Incredible photos of caves, canyons, forest floors and frozen lakes.
Sometimes the shape, colour and sheer scale of the landscape around us, is enough to take our breath away.
These amazing photos were all commended in a special competition that celebrates the skill of photographers “in revealing the wonder of the natural landscape”.
The rules of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards aim to reward “truthful depictions” of the natural world. Some digital manipulation of images is allowed, but there are strict rules against adding, removing or distorting elements to create a more dramatic picture.
The image above was named Photograph of the Year. It was taken in the Grand Canyon by Margrit Schwarz of Switzerland, who said she was “deeply honored” by the award.
“I made this photograph on the final morning of a twelve-day raft trip on the Colorado River,” said Schwarz. “The Grand Canyon’s immensity was overwhelming, yet what captivated me most were the ancient layers of stone, shaped by time and water into abstract forms alive with mystery.”
Cathedral Gorge State Park by Doug Hammer
Runner up, Rocks and Geology
Sadly, Doug Hammer passed away in July 2025, before learning that he had been commended for this photograph. Hammer’s photo explores the reflected light and shadow on the soft clay walls of Cathedral Gorge, Nevada.
Among bare branches by Lukas Furlan
Highly Commended Project
In wintertime, vibrant green clusters of mistletoe stand out in the forest. This project by Lukas Furlan of Austria captures their surreal beauty.
Sápmi – Living landscapes by Hanneke van Camp
Project Winner
Hanneke van Camp of Leuven, Belgium captured this photo of reindeer herded by the Sami people of Northern Scandinavia. “Hidden behind the beauty of these seemingly untouched landscapes, lies a way of life almost invisible today, rooted deeply in respect for all living things,” van Camp said.
Snow globe by Prajit Ravindran
Third Place, Desert Landscapes
A snow flurry brought to life this photograph, taken by Prajit Ravindran in Bryce Canyon, Utah. Ravindran says: “As I was photographing this magical scene, I heard the words, ‘I guess we are the only crazy ones to be around here this morning,’ from the only other person I saw that morning, who happened to be a landscape photographer too.”
Cling by Jack Krohn
Third Place, In Your Backyard
Jack Krohn took this photo of leaves encased in ice in his local park on Puget Sound, Washington State. Krohn said: “During a cold snap in January, the shallow pond that forms during winter rains froze over, creating irresistible conditions we don’t often see in the lowlands of Puget Sound.”
Creation of Earth by Spencer Cox
Winner, Rocks and Geology
Spencer Cox captured this shot at Colorado’s famous Marble Mountain. Cox said: “The enigmatic patterns of these marble caves struck me as telling a story of creation: growing trees, ancient mountains, swirling galaxies.”
Frozen silence by Yuya Wakamatsu
Highly Commended in Intimate Landscape
Yuya Wakamatsu captured this scene amid a snowstorm in the mountains of Japan. Wakamatsu said: “This ancient tree stood veiled in frost and silence. I was drawn to its enduring presence, revealing a quiet strength within the winter mist.”
Jurassic world by David Shaw
Winner, Intimate Landscape
This eerie photo was taken by David Shaw in the woods of Somerset, England. Shaw said: “Just as I was about to start the long trek back to the car, the sun came out and lit up this scene. I’m especially grateful to the judges for appreciating the photo, and to my long suffering family for tolerating my Sunday woodland wanderings that led me to this image.”
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INTO THE WILD
