Budapest International Photo Awards 2023: 10 Winning Images That Take Us Into The Beautiful World Of Nature

The Budapest International Photo Awards (BIFA) 2023 winners have just been announced, marking another successful edition with outstanding winners across diverse categories such as Nature, People, Fine Art, and Advertisement. These winning images from the Nature category transport us to the enchanting realms of the natural world, vividly portraying its beauty, diversity, and raw power.

In the 2023 edition's Nature category, BIFA recognized a main category winner along with numerous talented photographers contributing captivating macro, landscape, and animal photographs in both professional and non-professional categories. Join us in congratulating them as we showcase a collection of some of the most stunning winning nature photos!

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10 PHOTOS

#1 "Dawn's Whispers: Graceful Hoopoe Silhouette At Sunrise" By Hermis Haridas

Gold in Nature / Wildlife

A Hoopoe took flight with its wings spread in a smooth motion across the canvas of the early-morning sky that was illuminated by the sunrise's bright hues. I saw that this bird would occasionally grab its prey in the air and other times on the ground. Additionally, I observed that each time it caught a prey, it flew in the same direction to a nearby tree. That's when I had the idea to photograph the bird against a background with light and dark sides to represent the dark and light sides of existence.

We contacted Jacob Griese, an enthusiastic landscape, nature, and adventure photographer from Germany. With his stunning image of a group of flamingos in Bolivia, Jacob secured a silver spot in the Nature category of the 2023 Budapest International Foto Awards. We asked Griese to share some facts about himself and his journey into photography, particularly in landscape and nature photography. We found out: “Photography has always been a way for me to capture the world as I see it. The camera has helped me explore new countries and cultures and has led me to experience great adventures. I appreciate the total freedom of how I can tell a story, which, in contrast to my studies and job in engineering, is a welcome alternative.”

#2 "Clouded Leopard Heat" By Carol Lyon

Gold in Nature / Wildlife

This female leopard looks angry. However, it's a glimpse of a female in heat without a male in the vicinity.

#3 "Flamingo Heaven" By Jacob Griese

Silver in Nature / Sunset

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia. I encountered this group of flamingos during their evening foraging. The massive salt lake is wetted with a thin layer of water during the rainy season, making it the largest natural mirror on Earth.

Landscape and nature photography took me to beautiful places all over the world. I try to create isolated and natural images where the viewer can follow the story within the photograph.

We were curious about why Jacob chose Salar de Uyuni as the location for his winning shot, “Flamingo Heaven.” The photographer told us, “Salar de Uyuni is a place I wanted to photograph for a long time. In the rainy season, this gigantic salt lake is covered with a thin layer of water. When the conditions are just right and there is no wind, the lake becomes the largest natural mirror on Earth. The combination of these conditions, the rare appearance of flamingos, and the beautiful sunset created the perfect moment for me.”

#4 "The Commute Home" By Mr. Janis Miglavs

Gold in Nature / Flowers

On one photography safari into our suburban-sized backyard, I aimed my Nikon at some sunflowers. But I wanted real close-ups to show all those hairs on the flower. To get that kind of detail from just a few centimeters (inches) away, I needed to shoot many exposures, changing the focal plane slightly from one frame to the next. Focus stacking. I think this image combines 23 stacked exposures. During that time, an ant, without consideration for the photographer, walked into the picture. And with a little (actually a lot of) work, behold this photograph.

#5 "In The Garden" By Oleksandra Mykhailutsa

Gold in Nature / Seasons

Fabulous atmosphere of spring flowering trees and singing birds.

When asked how the photographer believes this image contributes to the larger conversation around environmental awareness and appreciation for nature, Griese answered, “In my opinion, it is important from time to time to take a look at the natural wonders we can encounter in all corners of our planet and just enjoy the complex beauty in it. I can only hope that the thought arises that what you see can be gone in the next couple of years and that it must be protected.”

#6 "Underwater Kaleidoscope" By Iryna Vozniak

1st Place in Nature

Allow yourself to be entranced by the vivid colors and ethereal movements of these underwater wonders. This series is a celebration of the vibrant, mysterious, and awe-inspiring realm of the jellyfish, a testament to the wonders of our planet's oceans.

#7 "Green - The Color Of Hope" By Anne Geier

Gold in Nature / Pets

In the photo, you can see the rescued Podenco Robert. Not much is known about Robert's past, but he probably didn't have the best experiences with humans so far. At first, it was difficult for him to trust people, but he began to open up to his new owner. He is no longer so suspicious of strangers and presented a very self-confident side during the photoshoot. It was incredibly nice to see that Robert, with the right people at his side, has learned to trust again and can now start his new life.

My name is Anne and I live in a small village surrounded by mountains in Austria. I have studied geography and sustainable regional and urban development. Since 2018 I have followed my true passion and work as a professional dog photographer. My first dog Cindy was the reason why I started with dog photography. At first, I just wanted to take photos of her to create memories, but then a real passion arose. Now I have two lovely rescued dogs called Yuri and Finn. My vision about dog photography is to capture the character of the dog as well as possible in the photos and try to make the emotion of the picture.

Finally, we were curious about Jacob’s upcoming projects or destinations he’s particularly excited about in his ongoing journey as a photographer. We learned that: “There will always be destinations I have in mind to visit in the future. In addition to Indonesia, I plan to return to Mount Everest one day to hopefully photograph mountaineers climbing the mountain with their headlights creating a path to the summit.”

#8 "The Gaze Of The Whale" By Wen Hua Chen

2nd Place in Nature

Within the pupils lie oceans vast and deep, Reflecting this planet's sapphire hue. In them, tiny beings, as grains of sand keep watching, lingering in awe of you. Long one may gaze, yet loathe to part, From those fathomless depths of the eye, For they hold within a world apart, Of grandeur and mystery nigh.

I am Zola Chen, a photographer specializing in marine ecosystems. I previously worked as a multimedia designer. I learned diving and free diving in 2010. Since then, I have been going underwater with my camera to capture wonderful ecosystems beneath the sea surface and also the diversified culture and customs on land. I have been continuously recording images of marine ecosystems wherever I go.

#9 "Supercell #2" By Bob Newman

Silver in Nature / Landscapes

April through July is storm season in the Great Plains. Tornadoes and rain storms are common. This image was captured in West Texas in June 2023.

#10 "Fire Lily" By William Preite

Silver in Nature / Flowers

Rare Fire Lilies flowers in the Dolomites.

Italian Landscape Photographer based in North Italy in love with wilderness.