Amazing Wildlife Winning Images from the 1839 Photographer of the Year Awards

Wildlife Photographer of the Year: “Emperor family” by Risto Raunio

The 2025 1839 Photographer of the Year Awards have unveiled their wildlife winners, and the images are nothing short of breathtaking.

From frozen Antarctic vistas to lush jungle scenes, each photo captures raw, intimate moments of nature in its purest form. Risto Raunio claimed the top honor with “Emperor Family,” a stunning portrayal of Emperor penguins nurturing their chick on glowing Antarctic ice. The 25 winning shots span continents and species, offering everything from the piercing gaze of a Himalayan snow leopard to the joyful splash of a baby elephant in Botswana. More than just beautiful pictures, these works are emotional testaments to the fragility and wonder of the natural world, proving that photography can be both art and advocacy.

More: 1839 Photographer of the Year Awards, Instagram

Silver: “Blue Hour Guardian” by Alexander Tasho

Silver: “Apollp flight” by Paal Hermansen

Bronze: “The Power of Africa” by Barbara Fleming

Bronze: “Connecting” by Barbara Fleming

Bronze: “Midnight hunters” by Wayne Sorensen

“Fresh Catch” by Renee Giffroy

“Power” by Andy Lerner

“Golden Utopia” by Michael Mihaljevich

“Looking Out to Sea” by Steve Sorensen

“Humpback whale” by Meysam Makvandi

“His Majesty” by David Breslauer

“Precision in Flight” by Jan-Tore Oevrevik

“Shadow Watcher” by Alexander Tasho

“The Boss” by Damir Zurub

“Observe, but Remain Silent” by Dave Shaffer

“Passing Stipes” by Luiza Michalewicz

“Kingfisher on ice” by Vince Burton

“Japanese crane” by Hiroto Fukuda

“Black-browed Albatross” by Barbara Fleming

“After the meal” by Paal Hermansen

“Focused” by David Breslauer

“Great Egret Sunset” by Kevin Hancock

“Battle Cry” by Barbara Fleming

“Lift Off” by Guido Frazzini