The 2025 North American Nature Photography Awards once again brought the wild into sharp, breathtaking focus, showcasing an extraordinary range of animal life across the continents. From frozen moments in predator-prey encounters to quiet portraits of elusive species, this year’s winning entries reflect a mastery not only of technique but also of patience, empathy, and timing. The grand prize image, a hauntingly beautiful capture of a snowy owl mid-flight above a frost-laced tundra, perfectly encapsulates the ethereal power of nature when seen through a lens honed by skill and passion.
Hosted by the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), this annual competition honors both seasoned professionals and passionate amateurs. Judges evaluated thousands of submissions across multiple categories, including mammals, birds, underwater life, and conservation storytelling. The selected photographs do more than document — they reveal intricate ecosystems and highlight the fragility and resilience of the species within them. Whether capturing the determined gaze of a fox or the synchronized grace of a pod of dolphins, each image contributes to a broader narrative of coexistence and environmental awareness.
Beyond their aesthetic brilliance, these photographs serve as a vital reminder of the need to preserve natural habitats. As climate shifts and human activity continue to encroach upon wildlife spaces, the importance of mindful storytelling through nature photography cannot be overstated. Through visual artistry, the 2025 winners have managed to elevate ecological awareness, stirring a deeper connection to the world outside our windows.
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“Photo” by Alan Murphy
“Underwater Dancers” by Angela J. Sanchez
“Family Pride” by Anita Patterson
“Killer Whale Attacks Sea Lion Colony” by Bill Klipp
“King of the Hill” by Bruce Taubert
“Roseate Angel” by Dave Hattori
“Backlit Elk” by Deena Sveinsson
“Snow Leopard Chasing A Magpie Off His Kill” by Gero Heine
“Let’s Play!” by Ginger Barger
“Into the Surf” by Jacqueline Burke
“Double Duty” by Jennifer Smith
“Three Little Bears” by Jenny Loren
“Yellow Warbler on S-curved vine” by Jerry Chen
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by Jim Burns
“Wee Jumper Gazing” by Joseph Ferraro
“Nightmoves” by Judy Reinford
“Time to Move” by Karen Bilgrai Cohen
“Swans Love at Dawn” by Karen Bilgrai Cohen
“Surrounded” by Kathy Lichtendahl
“The Secret Place” by Kevin Dooley
“The Wink” by Kevin Lohman
“Cozy Huddle” by Mary Schrader
“Love Suspension” by Melissa Teller
“Intimate Moment” by Steffen Foerster
in Bahia. 