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Nature’s Best Photography (NBP) International Awards recently announced winning and highly honored photos that are absolutely captivating. Over 25 thousand images were entered to compete in 11 categories, all celebrating animals and nature.

The Grand Prize winner this year is Mangesh Ratnakar Desai from Pune, Maharashtra, India, with a photo of two Bengal tigers where the mother is play-fighting with her son to teach an important survival lesson. Another important mention is Alberto Román Gómez from Cádiz, Spain, who was recognized as the Youth Photographer of the Year.

In the list below, we showcased all the winners of single-submitted photos and some of the Highly Honored photos that captured our eyes the most. But if you want to see the complete collection of Winners and Top 100 finalists, as well as the Video category, make sure to check out NBP's website.

More info: Instagram | Facebook | naturesbestphotography.org

#1

Wildlife: Highly Honored - African Lion Cubs By Keith Bannerman

Wildlife: Highly Honored - African Lion Cubs By Keith Bannerman

Keith Bannerman / NBP Awards Report

We at Bored Panda were particularly fascinated with, might I say, the cutest photo of this whole list - an emperor penguin chick by Stefan Christmann.

To learn more about Stefan and his photo, we reached out to the photographer. Stefan shared more about himself.

“I am a German photographer and filmmaker who has wintered twice in Antarctica and hence specialized in photographing the emperor penguins of Atka Bay. I have had film assignments for the BBC and Netflix and also lived in Antarctica as a scientist since I have a physics background.”

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    #2

    Wildlife: Highly Honored - Masai Giraffe And Calf By Thomas Nicholson

    Wildlife: Highly Honored - Masai Giraffe And Calf By Thomas Nicholson

    Thomas Nicholson / NBP Awards Report

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    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Whoa mommy, I'm to old for kisses. Waffles are checking me out!"

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    #3

    Landscapes: Winner - "Fireworks" By Marcio Cabral

    Landscapes: Winner - "Fireworks" By Marcio Cabral

    "A stunning field of Paepalanthus mirrors the rising sun’s rays, giving the impression of self-luminescence."

    Marcio Cabral / NBP Awards Report

    We were wondering what initially drew Stefan to the world of photography.

    He wrote: “When I was still in high school, I joined a student exchange with a high school in Billings, Montana, USA. We visited Yellowstone NP and I only had a small digital point-and-shoot camera with me. I was not able to capture the raw beauty of this wilderness, so I decided to dive deeper into photography. My father gave me his old Minolta SLR and I learned to photograph and have been photographing ever since. A little more than 20 years now.”

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    #4

    Polar Passion: Highly Honored - Emperor Penguin Chick By Stefan Christmann

    Polar Passion: Highly Honored - Emperor Penguin Chick By Stefan Christmann

    “I photographed this little chick on a calm, serene day after a snowstorm had passed. The thick cloud cover over the bay created an endless white canvas backdrop. The colony stood out like a painting, with this lone chick on the periphery. At a relatively warm -13°F, there was no need to huddle. The chick was struggling to stay awake as snowflakes fell gently. His eyes would close as he drifted into brief stages of sleep. Watching this peaceful scene was delightful, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the adorable sight.” 

    Stefan Christmann / NBP Awards Report

    #5

    Grand Prize Winner: Bengal Tigers By Mangesh Ratnakar Desai

    Grand Prize Winner: Bengal Tigers By Mangesh Ratnakar Desai

    “Over the years, I have witnessed this young tiger on his path toward independence, starting with lessons from his mother teaching him to defend his territory.”

    Mangesh Ratnakar Desai / NBP Awards Report

    Obviously, we just had to know more about the main guy, the emperor penguin chick. We asked Stefan to share how he managed to capture this shot.

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    Stefan shared: “It was quite easy, actually. It was a warm spring day in Atka Bay and it was snowing (which is rare in Antarctica, funnily). This little fellow was just standing around, likely waiting for his/her parents and I was simply laying flat on my stomach observing. Taking the shot with a tele lens was straightforward. No tripod or any special equipment is needed. Just some patience and slow movements, not to disturb his slumber.”

    #6

    Ocean Views: Highly Honored - Green Sea Turtles In Cave By Leighton Lum

    Ocean Views: Highly Honored - Green Sea Turtles In Cave By Leighton Lum

    Leighton Lum / NBP Awards Report

    #7

    Birds: Highly Honored - Bald Eagle Fight By Michael Despines

    Birds: Highly Honored - Bald Eagle Fight By Michael Despines

    Michael Despines / NBP Awards Report

    Though Stefan’s picture was not selected among the winners of this year’s competition, he still was recognized and Highly Honored in the category Polar Passion. Stefan wrote how it felt to be seen and acknowledged by NBP.

