22 Award-Winning Photos From The World Nature Photography Awards 2025
The World Nature Photography Awards (WNPAs) have announced their winners from a pool of entries received from all corners of the globe.
The top award and cash prize of $1,000 went to Maruša Puhek from Slovenia for her outstanding image, 'Run.' Other winners were selected across various categories, including Nature Art, Animal Portraits, Behaviour – Amphibians and Reptiles, Behaviour – Mammals, Behaviour – Invertebrates, Behaviourbirds, People and Nature, Plants and Fungi, Underwater, Urban Wildlife, Planet Earth Landscapes and Environments, Black and White, Animals in Their Habitat, and Nature Photojournalism.
Scroll down to explore the 42 best photographs from the finalists and read our interview with the overall winner, Maruša Puhek.
More info: worldnaturephotographyawards.com | Instagram
22 PHOTOS
#1 Plants And Fungi, Bronze: The Colour Out Of Space By Irina Petrova
Pictolic wanted to learn more about the captivating photo 'Run,' which won the grand prize in the 2025 WNPAs. The photographer behind the image kindly agreed to answer our questions and share insights into her work.
First, we were curious to know what emotions ran through Maruša’s mind as she pressed the shutter and captured the moment depicted in the image. She told us: “I was frustrated. At that time, I only had a wide-angle lens, but I desperately wished for a telephoto lens. In my mind, that was the key to making the photo so much better. I took just a few shots and then stopped, feeling disappointed. It often happens that I don’t see a photo’s full potential until I start editing. Only then did I realize how lucky I was. Shooting with a wide-angle lens meant the scene wasn’t overly zoomed in, allowing the snowy surroundings to remain an essential part of the composition. I knew the photo was different, but I didn’t realize how special it was. It was only after receiving feedback from a friend that I started believing it could be something more.”
#2 Behaviour Mammals, Bronze: Might As Well Jump By Donna Feledichuk
The winning photo beautifully captures both movement and stillness. We were curious to know Puhek’s thoughts on what makes a simple moment like this so powerful. Here’s what we found out: “I believe minimalism was key. Only the essential elements remained, showing what truly matters. The snow created perfect stillness, while the running deer added movement. The photograph primarily highlights contrasts—between enclosure and freedom, stillness and movement, life and death, as well as between vertical and horizontal elements in the composition. These opposites make the simplicity even more powerful.”
#4 Behaviour Invertebrates, Gold: Powerless By Niki Colemont
#5 Nature Photojournalism, Gold: Reclaim By Ael Kermarec
When asked about her dream scene—one she would love to capture anywhere in the world, with no limitations—Maruša responded: “That’s one hell of a question—it made me think. My biggest dream was to capture the aurora, which I finally did last year. Since then, I haven’t had a specific nature scene in mind. I’ve realized that emotions excite me much more than places, and I tend to be drawn to the simplicity and rawness of the moment. I can’t imagine my perfect scene in advance, but I’ll know it’s the one when I start editing it.”
#6 Behaviour Amphibians And Reptiles, Gold: Mudskipping By Georgina Steytler
#7 People And Nature, Gold: The Lily Pad By Robert Middleton
Lastly, we asked the photographer about any upcoming projects or personal goals she’s excited about. The 2025 WNPA winner shared: “This recognition has been a huge motivation for me. It showed me that my work can compete internationally and that my perspective is unique. At the moment, my occupation is quite intense, leaving me little space for creativity. I feel like this award came at the right time to nudge me toward a path I would truly enjoy.”
#8 Behaviour Amphibians And Reptiles, Silver: She Who Dares By Jules-Oldroyd
#9 Animal Portraits, Gold: Enchanted Duo By Khaichuin Sim
#10 Behaviour Birds, Bronze: A Sword In The Chest By Mohammad Murad
#11 Animals In Their Habitat, Silver: Atchafalaya Dawn By Irene Amiet
#12 Urban Wildlife, Silver: Critical Moment By Elizabeth Yicheng Shen
#13 Animal Portraits, Silver: Kingfisher On Ice By Vince Burton
#14 Behaviour Amphibians And Reptiles, Bronze: Don't Worry, Be Happy By Marti Phillips
#15 Behaviour Mammals, Gold: Polar Retriever By Tom Nickels
#16 Animal Portraits, Bronze: The Safari Beauty By Ngar Shun Victor Wong
#17 Behaviour Birds, Silver: Dawn's Whispers By Hermis Valiyandiyil
#18 Nature Art, Gold: Run By Marusa Puhek
#19 Nature Photojournalism, Bronze: Ankle Bracelets By Charlotte-Keast
#20 Underwater, Silver: The Fellowship By Sina-Ritter
#21 Black And White, Silver: Rest Easy By Tom Way
#22 Behaviour Invertebrates, Silver: Daisy Daisy By Rory Lewis
Keywords: Photo contest | Award winners | Nature photography | Beauty of nature | Animal photography | Macro photography | Photography award | Animal photos