Each year, the National Geographic Photo Contest attracts photographers from around the globe, showcasing the extraordinary beauty and diversity of our planet. The 2023 edition saw a staggering number of submissions, and the winning images capture moments that both inspire and awe.
Grand Prize: "Symphony of the Forest" by Matjaz Krivic
Matjaz Krivic's mesmerizing image captures a rare and enchanting encounter within the primeval forest of Slovenia. A pristine river flows through the verdant undergrowth, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the vibrant hues of autumn foliage. At the heart of the composition, a group of red deer stand majestically, their antlers silhouetted against the ethereal backdrop.
Category Winners:
- Nature: "Monarch Metamorphosis" by Hassan Raja
- Wildlife: "Perilous Journey" by Brent Stirton
- People: "In the Shadow of Devotion" by K M Asad
- Landscape: "Auroral Dance" by Elia Locardi
- Underwater: "Oceanic Symphony" by Alex Mustard
Honorable Mentions:
A selection of striking photographs received honorable mentions, each depicting a unique facet of the natural world. From the intricate patterns of a snowflake to the captivating flight of a bird in motion, these images celebrate the boundless wonders that surround us.
Nature:
- "The Dance of Life" by Cristina Mittermeier
- "Whispers of the Wind" by Nick Kleer
- "Creatures of the Deep" by Krystle Wright
Wildlife:
- "The Hunt" by Jayaprakash Joghee Bojan
- "Eye to Eye" by Daisy Gilardini
- "Guardian of the Forest" by Jose Kalantari
People:
- "The Joy of Giving" by Arati Kumar-Rao
- "Resilience" by Md Tanveer Hasan Rohan
- "The Storyteller" by Razan Alsaeed
Landscape:
- "Mystical Dawn" by Dennis Whyte
- "Frozen Symphony" by Tony Wu
- "Echoes of Time" by Nicolo Filippo Rosso
Underwater:
- "Symphony of the Reef" by Michael Aw
- "Hidden Wonders" by David Doubilet
- "Marine Sanctuary" by Alex Barendregt
Behind the Lens:
Each winning image tells a captivating story, revealing the photographer's unique perspective and the challenges they faced in capturing it. Matjaz Krivic spent countless hours observing the forest deer, patiently waiting for the right moment to immortalize their harmonious encounter. Brent Stirton's "Perilous Journey" documents the harrowing crossing of the Zambezi River by a herd of elephants, a poignant reminder of the threats faced by wildlife.
Inspiring Future Generations:
The National Geographic Photo Contest not only celebrates the beauty of our planet but also fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world. The winning images serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation and the urgent need to protect the ecosystems that support our existence. By inspiring future generations of photographers, the contest empowers individuals to share their own stories and perspectives, contributing to a collective understanding of the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
