1ST PRIZE: MATHIEU VANDERSTICHELE

This image stood out immediately for its striking symmetry and extraordinary control of tone and texture. The black-and-white treatment elevates the subject beyond documentation, drawing out an almost anthropomorphic presence that invites connection and contemplation. Every element feels intentional — precise yet emotionally resonant — resulting in a portrait that is both restrained and undeniably powerful. It’s a beautifully executed photograph that lingers. – RANDAL FORD

A very interesting perspective on a magnificent subject, this monochrome portrait reminds us that, in reality, we are not the ones watching, but the ones who are watched. The animal kingdom is the one ruling the world; we are just part of the crowd. Just look at this impressive bird, with its fascinating gaze and beautiful feathers. It’s impossible to look away! – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – There was an animal, silent and black as the night, who seemed to be everywhere you looked. Sometimes on a branch, sometimes behind a window, sometimes shimmering in the water. People whispered that he always saw you, not to punish you, but to remind you that you are never truly alone.

2ND PRIZE: ADAM COISH

I ultimately found myself drawn to the saturated color and stylized construction of this image from the series Hues of a Feather. The carefully orchestrated set transforms the space into something that feels less artificial and more like an imagined, chromatic jungle. The palette is bold yet controlled, allowing the subject to hold presence within a highly designed environment. It’s a confident and immersive use of color that feels both playful and deliberate. – RANDAL FORD

This exquisite shot captures the moment beautifully and celebrates the animal kingdom in all its splendor. The décor enhances the bird’s features, from its colors to its gracious flight, the entire composition doing nothing but making the subject stand out. Lighting, space, and color serve the same purpose: the entire production in the service of the playful model, denoting photographic passion at the highest level. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A photograph of Tekin, a Blue Crown Conure, taking flight in an oversaturated set. A part of a photo series titled “Hues of a Feather”, a vibrant collection of images that highlights the rich tones and intricate details of our avian companions.

JEREMY SKIRROW

Seeing the conditions in which animals live because of us is disheartening, but, nonetheless, a valuable lesson. The frame is crowded with visual elements, heavy in contrast, and impactful. It takes a while to notice the subject, and when one does notice it, it breaks the heart. It’s a good example of the power of photography to raise awareness and force us to acknowledge what we so often choose to ignore. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Landfill. Fez, Morocco, September 2025.

SOPHIE KULLER

An artful environmental portrait to remind us of the lovely connection between humans and animals. The composition is harmonious and appealing, with layer upon layer of beauty and warmth. It’s an atemporal postcard one wants to look at again and again because everything falls into place smoothly: a picturesque view, an emotional subject, soft lighting, and warm colors. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Ben & Nori.

MILE MODIC

Cats are extremely photogenic but very fussy in front of the camera, a combination that attracts many photographers and disappoints many more. So, it’s also even more commendable to se the bonding and reciprocal understanding that went into making this photograph. The composition is complex, with multiple layers that keep the eye engaged for longer, and artful due to very wise choices of aesthetic and shooting angle. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – “You can see everywhere you look”.

LUCA CRUDELI

Here is a masterclass in working with patterns in photography. Not only does the image depict the subject’s natural habitat and behavior accurately, but it also produces a very appealing and mesmerizing composition. Exquisite use of color contrast and space, and a very nice-to-have addition that breaks the monotony of the otherwise regular pattern, combine to produce a memorable work of art. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Planktonic tunicates (salps, Thaliacea) forming a living matrix, with a tiny crustacean hitchhiker embedded in the bloom.

VALERIE FRANC

Capturing such fluid and gracious movements from such a close angle is extremely rewarding. It makes the viewer’s heart beat faster, as if they were witnessing the performance themselves, as if they were able to caress the horses. But even though the scene existed for only a fraction of a second, the composition is well-balanced, crystal clear, and artistic, highlighting the photographer’s excellent technical skills and presence. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Two horses play fighting to assert dominance.

