The 2023 International Photography Awards (IPA) have unfolded a captivating tapestry of visual narratives, celebrating the exquisite artistry that resides in nature. In a world of diverse perspectives and untamed beauty, this prestigious contest has emerged as a global showcase for the most outstanding nature photography talents. The recently announced winners have skillfully harnessed the power of the lens to freeze moments in time, transporting viewers to enchanting realms and capturing the very essence of our awe-inspiring natural world.
From the breathtaking landscapes to the untamed wildlife, the images submitted to the IPA unfold a story of the Earth’s wonders. Each photograph serves as a testament to the photographers’ ability to uncover the hidden poetry in the world around us. The winning entries not only display technical mastery but also evoke deep emotional connections, awakening a sense of appreciation for the delicate balance and sheer magnificence of our environment.
As we immerse ourselves in the visual journey curated by the IPA, we are reminded of the profound impact that nature has on our souls. Through the lens of these talented photographers, we witness the magic, vulnerability, and resilience of the natural world. The 2023 IPA winners stand as a collective tribute to the intrinsic beauty that surrounds us and a testament to the boundless creativity that flourishes in the realm of nature photography.
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1st Place In Nature/Macro: “Pretty With Pink” By Benjamin Salb
“Getting bored of a black background, which is typical when shooting macro in the field in the dark, I secured a pink background card behind this damselfly for some extra POP. The 63 image focus stack of a wild, living subject is one of my favorites of 2023.”
2nd Place In Nature/Aerial/Drone: “33 Days Among The Bears” By Martin Gregus
“As the pandemic raged during the summer of 2020 and 2021, Martin decided to brave the mosquitoes and turn his attention to documenting and exploring new Hudson Bay areas. Utilizing drones and custom-built equipment allowed Martin to get up close and personal to the bears all the while staying invisible, often capturing intimate moments and unique hunting behaviours. Observing the polar bears’ curiosity and compassion changed the lives of Martin and his team forever.”
2nd Place In Nature/Animals/Pets: “Heather Coo” By Wesley Kristopher
“I photograph this fold of Highland cattle frequently but tend to stick to longer telephoto portrait shots. For this Photograph, I experimented with my ultra-wide lens to give a distorted, exaggerated look to the cow. She looked so grand among the heather with the light shining through the clouds and I hope this captures that moment well!”
2nd Place In Nature/Trees: “Trees In Water” By Jinyi Han
“In the heart of the tranquil lake, a marvel of nature blossoms. An old, withered log, once thought devoid of life, becomes the birthplace of a young sapling. Its roots dig deep into the hardened bark, drawing sustenance from what was once barren. Each new leaf echoes resilience, symbolizing a harmonious dance between past, present, and future. The reflection in the water below mirrors its growing silhouette, a testament to life’s indomitable spirit of perseverance and rebirth.”
2nd Place In Nature/Landscape: “A Perfect Cloud” By Francisco Negroni
“The Villarrica volcano is the most dangerous volcano in Chile and one of the most active in America. In the photograph a beautiful lenticular cloud moves over the crater while it is illuminated by the light emitted by the volcano’s lava.”
1st Place In Nature/Underwater: “The Dentist” By Takayuki Toriumi
“A few years ago, I came across a cod enjoying the shrimp’s cleaning service on a southern Japanese island. I captured this delightful scene as if he were being examined by shrimp doctor.”
1st Place In Nature/Trees: “Tree Of Life” By Rafael Garcia Luna
“This photograph was taken in the Gorbeia natural park. Walking among its shapes is a delight for any nature lover and especially for hunters of curves and angles to translate into photography. Everything is suggestive, everything is delicate, poetic and wild at the same time. The paths disappear among the undergrowth, eaten away by time and moss. I came across this beech tree just with the first rays of light in the morning, I was impressed by its extensive roots on top of that hill and its gigantic branches.”
3rd Place In Nature/Wildlife: “An Annual Feast” By Rayhan Mundra
“Every year hundreds of thousands of sockeye salmon head upstream, to spawn their next generation. This annual migration provides a carnivorous feast for brown bears, who rely on the fish to survive hibernation as well as bringing nutrients from the open ocean inland to support the greater ecosystem. As commercial fishing continues to take a toll on returning populations it is important to preserve this keystone species in order to allow future generations to witness the spectacle of the Alaskan salmon run and preserve the Alaskan organisms whose existence relies on this annual feast.”
1st Place In Nature/Aerial/Drone: “The Torn Earth” By Liu Junye
“Due to industrial pollution, mining industrial waste is discharged on the ground, resulting in strange patterns.”