Nature photography can take many forms, from dramatic mountain views and frozen landscapes to quiet scenes that might otherwise go unnoticed. The 2026 Natural Landscape Photography Awards bring together photographers who approach the natural world from different angles, using light, composition, texture, and experimental techniques to create images that go beyond the typical scenic shot.
The competition's categories cover a wide range of subjects and styles. Black-and-white photography draws attention to contrast and form, while the Frozen Worlds and Night categories explore environments transformed by ice, darkness, and changing light. Other collections turn the focus to fungi and lichen, familiar everyday surroundings, and the shapes and movement of water. Experimental approaches, including multiple exposure and intentional camera movement, offer yet another way to interpret the world around us.
Scroll through 82 photographs from the different categories of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards 2026 to discover unusual perspectives, overlooked details, and creative interpretations of the world around us.
#61 Light Finally Breaks Through
After a long hike in the clouds, I found myself standing in the fog. Suddenly, the clouds shifted and the light broke through.
Award: Projects, Third Place
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2points
#62 Clouds Drifting Down The Slope
On the side of a slope, these pines got engulfed by low rolling clouds.
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2points
#63 The Freezing Fog
In the Pollino Mountains, frost and ice can cover the pines during the winter months.
Award: Projects, Third Place
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2points
#64 Glory Light High In The Mountains
One of the most spectacular sunsets that I have ever seen came unexpectedly when some thick fog suddenly disappeared, revealing this beautiful light.
Award: Projects, Third Place
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2points
#68 Silent Waves: Undercurrent
Part of my Silent Waves series, this image explores the wave-like patterns created by light and shadow across snow-covered mountain terrain.
Award: Grand Landscape, Highly Commended
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2points
#69 Cradle Valley Impressions
Looking across the alpine valley towards Cradle Mountain in northern Tasmania, I wanted to convey this iconic view in a new and interesting way. This image uses the beautiful textures of the surrounding snow gums to create an in-camera multiple exposure, offering an artistic interpretation of the landscape.
Award: Abstract Landscapes, Highly Commended
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2points
#70 Shattery Shapes
As the morning skies finally started to show some soft colors, the submerged vegetation of Slovenia's Lake Cerknisko was still covered in black and invited me to create this kind of a silhouette shot, while trying to capture the fragility and peacefulness of the moment.
Award: Intimate Landscape, Highly Commended
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2points
#71 First Settlers
A bare, high-altitude volcanic land that has been slowly taken over by Canary pines, which thrive in conditions no other trees can endure. Taken in Tenerife, Spain.
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2points
#72 The Last Lesson
An old, dying Caledonian pine stands as if offering its final words of wisdom to the younger tree beside it before taking its last breath. Taken in the Highlands, Scotland.
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2points
#73 Family Drama At Sunset
Two large Scots pines frame the sky like arguing parents, while smaller trees look on from below. The fiery, colorful clouds seem to mirror the heated emotions of the moment. Taken in the Highlands, Scotland.
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2points
#74 Struck
A young solitary pine found a way to thrive on a tall sandstone pillar. After enduring the hardships, it is finally living a moment of glory as the light strikes. Taken in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, Germany.
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2points
#75 Conestars
Majestic cones of the Canary pines. At high altitudes dominated by these trees, the forest floor is often carpeted with them. Taken in Gran Canaria, Spain.
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2points
#76 The Farewell
On a new volcanic land, a family of Canary pines is saying goodbye to its youngest member. Taken in Tenerife, Spain.
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2points
#77 Cascading Winter
An ordinary pine forest in my backyard, enduring an exceptionally heavy snowfall. Occasionally, gusts of wind blew snow off the canopy, creating a foggy visual effect in the background. Taken in Bavaria, Germany.
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2points
#78 Gradual
The essence of an ancient, protected Caledonian pine forest emerging slowly through the morning mist. Taken in the Highlands, Scotland.
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2points
#79 Drifting Petals, Fading Spring
Scattered petals drift across the water, forming fleeting patterns as they move with the current. Among them, the reflection of a bare tree emerges and fades with the movement of the water. The scene evokes the quiet transition of seasons—a fleeting sense of spring lingering for a moment before dissolving into time.
Award: Intimate Landscape, Winner
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2points
#80 Alpine Teeth
You never know what conditions you’ll encounter as you ascend to 3,842m by cable car from Chamonix. The weather down in the valley is no indication of what awaits you above. While the tourists were looking for clear blue skies, I was drawn to the drama of towering clouds rising against the razor-sharp teeth of the Alps. It was an awe-inspiring sight, but unlike the brave souls making their way along the snowy ridge, I was more than happy to watch them undertake their own adventure.
Award: Platinum Palladium, Winner
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2points