112 Stunning Shots From The 2025 Nature Photography Contest You Might Want To See

The prestigious Photography of the Year 2025 award, along with a €1000 prize, has been awarded to Thomas Vijayan from Oakville, Canada, for his deeply moving photograph "Please Spare Our Home".

In this striking image, a mature orangutan sits surrounded by the remnants of its devastated habitat, with uprooted vegetation, broken trunks and exposed earth defining the scene. Captured from a low angle, the animal’s imposing presence contrasts with the vulnerability conveyed through its posture and gaze. With arms extended and eyes lifted, the orangutan seems to confront the viewer directly, embodying both dignity and a silent plea.

The photograph goes beyond wildlife photography to become a powerful visual statement on deforestation and habitat loss. It reflects the consequences of human activity while reminding us of our shared responsibility toward the species that inhabit our planet.

This recognition further strengthens Thomas Vijayan’s presence in the contest, having been awarded Photographer of the Year in 2024, and confirms his ongoing commitment to environmental storytelling through photography.

The title of Photographer of the Year 2025 has been awarded to Angela J Sanchez from Lilburn, Georgia, in the United States, whose body of work stood out for its versatility, sensitivity and strong visual coherence.

Rather than a single image, this recognition highlights a collection that explores different aspects of the natural world, from underwater encounters to intimate wildlife scenes on land. Her work demonstrates a remarkable ability to adapt to different environments while maintaining a consistent visual language.

The featured image "Mobula Rocket" reflects this approach, capturing a fleeting natural moment with clarity and precision. Across her submissions, Sanchez shows a deep connection with her subjects, combining technical skill with a strong sense of timing and composition.

As part of this recognition, she will select the location where approximately 500 trees will be planted, one for each participant, in collaboration with One Tree Planted. This initiative reflects the contest’s commitment not only to showcasing nature, but also to actively contributing to its preservation.