at the tops of the waves, while the sun behind the photographer, leads to the creation of the faintly glowing rainbow. “The sight was so dramatic and alive that it reminded me of an army marching into battle, hence the name ‘Into Battle,'” states Ciaran about the Natural Landscape Photography Awards winner.
Third place | Andreea Cirlig, Romania
“I dreamed of catching the sunrise on Pico Ruivo during my first trip to Madeira, but I was unsure what to expect,” she says. The photographer woke up at 3 a.m., drove to the trailhead, and climbed to the peak, only to find dark fog. The luck was on her side as she continued toward Pico do Arieiro. The fog lifted after ten minutes,” revealing a beautiful scenery with sunlight through the valley and captivating trees in the mist.”
Intimate Landscapes
Winner | Brent Clark, U.S.A.
“The wild and remote canyons of the American Southwest present surprises around every bend,” says Brent. The photographer noticed the scene and was “awe-struck and humbled” to glimpse the beauty of the canyon and the “lonely” cottonwood tree, which was emphasized by the falling sunlight. Thus, the image became a winner in the Natural Landscape Photography Awards.
Runner-up | Laura Zirino, U.S.A
“I don’t know why it took me so long to find this place, but once I did, I was captivated,” says Laura. The photographer states she returned to the spot several times and “got lost” in this ancient landscape. In this particular picture, Laura is interested in the formation of rocks on the floor. This image is also the runner-up in the Environment category; hence, it has not been featured again in the list.
Third place | Peter Meyer
Abstract or Details
Winner | Scott Oller, U.S.A.
“I love the challenge of finding unique perspectives in one of the most photographed places on earth, Yosemite,” says Scott. In this particular image, the photographer was drawn to the “icy, abstract” scene as he walked along the Merced during the winter last year. “To me, it perfectly represents the deep sense of mystery that the landscape evokes,” he added.
Runner-up | Hitomi Seki, Japan
This photograph was captured early in the morning in winter in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Hitomi saw the beautiful light for a few minutes before the sun disappeared.
Third place | Thomas Spinner, Germany
The photograph is of Erta Ale, an Active volcano in Ethiopia‘s Danakil desert. The location is quite famous among volcano enthusiasts for its boiling lava lakes.
Mountains
Winner | Jurre Jan de Wit, Norway
“During the winter, everything in the landscape seems frozen in time; wind, snow, and ice rule at this time of year, while the sparse vegetation of the Arctic waits patiently for another summer to arrive. Somehow, water always finds a way to keep flowing. Sometimes, deep below the ice, and other times, right at the surface, it shows that the landscape is still alive,” Jurre explained.
Runner-up | Sophie Carr, the U.K
“After a few days of hiding in the peaks of Beinn Eighe, the clouds finally lifted to reveal a light dusting of early snow. The weather was stormy, but occasional breaks in the clouds illuminated tiny patches of the autumnal grasses on the mountain’s flanks,” wrote Sophie about the Natural Landscape Photography Awards winner.
Third place | Sam Bose, Scotland
“Scotland used to be covered in native pine forests, but this unique landscape is now confined to just a few precious locations spread across the Highlands,” he states. The photograph was captured in the morning when the glen was filled with mist. As the haze lifted, Sam saw the mountains, which created the perfect backdrop for these trees.
Environmental Life
Winner | David Kingham, U.S.A
“Yellowstone National Park in winter is a truly magical place. We have the honor of visiting every year to lead workshops focused not on wildlife but on the landscape,” said David.
The photographer has been “casually tracking a wolf pack each morning” and gathered information about how the group migrates from one space to another. The next location the wolves were traveling to was the same destination for David and his friends. “On this particular morning, after photographing incredible conditions, we were winding down for the day when a lone wolf emerged from the woods—a magical experience in itself,” he expresses. When he and his friends turned to leave, the group noticed the entire Wapiti pack appear from the forest. “they were perfectly positioned amidst the thermal features, with snow-covered trees and rising steam as a backdrop. Resisting the temptation to zoom in closer, I included the stunning environment. It was a truly unforgettable moment that I will always treasure,” he added. The experience proves why the image made it to the Natural Landscape Photography Awards list.
Runner-up | Charles Janson, U.S.A
On a bitterly cold morning near the Torres del Paine mountains in Chile, Charles was all set up to take a landscape photo when a guanaco appeared over the crest of the closest hill. “I waited, hoping that it would leave, but instead, it was followed by several more, so I changed the image concept to wildlife in the environment,” he elaborates.
Third place | William Patino
Creative Icons
Winner | Hans Gunnar Aslaksen, Norway
Vestrahorn is one of the most iconic locations in Iceland. When Hans arrived on the famous beach, the place was packed with photographers and tourists, so he and his friends decided to venture behind the mountain for a different perspective. “To our surprise, we had the entire area to ourselves — a rare and refreshing feeling,” he explains. Hans launched his drone to scout and discovered two rivers that mirrored each other’s shapes, creating perfect leading lines toward the mountain. “I knew right away I had found a unique take on this renowned landmark,” he adds about the Natural Landscape Photography Awards winner.
