The World Nature Photography Awards (WNPA) have introduced their 2026 winners. Australian photographer Jono Allen gained the highest honor for his distinctive portrait of a uncommon white humpback whale and her mom.
“Sharing this moment with Mãhina and her protective mother is a memory that will live with me forever. It was undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary days I have ever experienced in the ocean — and perhaps ever will,” says the profitable photographer, Allen. “To be announced World Nature Photographer of the Year through capturing this unique mother and calf bond has made what was already a truly life changing encounter even more profound and humbling. I feel beyond honored to receive this award.”
Allen bested photographers from 51 international locations throughout six continents, who entered 1000’s of lovely nature pictures.
“As the awards continue to grow, so too does the diversity and quality of work submitted from across the globe,” explains Adrian Dinsdale, co-founder of the WNPAs. The World Nature Photography Awards have been based in 2020 with the aim of not solely selling the world’s finest nature pictures but additionally inspiring folks to attach deeper with nature. WNPA companions with Ecologi to plant a tree each time somebody enters the competitors as nicely.
“This year’s winning images are a powerful reminder of both the wonder of our planet and the importance of protecting it. We congratulate Jono and all of our category winners on their outstanding achievements.”
On that observe, photographers competed throughout 14 totally different classes. The judges awarded the highest three pictures in every class: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. All 42 profitable pictures are featured beneath, together with a second take a look at Jono Allen’s total profitable picture, which took the Gold within the fiercely contested Underwater class.
World Nature Photography Awards 2026 Category Winners
Many of the profitable pictures featured above can be found as prints from the World Nature Photography Awards’ online store. Alongside saying the 2026 winners, the 2027 WNPAs are actually formally open for entry, and photographers can enter at early-bird charges till March 30, 2026. Complete entry particulars and rules are available on the competition’s website.
Image credit: World Nature Photography Awards. Individual photographers are credited within the picture captions.
