The 1839 Awards Have Announced The Winners Of The 2026 Photographer Of The Year Contest (39 Pics)

"Two praying mantises face each other on a slender branch, raising their front legs in a pose that resembles a traditional dance. In 'Zeybeks,' Hasan Baglar captures a fascinating moment in nature, highlighting the insects' colorful, fan-shaped wings and remarkably synchronized movements. Against a soft golden background, the striking composition transforms this tiny encounter into an extraordinary display of beauty, symmetry, and elegance."

"At night, the sea doesn't sleep.When the sun sets and the sea seems to fall silent, one of nature's most extraordinary spectacles begins: the vertical migration of plankton. Millions of organisms rise from the depths to the surface, and in this upward migration,"

“A lone surfer rides an enormous wave as a towering wall of whitewater crashes down just behind him. Captured at a breathtaking moment, the photograph reveals the incredible power of the ocean and the remarkable courage required to face such extreme conditions. Natalya Pyrogova freezes a split second of danger, skill, and adrenaline, highlighting the dramatic contrast between human vulnerability and the unstoppable forces of nature.”

“As the sun sets over a dusty landscape, a young boy stands beside a magnificent long-horned cow, gently resting his hand against its head. Surrounded by a large herd of cattle, the child appears completely at ease in a world shaped by animals, tradition, and the rhythms of rural life. Roberto Pazzi captures a tender moment of connection between the boy and the animal, revealing the beauty and resilience of a childhood lived close to nature.”

"In 'Back to Top,' photographer Shinobu Yoshiwada captures a breathtaking underwater scene in which thousands of silver fish form an enormous swirling formation above a lone freediver. The striking contrast between the diver's small silhouette and the massive school of fish highlights the extraordinary scale and beauty of marine life. Bathed in deep blue tones and illuminated by sunlight filtering through the surface, the photograph reveals the mesmerizing patterns and movements of the underwater world."

“Photographed at the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, New York, this striking portrait is part of a series that looks beyond the spectacle of the celebration. By photographing participants up close and from a low angle, Emma Brawley transforms elaborate costumes into larger-than-life characters, capturing the creativity, individuality, and imagination of the people behind the parade.”

“This series explores a unique Feng Shui design principle in Hong Kong. Voids known as dragon gates are built into coastal high-rises so spirit dragons can fly from the mountains to the sea. Each image frames a different view, contrasting dense modern architecture with ancient culture.”

“An extraordinary aerial perspective reveals a mesmerizing landscape of soft pink, white, fiery orange, and vivid blue. Intricate textures and colorful formations create patterns that resemble a swarm of tiny creatures moving across the surface. With its delicate details and almost painterly appearance, Mark Gray’s photograph blurs the boundaries between nature and abstract art, revealing the unexpected beauty hidden in the landscape.”

“A solitary dead tree stands in the middle of a vast, cracked desert landscape, its exposed roots stretching across the dry ground. Above it, the magnificent arc of the Milky Way illuminates the night sky with countless stars and vibrant clouds of cosmic dust. Alexander Seleznyov creates a breathtaking contrast between the stillness of the barren landscape and the extraordinary beauty of the universe, capturing a scene that feels both timeless and otherworldly.”

“A solitary raven stands on a vast glacial snowfield, its dark, iridescent feathers contrasting with the surrounding white landscape. Behind it, brilliant blue ice emerges from the glacier's deep fractures, highlighting the contrast between the small bird and the immense frozen wilderness.”

"A crushed aluminum can becomes an unexpected work of art in this vibrant still-life photograph by Irina Kondrashova. In 'Reflective Realities,' the metallic surface captures distorted reflections of bright yellow, red, and blue surroundings, while a flower stem rising behind the can adds an intriguing natural element. The striking combination of everyday objects, bold colors, and reflective textures transforms an ordinary scene into a fascinating abstract composition."

"Vibrant red and blue architectural forms create a striking geometric composition, with their reflections adding symmetry and depth to the scene. In "Reflexiones Geométricas," Elizabeth Crane explores the interplay of color, light, and perspective, transforming a minimalist space into a captivating visual illusion where reality and reflection seem to merge."

"In 'Brothers,' photographer Marina Koval captures two young men standing back-to-back, their eyes closed as they face opposite directions. The carefully balanced composition, soft lighting, and muted colors create a quiet, intimate atmosphere. Despite their contrasting appearances and the space between their gazes, their physical connection suggests a powerful bond, reflecting the complex relationship between individuality, family, and togetherness."

“Crystals grown on glass slides were photographed under polarized light using a 1970 Leitz Orthoplan microscope. Their vibrant colors are created by optical interference, not artificial coloring. The photographed area measures just 3–4 millimeters, yet the image can be printed up to 1.5 meters wide.”

“A fisherman stands waist-deep in the water, casting his net across the vast blue sea. Captured at the perfect moment, the delicate fishing net spreads through the air like a translucent wing. The photograph celebrates the skill, patience, and traditions of those who depend on the sea for their livelihood.”

“Thousands of birds gather in an extraordinary murmuration above Ostuni, Italy, creating mesmerizing waves and swirling patterns across the golden evening sky. Moving together in remarkable harmony, the flock transforms into a constantly changing shape that resembles a living work of art. Malin Brand captures the breathtaking beauty of this natural phenomenon, revealing the extraordinary patterns that emerge when nature moves as one.”

“A horse draped in flowing golden fabric moves through shallow water, its white tail sending droplets into the air. Illuminated by the warm sunlight, the translucent cloth glows against the dark greenery, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Sabrina Charehbili captures a striking moment where movement, light, and tradition come together in a mysterious and poetic composition.”

“A striking portrait of a young woman whose long, dark hair is swept across her face by the wind. Her steady gaze meets the camera, creating a powerful sense of intimacy and quiet confidence. Against a muted green background, Samantha Wolov captures a beautiful interplay of movement, texture, and emotion, transforming a simple portrait into a compelling visual story.”

“Photographed from directly above, a man enjoys a cup of coffee while seated at a small marble table, surrounded by empty chairs. The striking black-and-white geometric floor creates a mesmerizing pattern of diamonds and triangles, turning an ordinary café scene into an almost abstract composition. Sebastian Kahnert uses symmetry, perspective, and contrast to reveal the unexpected beauty hidden in everyday moments.”

“A breathtaking moment of wildlife action unfolds as a white egret spreads its wings above the water while a large silver fish leaps into the air nearby. A smaller fish is also suspended in midair, adding another layer of movement to the scene. Xiaoping Lin captures the remarkable timing of these simultaneous movements, with splashing water and delicate white feathers creating a dramatic composition against the soft, pale background.”