    “It is always a big honor to be recognized by a big photo competition. But I am not in it for fame. I know that these competitions have a large reach and I myself was inspired by Nature's Best when I was starting out in nature photography. I want to inspire others as well, and best case, help to create more advocates for our planet, our flora and fauna, and especially the emperor penguins,” wrote Stefan.

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    Stefan added: “The polar regions are beautiful, but fragile at the same time. Just like a soft emperor penguin chick.”

    #8

    Landscapes: Highly Honored - Dancing The Sumba By Cyndy B. Waters

    Landscapes: Highly Honored - Dancing The Sumba By Cyndy B. Waters

    Cyndy B. Waters / NBP Awards Report

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    #9

    Wildlife: Highly Honored - Bengal Tiger By Krishna Daga

    Wildlife: Highly Honored - Bengal Tiger By Krishna Daga

    Krishna Daga / NBP Awards Report

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Funny to think that my little kittens are just smaller versions of this.

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    Lastly, Stefan shared: “Emperor penguins are the coolest birds on the planet, and we can learn so much from them. They are the ultimate team workers, and they achieve the impossible with it: living in an uninhabitable surrounding. If teamwork can help them to achieve this, imagine what humankind could achieve if we all worked together. We could make the world a better place - for humans AND for animals and nature. This thought keeps me hopeful for the future. I hope that our species will one day fully comprehend the strength that lies in collaboration.”

    #10

    Wildlife: Highly Honored - American Bison And Calf By Lara Ferraro

    Wildlife: Highly Honored - American Bison And Calf By Lara Ferraro

    Lara Ferraro / NBP Awards Report

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is embarrassing to me as to how "smooshy" I get when I see pix like this. That little one is so precious!

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    #11

    Animal Antics: Winner - Kit Fox Pair By Brian Clopp

    Animal Antics: Winner - Kit Fox Pair By Brian Clopp

    "The genuine tenderness between these wild animals made me smile and serves as a poignant reminder that each living creature has a unique value within our universe.”

    Brian Clopp / NBP Awards Report

    In order to learn more about this year’s competition, Bored Panda also reached out to the organizers of the NBP Awards and talked to Amanda Gaquin, an NBP Contest Manager.

    We were wondering what new photography trends NBP has been seeing in this year’s competition.

    Amanda commented: “It was a wonderful year for entrants in the 2024 Awards. More photographers are including the landscape around images of animals. Photographers are now getting out and traveling the world again and submitting stunning images of wildlife and wild places from across the globe.

    We are seeing additional coverage from photos taken using drones this year and the entrants are following our rules in leaving a safe distance to wildlife and obtaining permits when needed.”

    #12

    Polar Passion: Highly Honored - King Penguins Under Full Moon By Levi Fitze

    Polar Passion: Highly Honored - King Penguins Under Full Moon By Levi Fitze

    Levi Fitze / NBP Awards Report

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    #13

    Wildlife: Winnner - African Leopard Fight By Kevin Dooley

    Wildlife: Winnner - African Leopard Fight By Kevin Dooley

    "In addition to the difficulty of focusing on the action, dust was in the air; but it all added to one of my favorite memories as a nature photographer."

    Kevin Dooley / NBP Awards Report

    Amanda also shared a surprising moment that happened in this year’s photo competition.

    “It was surprising that our Youth Winner is just age 9 and starting out in nature photography and entering (and winning) international competitions. This level of expertise is for youth age 18 and younger.

    It was also exciting and surprising to receive an entry from war-torn Ukraine in our Art in Nature category.”

    #14

    Polar Passion: Winner - Beluga Whale By Brett Freliche

    Polar Passion: Winner - Beluga Whale By Brett Freliche

    Brett Freliche / NBP Awards Report

    #15

    Polar Passion: Highly Honored - "Treasure On Ice" By Marek Jackowski

    Polar Passion: Highly Honored - "Treasure On Ice" By Marek Jackowski

    Marek Jackowski / NBP Awards Report

    We were also wondering how the Nature’s Best Photography community has grown or changed in 2024. Amanda responded: “Always growing with new young (age 18 and under) and amateur as well as professional photographers around the globe. The competition grows in volume every year.”

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    #16

    Outdoor Adventure: Highly Honored - Free Diver And Sperm Whales By Franco Banfi

    Outdoor Adventure: Highly Honored - Free Diver And Sperm Whales By Franco Banfi

    Franco Banfi / NBP Awards Report

    #17

    Youth: Highly Honored - Atlantic Puffin By Andrés Domínguez Blanco (Age 14)

    Youth: Highly Honored - Atlantic Puffin By Andrés Domínguez Blanco (Age 14)

    Andrés Domínguez Blanco / NBP Awards Report

    Regarding spreading awareness about nature and conservation, Amanda wrote about exciting new projects and partnerships that were designed to help achieve meaningful impact.

