BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition Announces 2022 Winners
Claudio Ricci
A rare moment captured up close: Diadasia rinconis (Cactus Bees) swarming together in a mating ball, each male eager to become companions with a female. Native to America, these bees are considered a solitary species, meaning they live without the hierarchy and structure of their European counterparts—though they still work to pollinate cacti and help plants in the American southwest thrive. Texas, United States. Photograph by Karine Aigner.
From bees to beavers to bats—check out some of the stunning photography that won this year’s competition.
What on Earth have you photographed? This is the question the BigPicture: Natural World Photography Competition poses photographers each year since 2014. The competition encourages photographers from around the world to submit work that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth. According to Rhonda Rubinstein, Co-Founder and Creative Director of the contest, “the competition’s success is about bringing more awareness to the photographers and the conservation stories they are showcasing.” Furthermore, through the power of imagery, they hope to inspire action to protect and conserve our planet.
Check out a selection of winners below from all seven categories, and view all the finalists on the BigPicture website.
art of nature
A tragically beautiful tapestry of insects— inadvertently killed after being drawn to an outdoor lamp with an unintentional opening. While cleaning the light, the photographer discovered a veritable treasure trove of dead insects and decided to create this collage demonstrating the expansive, if overlooked, diversity of small, winged insects. Ski, Norway. Photograph by Pål Hermansen, Art of Nature Winner.Left: Soquel, United States. Photograph by Florian Ledoux, Art of Nature Finalist. Right: Tromso, Norway. Photograph by Steve Mandel, Art of nature Finalist.
Landscapes, Waterscapes, and Flora
In taking this photograph, the photographer wished to highlight the incredible natural beauty found in the underwater cave systems of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, but also to draw attention to threats to its fragile ecosystem. Even though these caves are an important part of the aquifer, they are under increasing tourism pressures leading to the over-development of the region. A large-scale rail link across the whole of the Yucatan Peninsula is currently in the process of being built, putting both jungle and cave in danger—as well as potentially displacing local Mayan communities. MUYIL, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO. Photograph by Tom St. George, Landscapes, Waterscapes, and flora winner.Left: Photograph by Bart Heirweg, Landscapes, Waterscapes, and flora Finalist. Right: La Teste-de-Buch, France. Photograph by Nicolas Raspiengeas, Landscapes, Waterscapes, and flora Finalist.
Aquatic Life
Batstars encompass a lifeless sea lion at the bottom of Monterey Bay. While this scene appears melancholic, rest assured the sea lion is giving back to the community with which it once swam. When the batstars have had their fill, any number of creatures big and small will be able to derive energy and shelter from what’s left behind for years to come. MONTEREY BAY, UNITED STATES. Photograph by David Slater, Aquatic Life Winner.Left: SKANOR, SWEDEN. Photograph by MAGNUS LUNDGREN, AQUATIC LIFE FINALIST. Right: YOKOHAMA, JAPAN. Photograph by Tony Wu, AQUATIC LIFE FINALIST.
WINGED LIFE
A fruit bat majestically makes its way to a custard apple tree for a feast, finding itself perfectly placed within the canopy opening. It’s no coincidence that the framing is so precise; the photographer spent nearly three weeks observing these bats’ behavior as they frequented the fruit tree, learning their habits and finally capturing this photo when the moment presented itself. BADLAPUR, INDIA Photograph by Sitaram Raul, Winged Life Winner.LEft: OSAKI-SHI MIYAGI-KEN, JAPAN. Photograph by TAKUYA ISHIGURO, WINGED LIFE FINALIST. Right: Salamanca, Spain. Photograph by MARIO CEA SÁNCHEZ, WINGED LIFE FINALIST.
Terrestrial Wildlife
Once nearing extinction, the European Beaver population now flourishes under new protections, allowing for renewed photography opportunities. However, this beaver’s presence is not the only moment that makes this shot special—a spider in its web clings to the nearly-gnawed-through tree, making for a spectacular, if short-lived, scene. KISKUNSAG NATIONAL PARK, HUNGARY. Photograph by Bence Mate, Terrestrial Wildlife Winner.Left: NARON (LA CORUÑA), SPAIN. Photograph by RUBEN PEREZ NOVO, TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE FINALIST. Right: IRÚN, SPAIN. Photograph by Jose Grandio, TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE FINALIST.
Human/Nature
While traveling in Romania’s Carpathian region, this photographer happened upon frogs being hunted at spawning time. After their legs are removed for consumption, the frogs’ remains are thrown back into the water— a horrific swirl of spawn and viscera, expertly composed into a heart-breakingly tragic scene. COVASNA, ROMANIA. Photograph by Bence Mate, Human/Nature Winner.
Left: Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain. Photograph by Arturo Rodriguez, Human/nature finalist.
Right: Amsterdam, Netherlands. Photograph by David Hup, HUMAN/NATURE FINALIST.
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