Winter Cottonwoods by Andrew Mielzynski.
I ran across this scene which seemed very chaotic with many interwoven trees.
Over 12,000 photos were submitted to the fourth annualNatural Landscape Photography Awards.
“Winter Cottonwoods” by Andrew Mielzynski. Winner, Photographer of the Year.“During the pandemic, I went out for a walk with my camera in a local park in Toronto, Canada during a fierce winter storm. I ran across this scene which seemed very chaotic with many interwoven trees. I loved how the snow, driven by the high winds, got embedded in the bark of the tree trunks. 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.”
This makes for imagery that is simply a showcase of the natural beauty of our landscape.
This year’s competition was tougher than ever, with 1,134 photographers from 59 countries entering the contest.
Canadian photographerAndrew Mielzynskicame out on top, and was named Photographer of the Year for his exceptional portfolio.
Andrew Mielzynski. Winner, Photographer of the Year.
Among these images isWinter Cottonwoods.
These artistic images remind us of the creative possibilities of the seemingly ordinary parts of nature.
Here are the winners of the 2024 Natural Landscape Photography Awards.
“Crossed Wires” by David Southern. Winner, Project of the Year Winner.“To get to this area of sugar kelp anchored to the rocks I 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, but with their rich colors and naturally created patterns arranged to artistic effect by waves and wind they make for a wonderful photographic subject.”
Winner, Photographer of the Year.
Crossed Wires by David Southern.
Musical Ripples by John Hardiman.
“Musical Ripples” by John Hardiman. Winner, Photograph of the Year.“Raindrops falling from overhead gums made playful patterns on the water’s surface, on a cool foggy morning in Tallarook State Forest.”
Runner-Up, Photographer of the Year.
The contest has strict rules to avoid deceptive editing techniques and the use of AI.
Morning Glory by Anil Sud.
Tobias Richter. Runner-Up, Photographer of the Year.
Na Saighneain by Niall McLaughlin.
Winner, Nightscape.I captured this scene on an unforgettable evening, watching the aurora dancing across the Antrim Glens.
Frozen in Time by Jurre Jan de Wit.
“Morning Glory” by Anil Sud. Winner, Common Places.“I was intrigued by the beautiful symmetry of the tree plantation and accordingly, spent a few days exploring what the area might yield photographically. On my final return, I was greeted that morning by a scene bathed in backlit fog simplifying the composition further while providing for a stark silhouette against a muted gradation of light as a backdrop.”
Somehow, water always finds a way to keep flowing.
Darklands by Hans Gunnar Aslaksen.
Winner, Creative Icons.Vestrahorn is one of the most iconic locations in Iceland.
“Na Saighneáin” by Niall McLaughlin. Winner, Nightscape.“I captured this scene on an unforgettable evening, watching the aurora dancing across the Antrim Glens. Being in nature brings me great joy, and I feel privileged to share that experience with others through my photography.”
To our surprise, we had the entire area to ourselves a rare and refreshing feeling.
I knew right away I had found a unique take on this renowned landmark.
Ghosts by Felix Roser.
“Frozen in Time” by Jurre Jan de Wit. Winner, Mountains.“During the winter, everything in the landscape seems to be frozen in time, wind, snow and ice are king at this time of the year, while the sparse vegetation of the Arctic just 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 – either way it shows the landscape is still alive.”
Winner, Environmental.This images shows the covered parts of the Rhonegletscher in the swiss alps.
The sheets are covering the glacier to slow down the melting process.
It reminded me of a ghost or an artwork by Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
“Ghosts” by Felix Röser. Winner, Environmental.“This images shows the covered parts of the Rhonegletscher in the swiss alps. The sheets are covering the glacier to slow down the melting process. It reminded me of a ghost or an artwork by Christo and Jeanne-Claude.”
Holding by Mark Ditcham.
Winner, Black and White.Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea spp) are one of my favorite subjects to photograph.
These trees are full of character and I like to hunt for ones with a human semblance.
William Patino. Winner, Aerial.
Over 12,000 photos by 1,134 photographers were submitted to the photo competition.
