The Nature Photographer of the Year 2024 (NPOTY 2024) competition has once again provided a platform to celebrate the awe-inspiring beauty and complexity of our natural world. Organized by Nature Talks, this globally renowned competition attracted a record-breaking 22,851 entries from over 96 countries, with photographers presenting compelling stories through their lenses. From captivating wildlife encounters to serene landscapes and abstract expressions, the competition showcases the diversity of nature and the immense talent of photographers worldwide.
This year, Italian photographer Paolo Della Rocca earned the prestigious title of Nature Photographer of the Year 2024 with his breathtaking image “Games Between Siblings”. His work, along with other category winners, emphasizes both technical excellence and the emotional narratives that connect viewers to the natural world.
This contest is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding in its field and, for sure, an invitation to discover the great variety of nature photography competitions listed on our site.
Nature Photographer of the Year 2024 OVERALL WINNER: Paolo Della Rocca
Paolo Della Rocca’s winning image captures a rare and electrifying moment: two snow leopards engaging in a playful yet intense interaction. Taken in the rugged Spiti Valley of northern India, the photograph showcases not only the elusive beauty of these majestic cats but also the extreme conditions endured to capture this moment.
Paolo Della Rocca – “Games Between Siblings”
Category: Mammals
The photo reflects the photographer’s deep patience and determination, as he spent over six hours in freezing conditions to witness this rare event. “It was a dream come true,” Paolo shared, describing the exhilaration of watching the snow leopards in their high-altitude habitat. The jury praised the image for its technical brilliance, composition, and emotional impact, calling it the “holy grail” of wildlife photography.
About the Photographer
Paolo, an Italian wildlife photographer, has spent years documenting the beauty of nature and its inhabitants. His passion for conservation and ability to capture rare moments make him a standout in the field. His win is a testament to his perseverance and skill.
The Nature Photographer of the Year 2024 Category Winners
Paolo Della Rocca’s photograph won the grand prize of the contest and stood out in the Mammals category, but the other categories also have a very interesting list of winners.
Birds: Luca Lorenz – Golden Eye
Name: Luca Lorenz
Picture title: Golden Eye
Nationality: Germany
A photograph of a flamingo where the extreme overexposure draws attention to the bird’s elegant form, particularly its glowing golden eye and the shadowed curve of its neck. By isolating the darkest parts of the bird’s almost white plumage, the image transforms into an artistic and emotional portrayal, emphasizing the flamingo’s grace and beauty.
Other Animals: Sebastien Blomme – Disturbing Shadow
Name: Sebastien Blomme
Picture title: Disturbing Shadow
Nationality: France
Sebastien’s silhouette of an Empusa pennata at sunrise captures the insect’s delicate yet formidable presence. Taken near Toulouse, France, the image emphasizes the fragility of natural habitats under threat from urban expansion.
Plants and Fungi: Junqi Peng – Ocean Dance
Name: Junqi Peng
Picture title: Ocean Dance
Nationality: Origin: China, currently in: United States
Junqi’s long-exposure photograph of a giant kelp forest in California’s Channel Islands reveals the mesmerizing rhythm of underwater ecosystems. The shot took nearly a year to perfect, emphasizing the dynamic beauty of these marine habitats.
Landscape: Baard Næss – Black Lava Beach
Name: Baard Næss
Picture title: Black lava beach
Nationality: Norway
Using a drone in Iceland’s harsh winter conditions, Baard captured an abstract aerial view of black lava beaches dusted with snow. The image’s contrasts evoke the rugged essence of Iceland’s landscape.
Underwater: Andrey Shpatak – Giant Octopus Dofleini
Name: Andrey Shpatak
Picture title: Giant Octopus Dofleini
Nationality: USSR / Russia
In Rudnaya Bay, Russia, Andrey documented a Giant Pacific Octopus mid-movement, blending seamlessly into its reef habitat. The shot showcases the creature’s intelligence and enigmatic behavior.