    “Our distinguished panel of judges for this year's NBP Awards photo competition includes accomplished wildlife photographers, leading conservation photojournalists, highly regarded video specialists, and wildlife photography educators. The panel represents a deep understanding of natural history and progressive conservation strategies, photographic expertise, technical evaluation skills, a shared passion for wildlife and wildlands, and the highest ethics in their respective fields.

    In addition to this seasoned judging team, we have added a new group of Nature's Best Ambassadors who are outstanding nature photographers and have all won awards for their talents in nature photography and films. We appreciate their input and perspectives on images and are eager to see more of their work in the future as they help spread awareness about conservation.”

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    #18

    Ocean Views: Highly Honored - Giant Pacific Octopus By Mayumi Takeuchi-Ebbins

    Ocean Views: Highly Honored - Giant Pacific Octopus By Mayumi Takeuchi-Ebbins

    Mayumi Takeuchi-Ebbins / NBP Awards Report

    #19

    Birds: Highly Honored - Northern Hawk Owl By Liron Gertsman

    Birds: Highly Honored - Northern Hawk Owl By Liron Gertsman

    Liron Gertsman / NBP Awards Report

    Lastly, Amanda added: In 2025, we will be celebrating our 30th Anniversary of Nature's Best Photography, launched in 1995, with new photo awards competitions open to the public at all levels of expertise.

    In these unsettled times, people may be interested in our “A Mindful Lens” column. Interacting with nature and engaging with photography can be an effective strategy for improving one’s life by simply stepping outside with your camera. This column is illustrated with award-winning images from Nature's Best Photography Awards photo contests along with text and videos on the practice of mindfulness.

    Also, our mission is to spread uplifting inspiration, joy, and wellness through the art of nature photography in displays in Hospitals and Clinics."

    #20

    Animal Antics: Highly Honored - Mountain Hares By Andy Parkinson

    Animal Antics: Highly Honored - Mountain Hares By Andy Parkinson

    Andy Parkinson / NBP Awards Report

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    #21

    Art In Nature: Highly Honored - Spotted Eagle Ray By Joaquin Fregoni

    Art In Nature: Highly Honored - Spotted Eagle Ray By Joaquin Fregoni

    Joaquin Fregoni / NBP Awards Report

    #22

    Landscapes: Highly Honored - Poplar Reflections On The Po River By Gianluca Gianferrari

    Landscapes: Highly Honored - Poplar Reflections On The Po River By Gianluca Gianferrari

    Gianluca Gianferrari / NBP Awards Report

    #23

    Birds: Highly Honored - Parakeet Biting Monitor Lizard By Hira Punjabi

    Birds: Highly Honored - Parakeet Biting Monitor Lizard By Hira Punjabi

    Hira Punjabi / NBP Awards Report

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    April Pickett
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There must be a nest somewhere near and that parakeet is protecting its babies.

    #25

    Animal Antics: Highly Honored - Emperor Penguin By Thomas Vijayan

    Animal Antics: Highly Honored - Emperor Penguin By Thomas Vijayan

    Thomas Vijayan / NBP Awards Report

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    #26

    Conservation Story, Single Image: Highly Honored - Chimpanzee Rescue By Marcus Westberg

    Conservation Story, Single Image: Highly Honored - Chimpanzee Rescue By Marcus Westberg

    Marcus Westberg / NBP Awards Report

    #27

    Animal Antics: Highly Honored - Barred Owlets By Glenn Nelson

    Animal Antics: Highly Honored - Barred Owlets By Glenn Nelson

    Glenn Nelson / NBP Awards Report

    #28

    Polar Passion: Highly Honored - Emperor Penguins By Liwen Tao

    Polar Passion: Highly Honored - Emperor Penguins By Liwen Tao

    Liwen Tao / NBP Awards Report

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    Frances Pitchoune
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "What! Condoms are only 97% effective? They should write it on the box!" "They do" "WHAT?!?!?"

