The Natural Landscape Photography Awards has announced its latest winners, maintaining its steadfast commitment to authentic photography by completely prohibiting artificial intelligence and composite imagery. In an era where many photography competitions embrace liberal image manipulation and AI-generated content, this competition stands as a beacon for traditional photographic integrity.
The competition's rules are uncompromising: no generative AI, no compositing of different photographs, and all RAW files undergo thorough examination by judges to ensure complete authenticity. This rigorous approach is specifically designed to promote photographers who work within the natural constraints of landscape photography and adhere to traditional photographic boundaries. The competition welcomes both film and digital photographers, with the overall winner receiving $5,000 and additional prizes awarded to category winners and runners-up.
This year's contest attracted remarkable international participation, receiving over 11,000 entries from more than 1,100 photographers representing 64 countries worldwide. Joy Kachina claimed the prestigious Photographer of the Year title with her captivating portfolio documenting the enchanting natural beauty of Tasmania, Australia. Her work showcased the island's diverse and mesmerizing landscapes through a series of stunning images.
The coveted Photograph of the Year award went to Margrit Schwarz for her extraordinary image captured during an ambitious 12-day raft trip down the Colorado River. Her winning photograph beautifully documented ancient stone layers that have been sculpted by countless years of time and water into striking abstract formations, demonstrating the power of patient observation and perfect timing in landscape photography.
In the Grand Landscape Category, Luis Vilarino secured the top position, while Samuel Markham earned runner-up honors and Gunar Streu claimed third place. The category also recognized exceptional work with Highly Commended awards going to Benjamin Maze and renowned landscape photographer Joshua Cripps, highlighting the competitive caliber of submissions.
The Abstract Landscapes Category showcased truly unique natural phenomena, with Ilan Shacham winning for his mesmerizing photograph of the Dead Sea. This remarkable body of water contains approximately ten times more saline than typical ocean water, creating the pearl-like formations visible in his image – hardened salt balls formed naturally as salt ridges create random patterns throughout the landscape. Alex Pansier earned runner-up recognition, while Lukas Furlan achieved both third place and a Highly Commended award. Scott Oller also received Highly Commended honors in this category.
David Shaw dominated the Intimate Landscapes Category with his winning entry, followed by runner-up Vojtech Schmidt and third-place winner Jude Dizon. The category's Highly Commended awards recognized the exceptional work of Roger Kristiansen and Yuya Wakamatsu, celebrating photographers who excel at capturing the subtle details and quiet moments in natural settings.
The Project of the Year Category honored Hanneke Van Camp for her powerful series documenting the frozen landscapes of Sápmi, the traditional cultural region of the Sámi people. Van Camp expressed deep personal connection to her subject matter, stating, "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 project not only captured stunning winter landscapes but also highlighted important environmental and cultural themes.
The Natural Landscape Photography Awards continues to serve as a vital platform for photographers committed to authentic representation of the natural world. For complete contest results and information about next year's competition, interested photographers and enthusiasts can visit the Natural Landscape Photography Awards official website.
