The World Nature Photography Awards (WNPA) is all about the small stuff. Created on the idea that tiny, positive actions can lead to big changes, the organization sees photography as a strong way to affect how we act and think about conserving the planet. Their photo contest highlights the best nature photography, and WNPA has just shared its 2026 winners. Together, they display the planet’s beauty; light up our world; and inspire conservation, hope, and progress.

The 2026 competition drew in thousands of submissions from 51 countries and six continents. It featured categories like Nature Art, Urban Wildlife, and Plants and Fungi, with the top three photos in each category receiving gold, silver, and bronze awards. But among all the entries, there was one standout that took home the grand prize for World Nature Photographer of the Year: Australian photographer Jono Allen. Jono won the overall contest with his incredible image of a rare white humpback whale and her mother.

“Sharing this moment with Mãhina and her protective mother is a memory that will live with me forever,” Jono remarked. “It was undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary days I have ever experienced in the ocean—and perhaps ever will.”

Other category winners feature Charlie Wemyss’ vibrant shot of a bear attempting to catch a salmon dinner and Mary Schrader’s amazing photo of a gorilla watching a butterfly flutter by. You can really feel the artistry and love for nature in each of these images.

“As the awards continue to grow, so too does the diversity and quality of work submitted from across the globe,” shares contest co-founder Adrian Dinsdale. “This year’s winning images are a powerful reminder of both the wonder of our planet and the importance of protecting it.”

Check out more winners from the 2026 WNPA contest below, and head over to the official website for even more.

Source: https://www.worldnaturephotographyawards.com/