Nature Art: Dirk Vermaire – Amino Acids Mimicking Nature
Name: Dirk Vermaire
Picture title: Amino Acids Mimicking Nature
Nationality: Origin: Surinam, living in the Netherlands
Dirk’s abstract photograph of amino acid crystals under polarized light resembles an underwater scene, blending science with artistry. The intricate patterns evoke wonder and curiosity about life’s building blocks.
Humans and Nature: Aaron Gekoski – My Pet Tiger
Name: Aaron Gekoski
Picture title: My Pet Tiger
Nationality: UK/Philippines
Aaron’s poignant image of a timid tiger cub in Karachi highlights the ethical dilemmas of the exotic pet trade. The stark contrast between the cub’s surroundings and its natural habitat underscores the need for conservation awareness.
Black and White: Paul Goldstein – Cross to Bear
Name: Paul Goldstein
Picture title: Cross to Bear
Nationality: UK
Paul’s slow-shutter image of wildebeests crossing a river in Kenya captures the chaos and rhythm of the Great Migration. A single stationary animal anchors the composition, creating a hauntingly beautiful effect.
Animal Portraits: Marcia Walters – Besties
Name: Marcia Walters
Picture title: Besties
Nationality: United States of America
Marcia Walters brings to life an extraordinary moment of connection between two young red fox siblings in Washington State. Captured during a serene spring evening, the image highlights an unusual display of affection as one fox drapes its tail over the other. With over 13 years of observing red foxes, Walters shares that this behavior is rare, making the photograph a testament to her patience and skill in capturing wildlife’s tender side.
Nature of ‘De Lage Landen’: Mathijs Frenken – Colorful Seagull
Name: Mathijs Frenken
Picture title: Colorful Seagull
Nationality: The Netherlands
Mathijs Frenken finds beauty in urban wildlife through this vibrant shot of a black-headed gull across an Amsterdam canal. By waiting patiently, he captures the bird moving through the colorful reflection of a billboard. Frenken emphasizes how urban environments, rich with water and food, provide a surprising haven for opportunistic species, blending natural and human-made elements into a mesmerizing composition.
Youth: D’Artagnan Sprengel – Brace!
Name: D’Artagnan Sprengel
Picture title: Brace!
Nationality: New Zealand
At just 17 years old, D’Artagnan Sprengel captured this dynamic image of a reef starfish at Port Waikato, New Zealand. Battling waves and fleeting light during low tide, Sprengel used a handheld camera and slow shutter speed to blur the incoming water, creating a dreamy underwater scene. His dedication and creative approach resulted in a standout image that perfectly illustrates youthful passion for nature photography.
Fred Hazelhoff Portfolio Award: Hector Cordero – Invisible Killers
Name: Hector Cordero
Picture title: Invisible killers – The impact of light and glass on migratory birds
Nationality: Spain
Hector Cordero’s compelling portfolio sheds light on the tragic collision of birds with urban structures in Manhattan. Highlighting the threats posed by artificial light and reflective glass, Cordero collaborates with NYC Audubon to document these incidents and promote bird-friendly urban planning. Through striking imagery and environmental advocacy, his work underscores the urgent need for conservation in bustling cities.
Want to see all the winning images? Visit the official website for the full collection of stunning photographs. If you’re an aspiring photographer, don’t miss our list of photography contests to find opportunities to showcase your work on a global stage.
About the NPOTY 2024 Competition
The Nature Photographer of the Year competition, now in its 10th edition, is an initiative of Nature Talks, a Dutch organization dedicated to promoting nature photography and conservation. This year’s competition featured a diverse range of categories, from traditional landscapes to abstract nature art, celebrating the multifaceted beauty of our planet.
Judging Process: The jury, led by renowned photographer Tin Man Lee, evaluated entries based on artistic merit, storytelling, and technical skill. The top images stood out for their ability to evoke emotion and spark a deeper connection to nature.
Prizes: Winners shared a prize pool that included cash awards, photography gear, and global recognition. The competition also aims to inspire photographers to use their art to advocate for conservation and sustainable practices.
In addition to these stunning photographs, we leave you the link to the interview that NPOTY conducted with the winner of this edition, Paolo Della Rocca. You can read the full interview on his website.
To see the full gallery of winners and finalists, visit the official website.