Mesmerizing forest abstracts win Natural Landscape Awards 2024

Canadian photographer Andrew Mielzynski has won the top prize at the 2024 Natural Landscape Photography Awards, an international competition dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the natural world through authentic, unaltered imagery.

Now in its fourth year, the contest was founded by landscape photographers Tim Parkin, Matt Payne, Alex Nail, and Rajesh Jyothiswaran to honour photographers who value realism and reject the widespread use of artificial intelligence and digital manipulation. Mielzynski’s stunning collection stood out among over 12,000 entries, earning him the prestigious title of Photographer of the Year. Here are the rest of the winning entries.

Photographer of the Year

Winner: Andrew Mielzynski, Ontario, Canada

“Winter Cottonwoods”

During the pandemic, I went out for a walk with my camera in a local park in Toronto, Canada, during a fierce winter storm. I ran across this scene, which seemed very chaotic with many interwoven trees. I loved how the snow, driven by the high winds, got embedded in the bark of the tree trunks. I took a few frames, trying to simplify the scene in front of me and settled on this one, loving the tones, the depth and the minimalism.

Project of the Year

Winner: David Southern Northumberland, UK

“Crossed Wires”

To get to this area of sugar kelp anchored to the rocks I had to clamber over slippery boulders whilst the spring tide was at its lowest point. The allure of these environmentally important habitats is not always apparent, but with their rich colours and naturally created patterns arranged to artistic affect by waves and wind they make for a wonderful photographic subject.

Photograph of the Year

Winner: John Hardiman Victoria, Australia

“Musical Ripples”

Rain drops falling from overhead gums made playful patterns on the waters surface, on a cool foggy morning in Tallarook State Forest.

Grand Scenic

Winner: Peter Coskun Gold Canyon, Arizona

“Float”

It is difficult to imagine a more elegant unveiling of nature than a winter storm clearing from within the Grand Canyon. This is precisely what occurred during a winter trip to the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park in 2023. As the clouds parted, windows into the canyon were illuminated with colorful gold and red hues as a snow covered rocky outcrop seems to rise from the sea of clouds.

Intimate Landscapes

Winner: Brent Clark Wisconsin, USA

“Exactly”

The wild and remote canyons of the American Southwest present surprises around every bend. When I turned a corner and this scene came into view, I was awe-struck and humbled to witness sunlight focused by the canyon’s walls so precisely that it lit only this lonely cottonwood tree. I stayed and photographed for a few minutes until the light widened and began to spill on nearby features.

Abstract or Details

Winner: Scott Oller California, USA

“Merced River Abstract, Yosemite National Park”

I love the challenge of finding unique perspectives in one of the most photographed places on earth, Yosemite. This icy, abstract scene caught my attention as I walked along the Merced last winter. To me, it perfectly represents the deep sense of mystery that the landscape evokes.

Environmental Wildlife

Winner: David Kingham Colorado, USA

“Serendipity”

Yellowstone National Park in winter is a truly magical place. We have the honor of visiting every year to lead workshops focused not on wildlife, but on the landscape. Despite our landscape emphasis, we had been casually tracking a wolf pack each morning, noticing their footprints along the roadside. We learned they had migrated to another area of the park, coincidentally where we were headed next. On this particular morning, after photographing incredible conditions, we were winding down for the day when a lone wolf emerged from the woods—a magical experience in itself. As we finished photographing this solitary wolf and prepared to leave, we turned to see the entire Wapiti pack appear from the forest. Not only that, but they were perfectly positioned amidst the thermal features, with snow-covered trees and rising steam as a backdrop. Resisting the temptation to zoom in closer, I chose to include the stunning environment. It was a truly unforgettable moment that I will always treasure.

Nightscape

Winner: Niall McLaughlin Belfast, Northern Ireland

“Na Saighneáin”

I’m delighted to have been named the Nightscape category winner at the NLPA. I captured this scene on an unforgettable evening, watching the aurora dancing across the Antrim Glens. Being in nature brings me great joy, and I feel privileged to share that experience with others through my photography.

Environmental

Winner: Felix Röser Germany

“Ghosts”

This images shows the covered parts of the Rhonegletscher in the swiss alps. The sheets are covering the glacier to slow down the melting process. It reminded me of a ghost or an artwork by Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

Water Worlds

Winner: Philipp Jakesch Bruck/Mur, Austria

“Approaching Storm”

The Lofoten Islands are known for the sudden change of weather conditions. In the one minute it is beautiful and clam, in the other minute the next storm is rolling in – like in this image. When you go there with your photographic eye, there is a beautiful image waiting after every corner.

Black and White

Winner: Mark Ditcham Geraldton, Australia

“Holding”

Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea spp) are one of my favourite subjects to photograph. These trees are full of character and I like to hunt for ones with a human semblance. I found this dead and broken-down tree in a previously unexplored area of the bushland and was instantly drawn to its shape and form.

Common Places

Winner: Anil Sud, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

“Morning Glory”

I was intrigued by the beautiful symmetry of the tree plantation and accordingly, spent a few days exploring what the area might yield photographically. On my final return, I was greeted that morning by a scene bathed in backlit fog simplifying the composition further while providing for a stark silhouette against a muted gradation of light as a backdrop. (Taken near Haridwar, India).

Creative Icons

Winner: Hans Gunnar Aslaksen Larvik, Norway

“Darklands”

Vestrahorn is one of the most iconic locations in Iceland. When we arrived on the famous beach, the place was packed with photographers and tourists, so we decided to venture behind the mountain for a different perspective. To our surprise, we had the entire area to ourselves — a rare and refreshing feeling. I launched my drone for a quick scout and discovered two rivers that mirrored each other’s shapes, creating perfect leading lines toward the mountain. I knew right away I had found a unique take on this renowned landmark.

Mountains

Winner: Jurre Jan de Wit Tromsø, Norway

“Frozen in time”

During the winter, everything in the landscape seems to be frozen in time, wind, snow and ice are king at this time of the year, while the sparse vegetation of the Arctic just waits patiently for another summer to arrive. Somehow, water always finds a way to keep flowing. Sometimes deep below the ice and other times right at the surface – either way it shows the landscape is still alive.

All the winning images can be viewed on the Natural Landscape Photography Awards website.

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