Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
HISTORICAL FACTS: 2025 winners the nature photography contest | History Defined
Once again, The Nature Photography Contest has brought together photographers from around the world, showcasing breathtaking images that celebrate the beauty of our planet while also reminding us how important it is to protect it. With nearly 500 participants in this year’s edition, the competition continues to grow as a global platform where art meets environmental awareness.
After a careful selection process, the winners of the 2025 contest have now been revealed, offering a powerful visual journey through diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and the fragile balance that sustains life on Earth.
The prestigious Photography of the Year 2025 award, along with a €1000 prize, was awarded to Thomas Vijayan from Oakville, Canada, for his deeply moving photograph Please Spare Our Home. Meanwhile, the title of Photographer of the Year 2025 went to Angela J. Sanchez from Lilburn, Georgia, whose body of work stood out for its versatility, sensitivity, and strong visual coherence.
More info: thenaturephotocontest.com | Instagram | Facebook
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Photography Of The Year: Please Spare Our Home By Thomas Vijayan
The prestigious Photography of the Year 2025 award, along with a €1000 prize, has been awarded to Thomas Vijayan from Oakville, Canada, for his deeply moving photograph "Please Spare Our Home".
In this striking image, a mature orangutan sits surrounded by the remnants of its devastated habitat, with uprooted vegetation, broken trunks and exposed earth defining the scene. Captured from a low angle, the animal’s imposing presence contrasts with the vulnerability conveyed through its posture and gaze. With arms extended and eyes lifted, the orangutan seems to confront the viewer directly, embodying both dignity and a silent plea.
The photograph goes beyond wildlife photography to become a powerful visual statement on deforestation and habitat loss. It reflects the consequences of human activity while reminding us of our shared responsibility toward the species that inhabit our planet.
This recognition further strengthens Thomas Vijayan’s presence in the contest, having been awarded Photographer of the Year in 2024, and confirms his ongoing commitment to environmental storytelling through photography.
RELATED:
#2
Funny Nature, Finalist: The Golden Acorn By Stan Bouman
#4
Wildlife, Finalist: Through The Smoke, By Sam Sammia
#7
Sharing The Planet, Finalist: Last Glance By Théo Guillaume
#8
Funny Nature, Winner: Into The Gape -Dalmatian Pelican At Dawn By Panagiotis Xaxiris
Doug Moyer 2 days ago
I was having difficulty getting the right angle of a preying mantis and couldn't figure out why. Instead of looking through the viewfinder I looked at it with my eyes. Oh. It was climbing onto my macro lens...
#9
Funny Nature, Finalist: Bravery Or A Death Wish By Angela J Sanchez
#11
Wildlife, Finalist: Amplified Intimidation By Tom Hendrickson
#12
Funny Nature, Finalist: Good Grief By Angela J Sanchez
#13
Environmental Impact, Winner: First Gaze By Wiktoria West
Multa Nocte (she/her/86 47) 3 days ago
According to the OP the cheetah was undergoing veterinary treatment after having been snared in traps and was being rehabed and then sent back to the wild.
#14
Macrophotography, Finalist: The Enchanted Duo By Khaichuin Sim
#15
Sharing The Planet, Finalist: From Captivity To Freedom By Wiktoria West
#16
Sharing The Planet, Finalist: Embrace - An Invitation By Katia Ostrowski
#18
Macrophotography, Finalist: Emojis By Paweł Jasiński
#19
Funny Nature, Finalist: The Performer By Trevor Laclair
#20
Funny Nature, Finalist: The Cheeky Breakfast Thief By Linda Smit
#21
Birds, Finalist: Parenting Goals By Thomas Vijayan
#23
Wildlife, Finalist:she's Mine, Back Off, By Jill Hill
That’s all I yam 2 days ago (edited)
Brown bears (possibly grizzlies) in ritualized dominance display. (looked up)
#24
Wildlife, Finalist: Power And Presence By Amish Chhagan
That’s all I yam 2 days ago (edited)
Outstanding picture of black rhino! Crazy front horn. (looked up)
#26
Birds, Finalist: After The Rain By Nikita Chicherin
#27
Birds, Finalist: Defiance Of The Small By Panagiotis Xaxiris
#28
Environmental Impact, Finalist: Tiger Crossing By Janet Richardson
#29
Wildlife, Finalist: Concerto By Joanna Steidle
#30
Sharing The Planet, Finalist: A Pang Of Hope By Charlotte Keast
Liliana Spiro 3 days ago
The Pangolin is, currently and sadly, the most illegally trafficked animal in the world. It's the only mammal on Earth with scales
#32
Night World, Finalist: Delicate Arch And Milky Way By Harald Weinkum
Liliana Spiro 3 days ago
Arches National Park, Utah, USA. Never made it here while visiting National Parks in the US. Hopefully some day. I did visit Bryce Canyon National Park, also in Utah -which this photo reminds me of- and it was one of my favorite visits!
