The Ripple Effect of Photography Competitions
Enter your work in photography competitions. It will get your work out into the world and before different audiences. Ami Vitale National Geographic photographer and Nikon Ambassador
Last week, I shared the excitement of being named a Highly Honored Finalist in the Wildlife category of Nature's Best Photography Competition—a moment of both personal and professional pride. Today, reflecting further on that honor, I want to draw attention to why competitions like Nature's Best matter far beyond individual accolades.
The 30th Anniversary Winter Edition of Nature’s Best Magazine is due out in Dec. 2025.
Wildlife photography competitions are more than showcases of artistic talent. They serve as powerful platforms for conservation storytelling. When images earn recognition and find a wider audience they amplify the message behind them: the urgent need to protect our planet's wildlife and wild places. Winning, or even being shortlisted, helps photographers and their subjects break through the noise. It often means these photographs are published, exhibited and shared reaching people who may never set foot in the depicted habitats. You don’t have to go on safari to care about elephants.
The Wisdom of Elephants ©kathykarn
Fujj X-T3 100-400mm f/4.5 - 5.6 R LM OIS WR lens +1.4 converter at 140mm; 1/1000 sec; at f/9.0; ISO 800 Handheld
Nature's Best Photography Competition holds a special place in my heart. I recall standing transfixed in front of Tim Man Lee’s winning image of a Silver Fox when I visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History as part of Nature’s Best Wyndham Smith Rice International Awards Show in Washington DC. The image spoke to the beauty of nature, the magic of a particular moment and the ability of one image to evoke emotion and story. I was inspired
Nature’s Best Bemjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards in Nairobi Oct. 2021.
Nature’s Best has been providing a global stage for visual storytellers for 30 years. The competition’s reputation ensures that honored photographs are seen by conservation organisations, policy makers, educators and the public. In 2021 I was over the moon to learn that two of my images were Highly Honored Finalists in Nature’s Best Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards. The competition celebrated 60 years of African Parks Conservation Leadership. Winning images were exhibited at Nairobi’s National Museum. Of course I had to go for the opening of the exhibition!
I was thrilled attend the opening of Nature’s Best Mkapa African Photography Competition held at the National Museum in Nairobi.
Beyond ascetics, Nature’s Best offers great educational value. The organization encourages entrants to include detailed captions and back stories inviting viewers to learn about the challenges facing the animals and ecosystems portrayed. Winners’ images are often featured in museum exhibits and conservation campaigns, fueling conversations and sometimes policy change.
An orphan elephant and a keeper at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage was a Highly Honored Finalist in the Conservation Heroes Category, National Museum Nairobi 2021.
Amboseli Elephants, Highly Honored Finalist in the Wildlife at Risk Category, Nairobi National Museum 2021
For photographers passionate about conservation this visibility is invaluable. Every honored image has the potential to sway hearts and minds casting votes for the wild in the world's on-going debate about its value. Photography competitions provide opportunities for like minded photographers to meet and share their passion. I’ve met some extraordinary photographers and conservationists thanks to Nature’s Best Photography Competitions.
See the complete collection of Winners and Top 100 finalists in the NBP Awards Gallery
Dr. Winnie Kiiru, renowned Kenyan biologist, elephant conservationist, and wildlife advocate. Dr. Kiiru is recognized for her strategic work advancing elephant protection. She has played a major role in policy advocacy; leading Kenya’s historic ivory burns to raise global awareness about elephant poaching.
Barbara Flemming, award-winning wildlife photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado
As I celebrate last week’s recognition, I also celebrate the ripple effect it can have. It’s what makes entering and supporting competitions like Nature’s Best not just a personal milestone, but a contribution to a much bigger movement. If you’re a photographer with a passion for a particular subject, I encourage you to enter competitions and share your work. Images have power!
Check out the rest of Nature’s Best 2025 Winners here.
Learn more about NBP at naturesbestphotography.org
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