Runner-up | David Kingham, U.S.A
Fog or low clouds in Death Valley National Park’s arid desert are rare. However, as climate change brings more rainfall to the region, David has been fortunate to witness this phenomenon several times during our years spent in the park.
“On this particular morning, the low clouds and fog were beginning to lift, allowing sunlight to penetrate. This created a dappled light effect on the playa below while illuminating the clouds swirling around the nearby cliffs,” he explained.
This image demonstrates the power of experience, patience, and perseverance. It shows a deep understanding of the park, the patience needed to wait for ideal conditions, the determination to go out often, and the mindfulness to notice and capture the changing conditions around the photographer.
Third place | Andy Latham, the U.K.
The cliffs above the great chasm of Gordale Scar in the Yorkshire Dales offer a view of the ancient field systems in the valley below. The shapes of the foreground limestone echo the shard of lit grass in the distance, says Andy.
Nightscape
Winner | Niall McLaughlin, Ireland
“I’m delighted to have been named the Nightscape category winner at the Natural Landscape Photography Awards,” states Niall. The image was captured on an “unforgettable evening” when Niall saw the aurora “dancing across the Antrim Glens.”
Runner-up | Himadri Kumar Bhuyan, India
The image was made in Maharashtra, where the fireflies engage in a captivating mating ritual. The males emit rhythmic light pulses to attract females, and the synchronized flashes create a mesmerizing display in the night, a vital part of their courtship process. This picture is a composite of over 80 stacked images and also displays the trailing stars in the moonlit sky above. “The whole scene comes together to show us the rhythm of the night,” he says. Thus, the image was sent to the Natural Landscape Photography Awards to amplify the photographer’s vision.
Third place | Takeshi Kameyama, Japan
The Tadami Line, which runs through the town of Mishima in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, is a beautiful place surrounded by nature. The train running slowly through the snow looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Common Places
Winner | Anil Sud, Canada
“I was intrigued by the beautiful symmetry of the tree plantation and spent a few days exploring what the area might yield photographically,” says Anil about his journey to India to capture the photograph. “On my final return, I was greeted that morning by a scene bathed in backlit fog, simplifying the composition further while providing a stark silhouette against a muted gradation of light as a backdrop.”
Runner-up | Jan Magnus Reneflot, Norway
“After a few days of rain, the weather changed. It became bitterly cold, and the ice surface on a local lake transformed into wonderful color reflections in direct sunlight,” says Jan.
Third place | Cameron Wilcox, U.S.A
“Surrounded by the largest lakes in the world, my creative process is constantly influenced by water,” says Cameron. The varying light on Lake Superior provides an endlessly changing kaleidoscope of inspiration to the photographer. “In this photo, I was able to capture water in all three of its states -the dark depths of the lake, newly formed rectangles of ice on its surface, and the reflection of the vapors of the clouds,” she adds.
Water Worlds
Winner | Philipp Jakesch, Austria
The Lofoten Islands are well-known for the sudden change in weather conditions. “In the one minute, it is beautiful and calm; in the other minute, the next storm is rolling in – like in this image,” says Philipp.
Runner-up | Theo Bosboom
This image also won third place in the Environment category and will not be featured again in the list.
Third place | Jurre Jan de Wit, Norway
“I found myself at one of the most well-known locations on Senja island in Norway,” says Jurre. As the midnight sun was hovering above the horizon, the photographer turned 180 degrees around—away from the mountain—and found this strange arrangement of elements.
Environmental
Winner | Felix Röser, Germany
This image shows the covered parts of the Rhonegletscher in the Swiss Alps. The sheets cover the glacier to slow the melting process, reminding Felix of “a ghost or an artwork by Christo and Jeanne-Claude.”
Black and White
Winner | Mark Ditcham, Australia
“Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea spp) are one of my favorite subjects to photograph,” says Mark. The reason is that he enjoys hunting trees that have a resemblance to humans. He found the tree in the photograph in a previously unexplored bushland area and was immediately pulled by its shape and form.
Runner-up | Andy Gray, the U.K.
The autumn color had not yet fully matured in this woodland area in the Peak District, per Andy. However, some diffused morning sunlight through the mist provided the ingredients for a monochrome conversion.
Third place | Joy Kachina, Australia
The Northern Tasmanian forest is enveloped by the gentle autumn mist, illuminated by the rising sun. As the leaves on a solitary tree are touched by sunlight, they release water droplets that merge with the surrounding mist, creating a stage for the tree to shine, expresses the photographer.
Aerial
Winner | William Patino
Runner-up | Arpan Uzir, India
This image was captured during an early morning flight to Ladakh. It showcases the majestic Himalayas bathed in the soft light of dawn. The snow-capped peaks stretch out in a breathtaking expanse of natural beauty, with subtle shadows highlighting their rugged contours and adding depth to the scene. “This perspective offers a unique glimpse into the often-overlooked intricacies of the Himalayan grandeur,” states Arpan.
Third place | Theo Bosboom
For more information, visit the Natural Landscape Photography Awards website.