Get ready to feast your eyes on some jaw-dropping images that showcase the sheer beauty of our planet. We’re diving into the Siena International Photo Awards, where photographers from all over the world have captured Mother Nature at her finest.
For this article, we’ve gathered the winning images from 2015 to 2023 in the category of “The Beauty of Nature.” So sit back, relax, and let’s take a stroll through the best of nature’s wonders.
#1 “Show Time” By Hasan Baglar
1st place winner of 2022
“A line of small erupting craters in the West of the Land of Ice and Fire. A river of lava guides the viewer’s eye, while thick smoke rises high into the sky. Seeing a volcanic eruption, hearing and smelling it, and feeling the unbelievable heat on your skin is a unique experience.”
The “Siena International Photo Awards”, alongside the “Drone Photo Awards” and the “Creative Photo Awards”, are hosted by Art Photo Travel and are open to all photographers from all around the world.
Art Photo Travel is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing and celebrating art, history, traditions, and natural wonders from all corners of the globe. According to the organizers, their mission is to introduce people to both popular and lesser-known destinations worldwide.
#2 “El Calbuco” By Francisco Negroni
1st place winner of 2018
“This photograph was taken during a violent night eruption of the Calbuco volcano in the Lagos region, Chile. An incredible dirt storm wraps the fumarole of the erupting volcano.”
#3 “The Awakening Of A Giant” By Francisco Negroni
2nd place winner of 2023
“Villarrica is the most active and dangerous volcano in Chile. After 7 years of dormancy, it has started showing signs of activity, prompting authorities to declare a Yellow Alert. The photo captures a stunning lenticular cloud illuminated by the glowing lava from the crater, which is now close to the surface.”
Selecting winners is not an easy task, so to learn more about that as well as the evolution of the “Beauty of Nature” category over the years, Beautynature reached out to Chiara Venturi, an event coordinator at Siena Awards. According to her, the judges typically evaluate entries in the “Beauty of Nature” category based on criteria such as composition, lighting, creativity, originality, technical skill, emotional impact, and the ability to capture the essence and beauty of nature. “They may also consider factors like the uniqueness of the perspective, the clarity of the subject, and how effectively the photograph communicates a sense of wonder or appreciation for the natural world.”
#4 “Tree Frog And Flower” By Liang Wu
3rd place winner of 2019
“An interesting picture-portrait of a pygmy frog (Oophaga Pumilio), native to the rainforests of Costa Rica.”
#5 “Best Friends” By Andi Abdul Halil
2nd place winner of 2019
“A lizard and a snail photographed in a special moment when they seem to be kissing with affection.”
Venturi shared that as photography techniques and technology advance, the “Beauty of Nature” category might have expanded to include a wider variety of subjects and artistic styles over time. “There may be an increased emphasis on creativity, originality, and storytelling within nature photography. With the growing awareness of environmental issues, submissions might also reflect a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a desire to raise awareness about conservation efforts.
Additionally, advancements in digital photography and editing software may have influenced the types of submissions received. While traditional landscape photography remains popular, there may be a rise in abstract or experimental approaches to capturing nature’s beauty.
Overall, the ‘Beauty of Nature’ category is likely to continue evolving as photographers explore new techniques, perspectives, and subjects, reflecting changing attitudes towards nature and the environment.”
#6 “Beast” By James Smart
1st place winner of 2017
“Chasing this storm in Black Hawk was amazing. After waiting hours for something to develop, the storm began to turn into a supercell. This absolutely stunning ship-like structure invaded and took over the Black Hawk area.”
#7 “Green Light Forest” By Shirley Wung
1st place winner of 2021
“A mountain path in the middle of a forest is illuminated by a multitude of “sparkling” fireflies that give the landscape a fairy-tale atmosphere. Their bioluminescence is part of the mating ritual, at the end of which the eggs are laid. Unfortunately, pollution hinders the reproduction of fireflies, and it is increasingly difficult to see shows like this one.”
