In 2025, the international landscape photography competition once again attracted thousands of entries from photographers across the globe. The expert jury evaluated not only technical skill but also the uniqueness of the perspective on nature, originality of composition, and emotional depth of the images. This year, the winners impressed with a wide variety of scenes: from tropical forests to icy expanses, from solitary trees to dramatic stormy skies.
The overall winner of the competition was Brazilian photographer J. Fritz Rumpf, whose work captivated the jury with its atmosphere and subtle mood. His photo, taken in Brazil, was chosen as the best among thousands of contenders and earned him the title of “Photographer of the Year.”
Winners and Runners-up
Second place in the main category went to Karol Nienartowicz, who captured the majestic landscapes of Utah (USA). His photograph stands out with its unusual play of light and shadow as well as the scale of natural forms. Joyce Bealer took third place with her shot from Argentina, noted for its distinctive atmosphere and delicate use of color.
In the “Landscape Photograph of the Year” category, the winner was Lukas Trixl, who presented viewers with a mesmerizing view of New Zealand. His photo combines the dynamics of the clouds with the tranquility of the mountain slopes. Second place in this category went to Albert Dros of the Netherlands, who managed to convey the magic of sunrise over his country’s misty fields.
Best Thematic Shots
In the special category ‘Seascape,’ the top honor went to Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove for his work shot in Greenland. His photograph impresses with the scale of the ice formations and the purity of color. In the ‘Solitary Tree’ category, Benjamin Barakat won for capturing a unique tree in Yemen. This shot stands out for its simplicity and philosophical undertones.
In the ‘Stormy Skies’ category, the jury recognized Hualong Zhang from the United States, whose work conveys the full force and drama of nature’s elements. The winner in the ‘Snow and Ice’ category was Kung-Fu Li, with a photograph taken in Japan. The image is notable for its crystal clarity and delicate rendering of snow texture.
Geography and trends
This year, the contest showcased an extraordinary variety of geographic locations. Among the winners are photographers from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and North America. The works feature both well-known tourist destinations and remote, little-known corners of the planet, highlighting the competition’s global reach.
The jury noted that contemporary landscape photographers are increasingly using new technologies, including drones and advanced post-processing, to reveal the beauty of nature from unusual perspectives. However, despite technological advances, it is the emotional depth and the photographer’s unique vision that remain the key criteria for evaluation.
Inspiration for viewers
Landscape photography continues to inspire millions of people around the world. The best entries of the 2025 competition not only showcase the artists’ skill, but also serve as a reminder of the fragility and majesty of our natural environment. Each shot is an invitation to see nature from a new perspective and to reflect on its preservation and true value.
Competition organizers note that interest in landscape photography grows each year. More and more young photographers are exploring this genre, while audiences eagerly anticipate fresh perspectives and new discoveries in familiar landscapes.
In case you didn’t know, the International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest is held annually and is considered one of the world’s most prestigious landscape photography competitions. Both acclaimed professionals and emerging photographers take part. Winners receive monetary prizes as well as international recognition, with their works published in leading media and showcased at major photo exhibitions worldwide.
