It’s exciting to see the incredible images captured in nature photography competitions! This competition showcased stunning images. Christopher Paetkau won “Photography of the Year.” His captivating shot features a polar bear resting in a field of fireweed.
1st place in the Butterflies & Dragonflies category: Yong Miao, “Damselfly by the Waterfall.” A damselfly (Archineura incarnata) rests on a rock amidst a flowing waterfall in Tianmushan Nature Reserve, Zhejiang Province, China
Thomas Vijayan was named “Photographer of the Year” for his consistent ability to capture the beauty of nature and wildlife.
Winner of Underwater category: Gabriel Jensen, “Everything’s A-OK.” A doctorfish struggles in the jaws of a lizardfish, Kona, Hawaii
The competition includes various categories, highlighting different aspects of nature, such as wildlife, landscapes, and underwater scenes. The 2025 competition is expected to launch in May.
1st place in Fungi & Slime Moulds category: Barry Webb, “Ear-Pick Fungus” (2023). A 15mm tall ear-pick fungus growing on a pine cone, New Forest, U.K.
The winning images often carry a message about the importance of conservation and appreciating the natural world. These competitions celebrate the skill and dedication of photographers who venture into diverse environments to capture these remarkable moments. It is also important to note that there are many nature photography competitions. Competitions such as the World Nature Photography Awards also have very impressive winners.
1st place in Insects category and overall winner of CUPOTY 6: Svetlana Ivanenko, “Clash of the Titans.” Two stag beetles (Lucanus cervus) battle for dominance in the Voronezh region of Russia
These competitions provide a platform for photographers to share their passion for nature. They inspire others to appreciate our planet. They also motivate people to protect it.
2nd place in Underwater category: Jenny Stock, “Search for the Dragon” (2020). A leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) swims with a school of rough bullseye fish (Pempheris klunzingeri), Rapid Bay, South Australia2nd place in Young category: Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, “Afternoon Snack” (2024). A robber fly (Asilidae sp.) feeds on a flesh fly (Sarcophagidae sp.), Brandenburg, Germany3rd place in Fungi & Slime Moulds category: Jamie Spensley, “Sandy Mushroom” (2024). A mushroom covered in sand on Holywell Bay Beach, Cornwall 2nd place in Invertebrate Portrait category: José Manuel Lois Rial, “Stauropus Fagi” (2023). A lobster moth caterpillar (Stauropus fagi) on a tree branch in the photographer’s garden, Spain
CUPOTY co-founder Tracy Calder says, “Close-up photography is a celebration of curiosity.” She also shares that the winning entries are “a true testament to the artistry of everyone involved.” They invite us to look, marvel at, and honour the world around us.” See all the top photos in the competition’s online gallery.
