A polar bear lounges in a field of pink flowers. An arctic fox skips gingerly as the thaw of spring moves in. And a baby chimpanzee sips a bottle.
The 2024 Nature Photography Contest showcases the complicated beauty and inspiring resiliency of our planet. Photographer Christopher Paetkau took home top honors (and a €1000 prize) for his captivating photo “Polar Bear Amid Fireweed Blooms” (seen below), taken in Manitoba, Canada.
Photography of the Year 2024
“This series captures an unforgettable moment on a remote island known as Fireweed Island, nestled in Western Hudson Bay between Churchill, Manitoba—the Polar Bear Capital of the World—and the Nunavut border. With less than 24 hours on the island, I awoke at 4 AM to the first light of dawn, when polar bears are most active. Stepping beyond the bear fence, I encountered a majestic polar bear wandering through a sea of blazing magenta fireweed. The scene was surreal—the golden hues of sunrise mingled with the vibrant fireweed, creating a breathtaking backdrop as the bear hunted for Arctic Terns among the rocks. After a successful hunt and a morning snack, the bear settled into the fireweed for rest. These images, captured using a Mavic PRO3 drone at a respectful distance, reflect the serene beauty of the moment, with the bear undisturbed in its natural element. This fleeting experience was a powerful reminder of the raw magic and tranquility of the Arctic wilderness.”
Credit: Christopher Paetkau / Nature Photography Contest
“With its colors, composition, and underlying message, Christopher Paetkau’s photograph represents the very essence of nature and photography. It serves as a reminder of the countless reasons why we must cherish and protect our planet,” The Nature Photography Contest shared in a press release.
Photographer Thomas Vijayan nabbed the title Photographer of the Year. Vijayan’s portfolio of work…
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