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Nature Photo Contest

2022 Photo Contest Winners

The Nature Conservancy is proud to announce the winners of our 2022 contest.

September 27, 2022

Giant in dust The African dust around the supergiant is one of the best spectacles in wild Namibia. © Panos Laskarakis/TNC Photo Contest

The Nature Conservancy is pleased to share the top images selected by our judges for the 2022 Photo Contest! Check below to see the images that amazed us the most.

Grand Prize Winner

Li Ping, China

On either side of a highway, gullies formed by rainwater erosion span out like a tree in Tibet, an autonomous region in southwest China.
Branching Out On either side of a highway, gullies formed by rainwater erosion span out like a tree in Tibet, an autonomous region in southwest China. © Li Ping/TNC Photo Contest 2022

Guest Judge Ami Vitale’s Winner

Shafeeq Mulla, Zambia
@Shafeeq_mulla

A leopard known as Olimba carries the carcass of a female vervet monkey with its baby still hanging on for dear life. Picture taken in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.
An Unforgiving kingdom A leopard known as Olimba carries the carcass of a female vervet monkey with its baby still hanging on for dear life. Picture taken in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. © Shafeeq Mulla/TNC Photo Contest

“The diversity of images from around the world gave a glimpse into our fragile planet and all the life that inhabits it. The contest itself was a mesmerizing odyssey and we are left with a profound message of how interconnected all of us are and what it means to our own survival to intermingle with wildness.”

—Ami Vitale, Guest Judge

Celebrity Judge Coyote Peterson’s Winner

Florian Ledoux, Norway
@florian_ledoux_photographer

A female polar bear breastfeeding her two cubs of the year in the harbour of the abandoned Russian settlement, Pyramiden.
Breastfeeding in town A female polar bear breastfeeding her two cubs of the year in the harbour of the abandoned Russian settlement, Pyramiden. © Florian Ledoux/TNC Photo Contest

“The composition of this photo and its color balance is absolutely beautiful. The eye is drawn to these elements first and then you realize the center point is the mother polar bear and her cubs. The abandonment of the Russian settlement is a powerful statement that nature can and hopefully will reclaim its rightful place and despite the mess we leave behind life finds a way. For an animal like the polar bear, which is physically running out of space for existence due to constantly melting sea ice, the bravery it shows for a mother to find a place of refuge for her cubs is a heartwarming scene amongst the frigid feel this entire vision portrays.”

—Coyote Peterson, Celebrity Judge

First Place, Landscape

Francisco Javier Munuera González, Spain

Slope of Mount Adi, in Navarra.
Adi Slope of Mount Adi, in Navarra. © Francisco Javier Munuera González/TNC Photo Contest

Second Place, Landscape

Hendy Wicaksono, Indonesia
@hendyfight

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) is one of the 10 priority tourist destinations in Indonesia.
Mystical Bromo Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) is one of the 10 priority tourist destinations in Indonesia. © Hendy Wicaksono/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Landscape

Ivan Pedretti, Italy
@ivanpedretti

Winter in Stokksnes on the beach with black sand and the majestic mountain, Vestrahorn.
Difference Winter in Stokksnes on the beach with black sand and the majestic mountain, Vestrahorn. © Ivan Pedretti/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Landscape

Waluya Priya Atmaja, Indonesia
@priy_at

This photo was taken in Lamongan, East Java at sunset. Mangroves were planted to reduce the impact of abrasion around this area.
Mangrove Tree This photo was taken in Lamongan, East Java at sunset. Mangroves were planted to reduce the impact of abrasion around this area. © Waluya Priya Atmaja/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Landscape

Effy Varley, United Kingdom
@effyimages

The mist slowly thinned giving a glimpse of the trees on the other side, I grabbed my tripod to set up this shot.
Reflection The mist slowly thinned giving a glimpse of the trees on the other side, I grabbed my tripod to set up this shot. © Effy Varley/TNC Photo Contest