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    #29

    Ocean Views: Highly Honored - Humpback Whales Bubble Netting By Scott Portelli

    Ocean Views: Highly Honored - Humpback Whales Bubble Netting By Scott Portelli

    Scott Portelli / NBP Awards Report

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    #30

    Ocean Views: Highly Honored - Blenny In Brain Coral By Pietro Formis

    Ocean Views: Highly Honored - Blenny In Brain Coral By Pietro Formis

    Pietro Formis / NBP Awards Report

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    #31

    Outdoor Adventure: Winner - Highliner During Annular Solar Eclipse By Belva Hayden

    Outdoor Adventure: Winner - Highliner During Annular Solar Eclipse By Belva Hayden

    "The moon passing directly between Earth and Sun during an annular eclipse, made this highliner's experience even more extreme."

    Belva Hayden / NBP Awards Report

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am thankful that I have sufficient levels of adrenaline inside my body to not have to attempt such incredible feats as this.

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    #32

    Ocean Views: Highly Honored - Juvenile Driftfish In Moon Jellyfish By Michael Patrick O’Neill

    Ocean Views: Highly Honored - Juvenile Driftfish In Moon Jellyfish By Michael Patrick O’Neill

    Michael Patrick O’Neill / NBP Awards Report

    #33

    Polar Passion: Highly Honored - Gentoo Penguins By Clive Burns

    Polar Passion: Highly Honored - Gentoo Penguins By Clive Burns

    Clive Burns / NBP Awards Report

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    Susie Main
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Bless them, they're lovely and all - but why do so many photo's of penguins win awards? They're fast becoming a cliche!

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    #34

    Outdoor Adventure: Highly Honored - Diver With Giant Oceanic Manta Ray By Christian Horras

    Outdoor Adventure: Highly Honored - Diver With Giant Oceanic Manta Ray By Christian Horras

    Christian Horras / NBP Awards Report

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    #35

    Art In Nature: Winner - Eye Of Frozen Lake By Lei Li

    Art In Nature: Winner - Eye Of Frozen Lake By Lei Li

    Lei Li / NBP Awards Report

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    #36

    Art In Nature: Highly Honored - Sandstone Cliff By Adrian Klein

    Art In Nature: Highly Honored - Sandstone Cliff By Adrian Klein

    Adrian Klein / NBP Awards Report

    #37

    Outdoor Adventure: Highly Honored - Free Diver And Silky Sharks By Wayne Lai

    Outdoor Adventure: Highly Honored - Free Diver And Silky Sharks By Wayne Lai

    Wayne Lai / NBP Awards Report

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Outdoor adventure" seems a bit of an understatement here unless these are not the sort of sharks that eat people.

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    #38

    Youth Photographer Of The Year - European Stonechat By Alberto Román Gómez (Age 9)

    Youth Photographer Of The Year - European Stonechat By Alberto Román Gómez (Age 9)

    "When a stonechat was perched near a bolt on a metal gate, it appeared as if it were the guardian of the territory."

    Alberto Román Gómez / NBP Awards Report

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great composition and colour - amazing that the photographer is 9. What a great eye!

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    #39

    Youth: Highly Honored - Canvasback By James Fatemi (Age 17)

    Youth: Highly Honored - Canvasback By James Fatemi (Age 17)

    James Fatemi / NBP Awards Report

    #40

    Conservation Story, Single Image: Winner - Northern Gannets By Khurram Khan

    Conservation Story, Single Image: Winner - Northern Gannets By Khurram Khan

    "To me, this picture signifies the future of our planet, literally ‘hanging by a thread’ without our conservation action."

    Khurram Khan / NBP Awards Report

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    #41

    Ocean Views: Winner - Spinner Dolphins Superpod By Cécile Gabillon

    Ocean Views: Winner - Spinner Dolphins Superpod By Cécile Gabillon

    "Being surrounded by this superpod while free diving was one of the most amazing encounters of my life."

    Cécile Gabillon / NBP Awards Report

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had no idea that so many dolphins gather together like this.

    #42

    Birds: Winner - Egret And Ladyfish By Xiaoping Lin

    Birds: Winner - Egret And Ladyfish By Xiaoping Lin

    "I caught the fleeting moment as two fish leaped out of the water and passed by an egret."

    Xiaoping Lin / NBP Awards Report

    #43

    Outdoor Adventure: Highly Honored - Hiking In Norway By Aleksander Myklebust

    Outdoor Adventure: Highly Honored - Hiking In Norway By Aleksander Myklebust

    Aleksander Myklebust / NBP Awards Report

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    #44

    Outdoor Adventure: Highly Honored - Crossing Ice Lake By Alessandra Meniconzi

    Outdoor Adventure: Highly Honored - Crossing Ice Lake By Alessandra Meniconzi

    Alessandra Meniconzi / NBP Awards Report

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    Susie Main
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't care tuppence if the humans want to risk their lives crossing that crazed looking ice, but I find it pretty much unforgiveable that they're risking the horse's safety.

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