The results for the 2024 Nature Photographer of the Year competition are in, and the winning images are nothing short of spectacular. Every year, this prestigious contest shines a spotlight on the breathtaking beauty of nature, highlighting the remarkable skills of photographers from all corners of the globe who excel in categories like wildlife, landscapes, macro, and underwater shots.
Italian photographer Paolo Della Rocca claimed the top prize for his stunning shot “Games Between Siblings,” a rare capture of two playful snow leopards. Other amazing winning images include a beautiful shot of spring fox siblings walking together side by side and a Giant Pacific Octopus resting calmly on the ocean floor.
Related: This is Nature at Her Very Best – 20 Mesmerizing Photos
Each winning image offers a glimpse into the wonders of the world, reminding us of the importance of preserving its beauty. Scroll through to see the breathtaking photographs that stood out this year—you won’t want to miss these awe-inspiring moments captured in nature.
During a heavy snowstorm in northern India's Spiti Valley, two young snow leopards emerged from their cave. Their carefree energy created a mesmerizing sight—one that perfectly embodied the wild beauty of these elusive animals.
2. “Besties” by Marcia Walters (USA). Animal Portraits, Winner
Two fox kits were walking side by side in Washington State on a peaceful spring evening. The male, a tawny-hued sibling, swung his tail over his silver-colored sister, pulling her closer as if sharing a moment of affection.
3. “Giant Octopus Dofleini” by Andrey Shpatak (Russia). Underwater, Winner
While diving off the coast, a chance encounter with a Giant Pacific Octopus revealed an unforgettable moment. Resting calmly on the ocean floor, the octopus became aware of the presence of a diver and began swimming toward open waters. Measuring around 1.5 meters in arm span, its graceful movements contrasted with its powerful ability to blend into its surroundings. These intelligent creatures often attach themselves to reefs during the day, quietly observing or snacking on their nighttime catch. This particular escape offered a fleeting glimpse into the octopus's fascinating underwater world.
4. “Ocean Dance” by Junqi Peng (USA/China). Plants and Fungi, Winner
Giant kelp forests, stretching nearly 100 feet high, form one of the planet's most dynamic underwater ecosystems. Off the California coast, these golden canopies sway with the ocean’s currents, creating both a refuge for marine life and a captivating visual experience for divers. This photograph, taken under the late afternoon sun, reveals the kelp’s ethereal movement and delicate beauty, with tiny particles glowing like stardust in the water.
5. “My Pet Tiger” by Aaron Gekoski (UK/Philippines). Humans and Nature, Winner
A young tiger cub named Zorro sits timidly in a lavish living room in Karachi, Pakistan. Imported or bred locally, big cats like Zorro are often kept as exotic pets, a growing trend fueled by social media. The cub’s wary eyes met the camera for just a moment before he retreated under a sofa, a sharp contrast to his natural jungle habitat.
6. “Disturbing Shadow” by Sebastien Blomme (France). Other Animals, Winner
The stick-like Empusa pennata insect moves with careful precision, blending perfectly into its environment. Its mastery of camouflage makes it a challenge to spot, yet a fascinating subject to observe. As spring arrives, the males emerge with their intricate, feather-like antennae, designed to detect pheromones for mating. At sunrise, backlit by golden morning light, one such insect stood silhouetted against the horizon.
7. “Brace!” by D'Artagnan Sprengel (New Zealand). Youth, Winner
At Port Waikato, New Zealand, the low tide uncovered a cluster of vibrant reef starfish, their patterns illuminated under the fading sunset. Capturing the perfect shot proved challenging for the photographer as waves frequently rolled in, submerging the starfish. After repeated attempts—and a fair amount of running back and forth to stay dry—the final image balanced the starfish’s vivid colors against the soft motion of the water.
8. “Black lava beach” by Baard Næss (Norway). Landscapes, Winner
Amid Iceland’s harsh January winds, a snowstorm transformed the iconic Black Lava Beach into an abstract canvas. From above, the drone captured dramatic patterns where snow met dark volcanic sand. The swirling shapes reflected Iceland’s untamed spirit—a land of striking landscapes and unpredictable weather.
9. “Cross to bear” by Paul Goldstein (United Kingdom). Black and White, Winner
The Great Migration is a spectacle of movement, but capturing it with originality is no easy task. Along the Talek River, wildebeest gathered at the southern bank, their anticipation palpable. This photograph embodies the frantic energy of the migration while offering a sense of balance—an image that tells the story of survival and movement on a massive scale.
10. “Colorful seagull” by Mathijs Frenken (The Netherlands). Nature of “De Lage Landen,” Winner
A black-headed gull glides through the waters of an Amsterdam canal, its reflection surrounded by a burst of vibrant colors. The hues are from a billboard’s reflection on the water.
11. “Glenmalure Waterfall” by Ciaran Willmore (Ireland). Landscapes, Runner-Up
Deep in the forests of Glenmalure, Ireland, heavy rains transform hidden streams into roaring waterfalls. Following a river off the main path, the scene revealed itself—autumn leaves scattered across mossy rocks and swirling water that formed a perfect pool in the foreground.
12. “The Path to Bath” by Lakshitha Karunarathna (Sri Lanka). Mammals, Runner-Up
At the end of a long day, a herd of Sri Lankan elephants walk toward a nearby waterhole, their path lined with fragmented forest patches. Among them, one darker elephant, fresh from a solo bath, rejoined the group. Despite their symbolic importance in Sri Lanka, these elephants face mounting challenges—from habitat loss to human conflict.
13. “Observed” by Luca Lorenz (Germany). Black and White, Runner-Up
In a quiet nature spot outside Berlin, a blackbird hopped across a path, searching for insects. Suddenly, four fallow deer emerged from the bushes, pausing just steps away. The morning fog and soft light added a mystical quality to the encounter as the animals observed each other in stillness.
14. “Milky Way” by Ismael Domínguez (Spain). Youth, Runner-Up
In the Adda River in Lombardy, Italy, a pair of European catfish rest beneath a pile of submerged logs, appearing almost tender in their embrace. Known for their invasive impact on local ecosystems, these fish thrive in the waters of northern Italy.