First Place, People and Nature

Janusz Jurek, Poland
@januszjurek.info

The photo was taken in Greece. A huge factory broke into the sea, taking the beach away from restful people. A simple, ordinary scene is very symbolic for me.
Rest The photo was taken in Greece. A huge factory broke into the sea, taking the beach away from restful people. A simple, ordinary scene is very symbolic for me. © Janusz Jurek/TNC Photo Contest

Second Place, People and Nature

Komang Arnawa, Indonesia
@nyengen.dadi

Sorting activities of fishermen’s catches in the village of Kedonganan, Bali.
abundant nets Sorting activities of fishermen’s catches in the village of Kedonganan, Bali. © Komang Arnawa/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, People and Nature

Francesca Franchini, Mexico
@trip_in_mexico

The jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula protects a great biodiversity of species. The Mayan Train will be built here, affecting the best preserved jungle in the country.
The passage of the Mayan Train The jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula protects a great biodiversity of species. The Mayan Train will be built here, affecting the best preserved jungle in the country. © Francesca Franchini/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, People and Nature

Giovani Cordioli, Brazil
@giovanicordioli

I was at Varadero beach, Cuba when I saw this huge cloud coming, then I ran to the room and brought my camera to capture it.
The Storm is coming I was at Varadero beach, Cuba when I saw this huge cloud coming, then I ran to the room and brought my camera to capture it. © Giovani Cordioli/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, People and Nature

Amish Jain, India

A man standing in freezing cold water waiting for Sun God to arrive during Chatth Puja Festival.
Faith above everything A man standing in freezing cold water waiting for Sun God to arrive during Chatth Puja Festival. © Amish Jain/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, People and Nature

Marvin Mwarangu, Kenya
@riothephotographer

As the mother is sedated, a veterinarian works quickly to diagnose and treat an elephant calf wound. The image was taken at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy on July 20, 2022.
Wildlife intervention As the mother is sedated, a veterinarian works quickly to diagnose and treat an elephant calf wound. The image was taken at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy on July 20, 2022. © Marvin Mwarangu/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, People and Nature

Marcelo Paulo Silva, Brazil
@marcelomania

Praia do Pontal, at Recreio dos Bandeirantes in Rio de Janeiro on the first day after the beaches lockdown.
Post lockdown beach Praia do Pontal, at Recreio dos Bandeirantes in Rio de Janeiro on the first day after the beaches lockdown. © Marcelo Paulo Silva/TNC Photo Contest

First Place, Climate

Sandesh Kadur, India
@sandesh_kadur

A fan-throated lizard stands guard over his territory. Photographed in Satara's Chalkewadi plateau, which is the site of one of the largest wind farms in this region.
Lizards and Windmills A fan-throated lizard stands guard over his territory. Photographed in Satara's Chalkewadi plateau, which is the site of one of the largest wind farms in this region. © Sandesh Kadur/TNC Photo Contest

Second Place, Climate

Amish Jain, India

A person cleaning the Lakes of excessive sea vegetation due to hot climate as well as waste being dumped into the lake.
Cleaning the Lakes A person cleaning the Lakes of excessive sea vegetation due to hot climate as well as waste being dumped into the lake. © Amish Jain/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Climate

Jassen Todorov, United States
@jassensf

Wastewater ponds are necessary yet dangerous. The leaking or deliberate discharging of inadequately treated water has polluted freshwater and saltwater ecosystems.
Making Paper Wastewater ponds are necessary yet dangerous. The leaking or deliberate discharging of inadequately treated water has polluted freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. © Jassen Todorov/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Climate

Ziaul Huque, Bangladesh

Every road construction worker of Bangladesh who works in a construction site is severely damaged by black smoke and dust.
Between Life & Death Every road construction worker of Bangladesh who works in a construction site is severely damaged by black smoke and dust. © Ziaul Huque/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Climate

Marcelo Perez del Carpio, Bolivia
@marceloperezdelcarpio

Volunteer forest firefighter Daniel Vargas Osinaga (21) walks through thick smoke after helping to extinguish a fire in Bolivia's Santa Rosa de Tucabaca.
The Tucabaca's night Volunteer forest firefighter Daniel Vargas Osinaga (21) walks through thick smoke after helping to extinguish a fire in Bolivia's Santa Rosa de Tucabaca. © Marcelo Perez del Carpio/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Climate