Choosing winning images in a photo contest, especially for the “Beauty of Nature” category, involves careful evaluation by a panel of judges. Here are some general insights into the selection process and what makes the winning photos stand out, as shared by Venturi:
Composition: “Winning photos often demonstrate strong composition, with well-balanced elements that guide the viewer’s eye through the image. This includes considerations of framing, perspective, leading lines, and the arrangement of visual elements within the frame.”
Technical Excellence: “Judges look for images that showcase technical proficiency, including sharp focus, proper exposure, and effective use of lighting. High-quality resolution and clarity enhance the overall impact of the image.”
Creativity and Originality: “Winning photos stand out for their creativity and originality, offering a fresh perspective on familiar subjects or capturing unique moments in nature. Judges appreciate innovative approaches to composition, lighting, and subject matter.”
Emotional Impact: “Successful images evoke an emotional response from the viewer, whether it’s a sense of awe, wonder, serenity, or inspiration. Winning photos often convey a strong emotional connection to the beauty and power of nature.”
Storytelling: “Some winning photos excel in storytelling, conveying a narrative or capturing a decisive moment that resonates with viewers. Images that tell a compelling story or convey a deeper message about the relationship between humans and nature are often recognized.”
Uniqueness: “Judges look for images that stand out from the crowd and offer a fresh perspective on the theme of “Beauty of Nature.” Originality, creativity, and a unique vision help set winning photos apart from the rest.”
Overall, winning images in the “Beauty of Nature” category are those that skillfully balance technical proficiency with creativity, emotional depth, and a fresh perspective. They leave a memorable impact on both judges and viewers alike.
#8 “El Cordón Caulle II” By Francisco Negroni
2nd place winner of 2020
“In 2011 I witnessed an incredible dirty storm that occurred during the furious eruption of the Cordon Caulle, located in the region of the Rivers. The storm scared thousands of people who lived in the areas nearby the volcano. Hundreds of people were evacuated and the enormous amount of erupted ash buried many kilometers of forests and fields.”
#9 “Travelers” By Mariusz Potocki
3rd place winner of 2018
“A group of Chinstrap Penguins (Pygoscelis Antarctica) is resting on an iceberg. When sailing Antarctic waters you will often see different types of icebergs. Some of these floating islands are great resting places for hunting penguins who can travel many kilometers, before jumping back into the icy water.”
Photography has a special way of speaking to people, regardless of language. In our world, where protecting the environment is crucial, photography can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness and helping people appreciate nature more. As Venturi noted, “photography can tell compelling visual stories and fostering emotional connections.”
#10 “Lonely Island Sunrise” By Aya Okawa
3rd place winner of 2022
“Morning calm at the lonely island, just after sunrise and before the world wakes up. Only the photographer and a lone heron fishing at the island’s edge were present to enjoy the moment.”
#11 “Spanish Moss” By Mauro Battistelli
3rd place winner of 2020
“Early in the morning on a November day, inside the swamp, looking for the magnificent beauty of the Spanish moss. The late autumn colors made it appear almost monochromatic and the Bald Cypress stood in the still water creating an incredible reflection in the misty atmosphere.”
#12 “Galaxy Dolomites” By Ivan Pedretti
3rd place winner of 2016
“Panoramic view with the moonset at The Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Italy), also called Drei Zinnen, on a night in July at 2450m, during a photographic weekend with some landscaper friends.”
#13 “Migration” By Khalid Alsabt
2nd place winner of 2018
“In the desert of Dahana, in the center of Saudi Arabia, Bedouins migrate with camels from place to place, searching for food and water. I took this picture while a group of nomads was passing us with their camels, creating beautiful shadows in a peaceful atmosphere.”
#14 “Prince Of The Waters” By Yannick Gouguenheim
3rd place winner of 2017
“The common toads start going back to the river in February in order to reproduce. The frozen waters of this small river are by then clear enough and ideal for underwater photography. This image was taken in natural lights and apnea. I chose to work on blacklights to value this iconic species from fresh water.”