#33
Night World, Winner: Creation By Peter Hergesheimer
#34
Birds, Finalist: Good To The Last Drop By Lee Greengrass
#35
Wildlife, Finalist: The Chorus Of Silence By Thomas Andy Branson
#36
Sharing The Planet, Finalist: Eyes Of The Future By Linda Smit
#37
Night World, Finalist: Aurora Over Jokulsarlon Icebergs By Chris Calhoun
Liliana Spiro 3 days ago
This lake, Jökulsárlón- translates into Glacial river lagoon- is in Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland
#38
Natural Landscape, Finalist: The Waterways By Pawel Zygmunt
That’s all I yam 1 day ago (edited)
Volcanic landscape in the Highlands of Iceland. (looked up)
#39
Funny Nature, Finalist: Open-Mouthed By Fabi Fregonesi
#40
Birds, Finalist: A Moment Of Care- The Hoopoe On Its Way To The Nest By Karlheinz Reichert
#41
Environmental Impact, Finalist: A Walk Next To The Pool By Théo Guillaume
#42
Environmental Impact, Finalist: Canned Home, By Fabi Fregonesi
That’s all I yam 1 day ago (edited)
A veined octopus (also called coconut octopus). (looked up)
#43
Underwater, Finalist: Playtime Amid The School By Glenn Ostle
#44
Sharing The Planet, Finalist: Swimming With An Apex Predator By Angela J Sanchez
#45
Macrophotography, Finalist: Between The Polyps By Daniel Sly
Liliana Spiro 3 days ago
I looked this one up. It's a Braun's pughead pipefish. Photo taken in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. As per 'Underwater Photography'
#46
Environmental Impact, Finalist: Melting Arctic By Seppo Tuomaala
#47
Environmental Impact, Finalist: Poor Bear By Udvardi Jeno
#49
Night World, Finalist: Landing By Simone Bottini
#50
Night World, Finalist: Capturing The Moment By Stefan Lieberman
#51
Macrophotography, Finalist: Symmetry By Hasan Baglar
#52
Macrophotography, Finalist: Pretty In Pink By Laurent Hesemans
#54
Birds, Winner: Before The Storm By James Welch
#55
Birds, Finalist: Strike From Above By Panagiotis Xaxiris
#56
Photographer Of The Year: Mobula Rocket By Angela J Sanchez
The title of Photographer of the Year 2025 has been awarded to Angela J Sanchez from Lilburn, Georgia, in the United States, whose body of work stood out for its versatility, sensitivity and strong visual coherence.
Rather than a single image, this recognition highlights a collection that explores different aspects of the natural world, from underwater encounters to intimate wildlife scenes on land. Her work demonstrates a remarkable ability to adapt to different environments while maintaining a consistent visual language.
The featured image "Mobula Rocket" reflects this approach, capturing a fleeting natural moment with clarity and precision. Across her submissions, Sanchez shows a deep connection with her subjects, combining technical skill with a strong sense of timing and composition.
As part of this recognition, she will select the location where approximately 500 trees will be planted, one for each participant, in collaboration with One Tree Planted. This initiative reflects the contest’s commitment not only to showcasing nature, but also to actively contributing to its preservation.
#57
Underwater, Finalist: Stripes On Stripes By Caitlin Grace
#59
Underwater, Finalist: Land Of Dragons By Rowan Dear
#60
Plant Life, Finalist: Prickly By Christopher Baker
#62
Plant Life, Finalist: Invisible Touch By Ioannis Papadakis Ploumidis
Liliana Spiro 3 days ago
This plant has a few interesting names. 'Autumn Crocus' or 'Meadow Saffron' are more common, but they're also known as 'Naked Ladies' or 'Naked Boys'. Make of that what you will
#63
Plant Life, Finalist: A Dried Leaf Is What Shows The Intricate Patter Of Life That Once Lived Inside It By Aneesh Bhasin
#64
Night World, Finalist: Milky Way Over Tongariki By John Edwards
#66
Natural Landscape, Winner: The Earth's Eye By Pawel Zygmunt
That’s all I yam 1 day ago (edited)
An aerial view of the Hveravellir geothermal area in Iceland. (looked up)
#67
Macrophotography, Winner: Sporing Party By Indranil Basu Mallick
That’s all I yam 1 day ago (edited)
Two glass snails feeding on the decaying cap of a Termitomyces fungi. (looked up)
#69
Macrophotography, Finalist: Green By Christopher Baker
#70
Funny Nature, Finalist: Molly's Maw By Tom Hendrickson
#72
Birds, Finalist: Heron In A Teasel Dreamscape By Montoya Whiteman
#76
Underwater, Finalist: Snout And About By Daniel Sly
#81
Plant Life, Finalist: The Beginning By Pawel Jaroniewski
#85
Macrophotography, Finalist: Seeds Of Life By Alicia Luna
#101
Birds, Finalist: Wings Of Courage By Kallol Mukherjee
Sarah Bailey 2 days ago
This one looks unreal not like a photo at all. More like a painted piece. Wonderful shot!
#103
Sharing The Planet, Finalist: Pedaling Through Silence By Ruud Luijten
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Multa Nocte (she/her/86 47) 3 days ago
Anything with nature and/or animals is always a hit with me - thanks!
Liliana Spiro 3 days ago (edited)
What a lovely way to start the weekend :) Wonderful photos. Granted, there are quite a few that make my blood boil, though... Thank you, Panda and Gabriela 🌞
Whiskers 1 day ago
And thanks to those Pandas, who give interesting info when needed!🥰
Load More Replies... Multa Nocte (she/her/86 47) 3 days ago
Anything with nature and/or animals is always a hit with me - thanks!
Liliana Spiro 3 days ago (edited)
What a lovely way to start the weekend :) Wonderful photos. Granted, there are quite a few that make my blood boil, though... Thank you, Panda and Gabriela 🌞
Whiskers 1 day ago
And thanks to those Pandas, who give interesting info when needed!🥰
Load More Replies...
Related on Bored Panda