Jassen Todorov, United States
@jassensf

This image portrays the devastation caused by the Dixie fire, California's largest single wildfire.
It's dry and dangerous out west This image portrays the devastation caused by the Dixie fire, California's largest single wildfire. © Jassen Todorov/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Climate

Florian Ledoux, Norway
@florian_ledoux_photographer

Aerial view of two different types of ice in winter. On the right side, the well established fast ice. On the left, the open water refreezing after a storm took away the ice.
Two worlds Aerial view of two different types of ice in winter. On the right side, the well established fast ice. On the left, the open water refreezing after a storm took away the ice. © Florian Ledoux/TNC Photo Contest

First Place, Water

Kristin Wright, United States
@kristinbraga

Brightly colored sediment paints the Icelandic landscape as at flows towards the ocean. The glacial river, Þjórsá, is the longest river in Iceland.
Braided River Brightly colored sediment paints the Icelandic landscape as at flows towards the ocean. The glacial river, Þjórsá, is the longest river in Iceland. © Kristin Wright/TNC Photo Contest

Second Place, Water

Nick Leopold Sordo, Mexico
@nickleopoldsordo

Las Coloradas salt mines in Yucatan. In these pink water lagoons is one of the most important salt generating plants in the country.
Las Coloradas, Yucatán Las Coloradas salt mines in Yucatan. In these pink water lagoons is one of the most important salt generating plants in the country. © Nick Leopold Sordo/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Water

Dasun Nirmala Malaarachchi, Australia
@dasunnirmala

Bluewater, golden sand, white foam mixed with bright sunlight paints gorgeous design under the Seacliff bridge in NSW, Australia.
Sea waves Bluewater, golden sand, white foam mixed with bright sunlight paints gorgeous design under the Seacliff bridge in NSW, Australia. © Dasun Nirmala Malaarachchi/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Water

Tom Shlesinger, Israel
@tom_shlesinger

Decades ago, following severe declines in populations of Goliath Grouper, Florida banned their fishing, leading to an increase in the population.
Goliath in Lilliput Decades ago, following severe declines in populations of Goliath Grouper, Florida banned their fishing, leading to an increase in the population. © Tom Shlesinger/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Water

Tom Fenske, United States
@Tom_Fenske

Also known as the Drainpipe of the Pacific, this natural hole in the rock along the Oregon Coast is seen here at sunset.
Thor's Well Also known as the Drainpipe of the Pacific, this natural hole in the rock along the Oregon Coast is seen here at sunset. © Tom Fenske/TNC Photo Contest

First Place, Plants and Fungi

Callie Chee, Australia
@CallieCheePhotography

Nicknamed ghost mushrooms due to its eerie green glow, the scientific names of these bioluminescent mushrooms are Omphalotus Nidiformis.
Ghost Mushrooms Nicknamed ghost mushrooms due to its eerie green glow, the scientific names of these bioluminescent mushrooms are Omphalotus Nidiformis. © Callie Chee/TNC Photo Contest

Second Place, Plants and Fungi

Xiaoling Keller, United States
@xiaolingkeller

Soaptree Yucca in White Sands National Park, New Mexico.
Soaptree Yucca Soaptree Yucca in White Sands National Park, New Mexico. © Xiaoling Keller/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Plants and Fungi

Tibor Litauszki, Hungary
@tiborlitauszki_naturphtgrphy

Crocuses in the twilight.
Crocus wave Crocuses in the twilight. © Tibor Litauszki/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Plants and Fungi

Patrick Krohn, United States
@oneeyeddogstudios

Dew drops balance on this purple heart flower on an early morning in in the spring of 2022 in my front yard in Aiken, SC, USA.
Balance Dew drops balance on this purple heart flower on an early morning in in the spring of 2022 in my front yard in Aiken, SC, USA. © Patrick Krohn/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Plants and Fungi

Jake Virus, United States
@Jake_Virus

Deep in Ba Vi National Park in Vietnam sits a beautiful, yet spooky, forest.
The Last Truffula Tree Deep in Ba Vi National Park in Vietnam sits a beautiful, yet spooky, forest. © jake virus/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Plants and Fungi

