The Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA) have announced the winners of their 2025 competition. Photographers from around the world submitted images that highlight the beauty and fragility of natural environments. The awards celebrate traditional landscape photography, focusing on authentic captures without digital manipulation. This year's entries showcased diverse ecosystems, from glacial formations to desert scenes.
Key Takeaways
- Joy Kachina won Photographer of the Year for images of Tasmania.
- Hanneke Van Camp received the Projects category award for her Sápmi collection.
- The awards emphasize authenticity and minimal digital alteration in landscape photography.
- Winning images span various categories including Grand Landscape, Seascapes, and Rocks and Geology.
Joy Kachina Named Photographer of the Year
Joy Kachina has been recognized as the Photographer of the Year for 2025. Her winning portfolio included eight photographs from Tasmania, Australia. These images impressed the judges with their unique perspective and technical skill. Kachina’s work captures the raw essence of Tasmania's diverse landscapes.
The Photographer of the Year award is a significant achievement in the field of natural landscape photography. It highlights a photographer's overall talent and consistent vision across a body of work. Kachina's collection demonstrated a deep understanding of light, composition, and the natural world.
Competition Statistics
- Over 10,000 entries were submitted across various categories.
- Photographers from more than 50 countries participated.
- The judging panel consisted of 15 international experts in landscape photography.
Category Winners Showcase Global Landscapes
The NLPA also recognized winners across several specific categories. These categories included Grand Landscape, Projects, Desert Landscapes, Seascapes, Intimate Landscape, Mountains, and Rocks and Geology. Each category received numerous submissions, making the selection process competitive.
Projects Category Winner: Hanneke Van Camp
Hanneke Van Camp secured the Projects category award for her series titled 'Living Landscapes.' This collection featured ten photographs from Sápmi, a region in Northern Europe. Van Camp expressed a strong personal connection to the area.
"Ever since I first traveled to Sápmi, I’ve felt deeply connected to its landscapes and culture. It has become my part-time home—a place of incredible beauty but also of fragility, facing threats from climate change and exploitation. Through this project, I hope to share its unique diversity and invite others to reconnect with nature and the values it carries."
Her work aims to highlight both the beauty and the environmental challenges facing Sápmi. This project demonstrates how photography can raise awareness about conservation issues.
Grand Landscape and Desert Landscapes Highlights
Joshua Cripps received a Highly Commended recognition in the Grand Landscape category for his photo 'Hidden Gem.' This image was captured while flying over New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. Cripps noted the hazy, late-afternoon light that enhanced the layers of the fjords.
In the Desert Landscapes category, Prajit Ravindran earned third place for 'Snow Globe.' This photograph was taken in Bryce Canyon, despite no snow forecast. Ravindran encountered snow flurries on a freezing morning, creating a unique desert scene.
About the Natural Landscape Photography Awards
The Natural Landscape Photography Awards were established to promote and celebrate authentic landscape photography. The competition discourages excessive digital manipulation, focusing instead on capturing the natural world as it appears. This approach aims to preserve the integrity of the photographic art form and showcase genuine natural beauty.
Diverse Photographic Techniques and Subjects
The winning images showcased a range of photographic techniques and subjects. Robert Birkby's 'Curves' earned third place in Seascapes. Captured at the end of a summer day on the Isle of Harris, Scotland, this image used a two-minute long exposure. This technique smoothed the ocean and clouds, creating a harmonious effect.
Joshua Wallace placed fifth in the Projects category with 'Realms of Reptiles and Amphibians.' His collection of ten photos highlighted the hidden lives of these animals. Wallace emphasized their remarkable adaptations to various global habitats.
Intimate Landscape and Rocks and Geology
Yuya Wakamatsu's 'Frozen Silence' received a Highly Commended award in Intimate Landscape. This photograph depicts an ancient tree veiled in frost during a snowstorm in the Japanese mountains. Wakamatsu was drawn to the tree's enduring presence and quiet strength.
Spencer Cox won the Rocks and Geology category with 'Creation of Earth.' This image features the patterns of marble caves. Cox noted that the marble was saved from mining due to its "low quality," prompting reflection on other lost natural scenes. Doug Hammer was the runner-up in this category.
Notable Mentions
- Magnus Reneflot placed sixth in Photographer of the Year with a collection of ice formations.
- Scott Oller ranked fourth in Photographer of the Year with images from Yosemite National Park.
- Lukáš Veselý secured third place in the Mountains category.
The Importance of Natural Photography
The NLPA continues to highlight the significance of natural landscape photography. These awards not only celebrate artistic talent but also draw attention to the importance of preserving natural environments. The authenticity emphasized by the competition ensures that the images represent the true beauty of the world.
Photographers like Joy Kachina and Hanneke Van Camp use their skills to tell stories about nature. Their work serves as a reminder of the planet's vast and varied landscapes. It also underscores the ongoing need for environmental protection and appreciation.
The full list of winners and honored images is available on the Natural Landscape Photography Awards website. These photographs offer a glimpse into some of the most spectacular natural scenes captured by talented artists.