Approaching Storm by Philipp Jakesch.
Winner, Water Worlds.The Lofoten Islands are known for the sudden change of weather conditions.
“Holding” by Mark Ditcham. Winner, Black and White.“Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea spp) are one of my favorite subjects to photograph. These trees are full of character and I like to hunt for ones with a human semblance. I found this dead and broken-down tree in a previously unexplored area of the bushland and was instantly drawn to its shape and form.”
When you go there with your photographic eye, there is a beautiful image waiting after every corner.
Serendipity by David Kingham.
Winner, Environmental Wildlife.Yellowstone National Park in winter is a truly magical place.
“Approaching Storm” by Philipp Jakesch. Winner, Water Worlds.“The Lofoten Islands are known for the sudden change of 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. When you go there with your photographic eye, there is a beautiful image waiting after every corner.”
We learned they had migrated to another area of the park, coincidentally where we were headed next.
Resisting the temptation to zoom in closer, I chose to include the stunning environment.
It was a truly unforgettable moment that I will always treasure.
“Serendipity” by David Kingham. Winner, Environmental Wildlife.“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. Despite our landscape emphasis, we had been casually tracking a wolf pack each morning, noticing their footprints along the roadside. We learned they had migrated to another area of the park, coincidentally where we were headed next. 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. As we finished photographing this solitary wolf and prepared to leave, we turned to see the entire Wapiti pack appear from the forest. Not only that, but 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 chose to include the stunning environment. It was a truly unforgettable moment that I will always treasure.”
Third Place, Intimate Landscapes.
Winter Shine by Hitomi Seki.
Runner-Up, Abstract or Details.This photo was taken early in the morning in winter in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
Peter Meyer. Third Place, Intimate Landscapes.
It was a beautiful sight that could only be seen for a few minutes when the sun pillar appeared.
Into Battle by Ciaran Willmore.
Runner-Up, Grand Scenic.This photograph was taken on the southeast coast of Iceland during a wild and unpredictable morning.
“Winter Shine” by Hitomi Seki. Runner-Up, Abstract or Details.“This photo was taken early in the morning in winter in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It was a beautiful sight that could only be seen for a few minutes when the sun pillar appeared.”
Merced River Abstract, Yosemite National Park by Scott Oller.
This icy, abstract scene caught my attention as I walked along the Merced last winter.
To me, it perfectly represents the deep sense of mystery that the landscape evokes.
“Into Battle” by Ciaran Willmore. Runner-Up, Grand Scenic.“This photograph was taken 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. The offshore winds added incredible energy to the scene, sending sea spray trailing off the tops of the waves, and the sun, positioned behind me, created small rainbows within the mist as the waves passed by. The sight was so dramatic and alive that it reminded me of an army marching into battle, hence the name ‘Into Battle.'”
Exactly by Brent Clark.
Winner, Intimate Landscapes.The wild and remote canyons of the American southwest present surprises around every bend.
I stayed and photographed for a few minutes until the light widened and began to spill on nearby features.
“Merced River Abstract, Yosemite National Park” by Scott Oller. Winner, Abstract or Details.“I love the challenge of finding unique perspectives in one of the most photographed places on earth, Yosemite. This icy, abstract scene caught my attention as I walked along the Merced last winter. To me, it perfectly represents the deep sense of mystery that the landscape evokes.”
Float by Peter Coskun.
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“Exactly” by Brent Clark. Winner, Intimate Landscapes.“The wild and remote canyons of the American southwest present surprises around every bend. When I turned a corner and this scene came into view, I was awe-struck and humbled to witness sunlight focused by the canyon’s walls so precisely that it lit only this lonely cottonwood tree. I stayed and photographed for a few minutes until the light widened and began to spill on nearby features.”
“Float” by Peter Coskun. Winner, Grand Scenic.“It is difficult to imagine a more elegant unveiling of nature than a winter storm clearing from within the Grand Canyon. This is precisely what occurred during a winter trip to the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park in 2023. As the clouds parted, windows into the canyon were illuminated with colorful gold and red hues as a snow-covered rocky outcrop seemed to rise from the sea of clouds.”