Cristiano Xavier, Brazil
@cristianoxavier01

Dragon Blood Trees in a long exposure night photo. These trees grow only in the high plateaus of Socotra Island.
Dragon Blood Trees Dragon Blood Trees in a long exposure night photo. These trees grow only in the high plateaus of Socotra Island. © Cristiano Xavier/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Plants and Fungi

Cristiano Xavier, Brazil
@cristianoxavier01

An old tree of Madeira Island light painted in a foggy evening. This forest grows in a high part of the island and has some amazing mossy trees.
Ancient An old tree of Madeira Island light painted in a foggy evening. This forest grows in a high part of the island and has some amazing mossy trees. © Cristiano Xavier/TNC Photo Contest

First Place, Wildlife

Anup Shah, United Kingdom

Maasai Mara, Kenya. The lion on the right is distinctly older than its youthful companion. The old guy is one of the Four Musketeers that ruled Mara long time ago.
Morani and Friend Maasai Mara, Kenya. The lion on the right is distinctly older than its youthful companion. The old guy is one of the Four Musketeers that ruled Mara long time ago. © Anup Shah/TNC Photo Contest

Second Place, Wildlife

Panos Laskarakis, Greece

The African dust around the supergiant is one of the best spectacles in wild Namibia.
Giant in dust The African dust around the supergiant is one of the best spectacles in wild Namibia. © Panos Laskarakis/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Wildlife

Tibor Litauszki, Hungary
@tiborlitauszki_naturphtgrphy

Deer at dawn blue.
Follow me Deer at dawn blue. © Tibor Litauszki/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Wildlife

Baiju Patil, India
@baiju_patil

India.
Keep Distance India. © Baiju Patil/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Wildlife

Torie Hilley, United States
@torie_hilley_fineart

During my time studying the African painted dog in South Africa, we came across these two young bull giraffes “necking” – which is their form of sparring or fighting.
A Giant's Ballet During my time studying the African painted dog in South Africa, we came across these two young bull giraffes “necking” – which is their form of sparring or fighting. © Torie Hilley/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Wildlife

Rick Dowling, United States

The eagles were fighting for a piece of salmon. The eagle on top flew on top of the second eagle to try and get the salmon. Photographed at the Eagle Fest at Haines, AK.
The Battle The eagles were fighting for a piece of salmon. The eagle on top flew on top of the second eagle to try and get the salmon. Photographed at the Eagle Fest at Haines, AK. © Rick Dowling/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Wildlife

Masahiro Hiroike, Japan
@masahirohiroike

Nanbu Town, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. "Himebotaru" is a small firefly that lives in the forest and emits a short and powerful light like a flash.
HIMEBOTARU Nanbu Town, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. "Himebotaru" is a small firefly that lives in the forest and emits a short and powerful light like a flash. © Masahiro Hiroike/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Wildlife

Tibor Litauszki, Hungary
@tiborlitauszki_naturphtgrphy

To keep track of the flight, I used an LED headlight. So that the twilight effect is in the background, so I chose multi-exposure inside the camera.
The Journey of a Moth To keep track of the flight, I used an LED headlight. So that the twilight effect is in the background, so I chose multi-exposure inside the camera. © Tibor Litauszki/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Wildlife

Fabio Saltarelli, Argentina
@fabiosaltarelli_ph

Scene where a specimen of Elephant Seal defends her calf from the stalking of a striated caracara in the Falkland Islands.
Stalking Scene where a specimen of Elephant Seal defends her calf from the stalking of a striated caracara in the Falkland Islands. © Fabio Saltarelli/TNC Photo Contest

Honorable Mention, Wildlife

Jenny Zhao, United States
@rogerandjennyphotography

Low angle shot of a giraffe drinking at a waterhole, accompanied by an oxpecker. Zimanga Private Game Reserve, South Africa.
Giraffe Drinking Low angle shot of a giraffe drinking at a waterhole, accompanied by an oxpecker. Zimanga Private Game Reserve, South Africa. © Jenny Zhao/TNC Photo Contest

More Photos

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