20 Award-Winning Photos From the 2024 Natural Landscape Photography Awards

These 20 stunning photos, winners of the 2024 Natural Landscape Photography Awards, capture nature’s beauty in ways that will leave you speechless, from dramatic skies to serene landscapes.

“Winter Cottonwoods” Photographer of the Year Winner – Andrew Mielzynski

“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.”

“Canadian landscape and nature photographer Andrew Mielzynski won the 2024 Natural Landscape Photography Awards, the first international photography competition of its kind”, the statement further revealed. As the photographer with the collection of the highest-ranked images, Andrew Mielzynski was awarded a sum of $5000 for the Photographer of the Year prize.

Andrew Mielzynski

“Winter Shine” Abstract or Details Runner Up – Hitomi Seki

“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.”

“Musical Ripples” – Photograph of the Year Winner – John Hardiman

“Raindrops falling from overhead gums made playful patterns on the water’s surface, on a cool foggy morning in Tallarook State Forest.”

1,134 photographers from 59 countries submitted 12,179 photographs to this year’s competition under three distinctive categories. Five judges who are leaders of the field in their own right and known for their world-class photography skills hailing from USA, Canada, UK and Australia were chosen to select the winners for the Grand Scenic, Intimate Landscapes, as well as Abstract & Details categories. Ten “Special Awards” were awarded based on sub-themes within the landscape photography genre, including Creative Icon, Environmental Wildlife, Common Places, Mountains, Water Worlds, Black and White, Nightscape, Environmental, and Aerial.

“Approaching Storm” Water Worlds Winner – Philipp Jakesch

“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.”

“Serendipity” SPECIAL “Environmental Wildlife” Winner – David-Kingham

“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.”

“Float” Grand Scenic Winner – Peter Coskun

“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.”

“Exactly” Intimate Landscape Winner – Brent Clark

“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.”

“Photographer of the Year” Runner Up – Tobias Richter

The surreal images look like a mix of AI and Photoshop and are a testament to the true beauty of our surrounding environment. However, the rules clearly indicate that photo contestants were strictly advised to avoid deceptive digital editing techniques and the use of artificial intelligence. Organizers vetted all the RAW files before handing them over to the judges for an impartial decision. The winning submissions are an inspiring collection of impressive images that pay homage to Mother Earth and her wondrousness.

“Projects” Runner Up – Thomas Spinner

“Merced River Abstract, Yosemite National Park” Abstract or Details Winner – Scott Oller

“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.”

“Crossed Wires” – Projects Winner – David Southern

“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 colours and naturally created patterns arranged to artistic effect by waves and wind they make for a wonderful photographic subject.”

“Intimate Landscape” Third Place – Peter Meyer

“Projects” Runner Up – Thomas Spinner

Picturesque, vibrant, and utterly mesmerizing in their visual appeal, these amazing photos seem like a boon for the mind and soul. They ooze serenity, balance and harmony in a way that imparts a feeling of deep peace and gratefulness in viewers’ hearts. Truly, it’s an impressive feat on the part of these photographers who braved the elements and natural challenges involved in their endeavour to capture the perfect image that portrays the most authentic aspects of Mother Earth’s natural beauty.