10 most stunning shots of wild animals that have won awards

Wildlife photography is a window into the untamed corners of our planet, where every snapshot tells a story of survival, beauty, and the raw essence of nature. These photographers, armed with their lenses, venture into the wilderness to bring back more than just images; they bring back stories of life in its purest form. The following ten award-winning photographs are a testament to their dedication and the breathtaking splendor of wildlife.

Image: Andy Parkinson/Instagram

Nima Sarikhani’s “Ice Bed” is a poignant portrayal of a young polar bear drifting into slumber on an iceberg. This British amateur photographer’s image won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award in 2024. The photograph was taken after a three-day search through thick fog off Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. It captures the bear as it carves out a bed in the ice, a stark reminder of the impacts of climate warming and habitat loss. Sarikhani’s work not only showcases the bear’s vulnerability but also the resilience and adaptability of wildlife in the face of environmental changes.

Image: Nima Sarikhani/Instagram

Daniel Mideros’ “Spectacled Bear’s Slim Outlook” captures a spectacled bear overlooking the urban sprawl of Quito, Ecuador. This image won the “Animals in their Environment” category at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The bear stands at the edge of its diminishing habitat, symbolizing the encroachment of urban life into the natural world. The photograph is a powerful visual narrative that juxtaposes the wild and the man-made, urging viewers to consider the impact of urban expansion on native species.

Image: Daniel Mideros/Instagram

Amit Eshel’s “Life on the Edge” depicts a dramatic battle between two Nubian ibex on a cliffside in Israel’s Zin Desert. This intense encounter won the “Animals in their Environment” category in 2023. The photograph captures the raw power and agility of these animals in their rugged habitat. The image is a dramatic display of nature’s competitive spirit, where only the strongest survive. The sheer drop of the cliff adds a palpable tension to the scene, making the viewer acutely aware of the high stakes of this confrontation. The ibex’s horns locked in combat create a powerful composition that is both aesthetically striking and emotionally charged.

Image: Amit Eshel/Instagram

Dmitry Kokh’s “House of Bears” portrays polar bears exploring an abandoned settlement on Kolyuchin Island, Russia. This haunting image won the “Urban Wildlife” category, showing how wildlife adapts to human environments. The photograph serves as a stark reminder of the changing Arctic landscape. The bears’ presence in the desolate buildings speaks volumes about the adaptability of species when their natural habitats are compromised.

Image: Dmitry Kokh/Instagram

Mike Korostelev’s “Hippo Nursery” reveals a mother hippopotamus with her calves in the clear waters of South Africa’s Kosi Bay. This tender moment won the “Under Water” category, showcasing the hidden life of hippos. The photograph is a serene depiction of maternal care in the animal kingdom, where the calm waters and the protective embrace of the mother create a sense of peace and security. The clarity of the water allows a rare glimpse into the underwater world of these massive creatures, often misunderstood and feared.

Image: Mike Korostelev/Instagram

Vishnu Gopal’s “Face of the Forest” features a lowland tapir emerging from the Brazilian rainforest. This portrait won the “Animal Portraits” category in 2023, emphasizing the importance of this keystone species in seed dispersal and forest health. The tapir’s gaze, caught in a shaft of light amidst the dense foliage, is a haunting reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems. The image is a celebration of the biodiversity of the rainforest and the critical role each species plays in maintaining the ecological balance.

Image: Wildlife Photographer of the Year/X

Lennart Verheuvel’s “Last Gasp” captures the tragic final moments of a beached orca. This powerful image won in the “Oceans: The Bigger Picture” category, highlighting the threats faced by marine life due to pollution and habitat loss. The orca’s plight is a poignant commentary on the consequences of human activity on the marine environment. The photograph is a visual portrayal of the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures. As per the official website, a study later revealed that not only was this orca severely malnourished it was also extremely sick. Tests carried out at the University of Utrecht revealed the whale’s gums were seriously inflamed and analysis of its stomach showed it hadn’t eaten for a long time.

Zack Clothier’s “Grizzly Leftovers” is a riveting image that captures the aftermath of a grizzly bear’s feast on the remains of a bull elk in Montana, USA. This striking photograph won the “Animals in their Environment” category at the 2021 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The scene was set using a camera trap, which Clothier painstakingly positioned near the carcass after navigating challenging terrain and bridging gushing meltwater with fallen trees. The resulting image is the last frame before the camera was destroyed by the bear, showcasing the raw and often unseen moments of nature’s cycle of life and death.

Knut-Sverre Horn’s “Birds of the Midnight Sun” captures black-legged kittiwake chicks in an abandoned factory in Norway. This image won the “Urban Wildlife” category, showcasing the adaptability of birds in urban settings. The photograph is a striking contrast of the industrial and the organic, where the remnants of human activity become the cradle for new life.

Image: Knut-Sverre Horn/Instagram

Luca Melcarne’s “Battle by the Moon” features two Alpine ibex competing under the full moon in France’s Vercors Regional Natural Park. This striking silhouette won the “Rising Star Portfolio Award”, demonstrating the photographer’s skill in capturing the lives of Alpine animals. The moonlit backdrop adds a mystical quality to the scene, elevating the encounter to something almost mythical.

Image: Wildlife Photographer of the Year/X

Wild animals captivate us as photography subjects because they embody the raw essence of nature, untamed and unscripted. Each photograph tells a unique story, whether it’s the intense gaze of a predator, the tender moments between a mother and her offspring, or the dramatic chase in a hunt. The unpredictability of wildlife behavior challenges photographers to be patient and vigilant, often leading to rare and breathtaking captures that showcase the beauty, diversity, and complexity of life on Earth.

Image: Canva

Wildlife photographers capture award-winning images by mastering the art of patience, having an in-depth understanding of animal behavior, and being prepared to seize the moment when it arises. They often spend hours, if not days, waiting for the perfect shot, understanding that wildlife will not perform on cue. The photographers equip themselves with knowledge about the animals they are aiming to photograph, which helps them anticipate movements and interactions. They also play with various camera settings, such as underexposure or overexposure, and adjust focal lengths, shutter speeds, and apertures to create the desired effect. Moreover, they are always ready to take a series of ‘record shots’ and then work the scene, adjusting these variables to capture the essence of the wildlife subject. The combination of technical skill, creative vision, and a deep respect for nature allows them to produce images that stand out and tell a compelling story.

Image: Canva

Several prestigious wildlife photography awards celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Natural History Museum in London, is one of the most renowned, attracting entries from photographers worldwide. Another significant award is the Audubon Photography Awards, which focuses on bird photography and is organized by the National Audubon Society. The British Wildlife Photography Awards highlight the best of British wildlife, while the Environmental Photographer of the Year emphasizes images that raise awareness about environmental issues. These competitions not only showcase stunning wildlife images but also promote conservation and environmental awareness.

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Famous wildlife photographers have made significant contributions to our understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Brian Skerry, known for his pioneering underwater photography, has captured stunning images of marine life. Joel Sartore created the Photo Ark project, aiming to document every species in captivity to raise awareness about biodiversity. Frans Lanting is celebrated for his vivid storytelling through images of diverse ecosystems. Paul Nicklen, an advocate for ocean conservation, has produced breathtaking photos of polar regions. Ami Vitale and Cristina Mittermeier are also notable for their work in conservation photography, highlighting the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems. These photographers not only showcase the beauty of wildlife but also inspire efforts to protect it.

Image: Canva