And the winners are...

No, this post is not about the Oscars but about the The Nature Photo Contest Winners for 2025. 

When discussing what makes a great wildlife or nature photograph, many factors come into play—composition, technique, and various other elements. However, one of the most crucial aspects, in my opinion, is being in the right place at the right time. No matter how skilled or technically proficient you are, it means little if the opportunity doesn’t present itself—especially when photographing wildlife.

A perfect example of this is the award-winning photograph Polar Bear Amid Fireweed Blooms by Christopher Paetkau.

 

I'm pretty sure this picture was captured with a drone, and while drone-mounted cameras are far from the best on the market, this is still a stunning photograph. The award is well deserved.

Ready to see some good pictures

Photo contests serve as a powerful source of inspiration for photographers of all levels. By exploring contest entries, you can discover fresh perspectives, creative techniques, and unique compositions that may spark ideas for your own shoots. These contests often showcase a wide range of styles, subjects, and approaches, pushing you to think outside the box and experiment with new concepts. Additionally, analyzing the work of top entries or winners can provide valuable insights into what makes a photograph stand out, helping you refine your artistic vision and technical skills. Participating in these contests can also motivate you to set goals, step out of your comfort zone, and continually strive for improvement.

The Budapest International Foto Awards honors its winning photographers from around the world here.

Spiral At The Museum
Louis-Philippe Provost, Canada