SAM BLOUNT

Not many people have the opportunity to witness the wilderness of Antarctica, which is why we need photographs like this one to amaze us, to take us close to animals we may never encounter. The subject is not the only amazing aspect of this shot. The camera angle and the framing are stunning as well, showing the photographer’s deep engagement with and love for the animal world. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Taken while diving in the frigid waters of Antarctica.

NICOLE LAND

Storytelling in insect photography is extremely challenging but equally rewarding. By choosing an unusual angle and fully embracing the subject’s natural behavior, the photographer offers us a unique peek into the world of insects. It’s basically an environmental portrait, sharp, clear, and well-balanced, with beautiful lighting and natural leading lines that point to the main subject. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Echoes of Appetite. Mottled Tortoise Beetle peeks through the holes it chewed in the leaf.

BRICE TRIBOLLET

Capturing the strength and grandiosity of the animal kingdom is the goal of any wildlife photographer. The lack of color enhances the features of this hippopotamus, and the closeness highlights the proportions. The frame is very well curated to let the animal’s features speak for themselves. As a result, the shot is intense and memorable, a true testimony to the power of wildlife photography. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Devil’s Eye, Uganda, June 2021. Hippos have such prehistoric appearances, they look like they are from another world. The hippos are the deadliest animals in the African bush. Even if they are herbivores, they are extremely territorial and very aggressive with anything that crosses their private space. They have a look in their eyes that I have never seen in any other animal. This image was taken about 15 meters from the shore, and when I saw this look in the viewfinder of my camera, I was literally scared. It was an intense sensation looking at this creature that could easily snap me in half if it wanted to.

Hippopotamuses, with their impressive size, unique adaptations, and complex social structures, add richness to the diverse tapestry of African wildlife. As we continue to explore and appreciate the wonders of the animal kingdom, the conservation of hippos and their habitats becomes increasingly vital to ensure that future generations can marvel at these extraordinary creatures in the wild.

SEPPO TUOMAALA

Great use of lighting and composition in capturing the magic of this place and its inhabitants! The reflections, the golden hour light, the colors, the diagonal leading line, everything is spot on. The serene atmosphere is undisturbed, like it should be. Clearly, the photographer invested a lot of patience and kindness in waiting for the decisive moment, which is the right attitude to have when photographing animals. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Kerkini Pelicans. Two pelicans flying over Lake Kerkini in the magical light of a Greek winter afternoon.

JENNIFER CHASSAGNOL

A lovely portrait that highlights the many characters in the animal kingdom, this simple shot excels in composition and storytelling. By stripping the frame of any distraction, the photographer concentrates all the viewer’s attention on the main subjects and their strong bond. After all, they provide everything the narrative needs, from character to contrast to plot. Their joyful mood is infectious! – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – The rescue Lambs. Ewegene is a rescue lamb of gentle charm and quiet grace, his striking black head and soft white body reflecting an innocence filled with cautious curiosity. By his side, Lamington, a white rescue lamb with an adventurous, playful spirit brings balance to their bond, adding a spark of joy to every shared moment.

JIM NAUGHTEN

Surreal and intriguing, this fine art photograph raises more questions than it provides answers. This is not the animal world as we know it, but still, due to our unwise actions, it may very well become. The artificial colors are striking, the sadness obvious, the apocalyptical feeling undeniable. Outstanding storytelling skills and a powerful photographic style. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Gorilla, from a series called Eremozoic, which aims to highlight our disconnection from the natural world, by creating fictional, uncanny images of wildlife that are engaging but ask the viewer to question what they are seeing, in order to create discourse about our fractured relationship with nature. The images are created in natural history museums and altered in post-production.

DANIEL RAMOS

The photographer chose the most dramatic angle, the one that puts the relationship in focus rather than individual appearances. The viewer receives an impressive subject, meaningful context, dynamism, a beautiful stance, light and shadow, and all sorts of contrasts. It takes some time to get through the entire frame, make sense of all the elements, and put your thoughts together. This image is food for thought. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Santiago Zapotitlán, México, 2025.

CÉDRIC BERVILLÉ

It’s a powerful image in which one can easily get lost in the subjects’ sparkling love gaze and tight embrace. Colorful and touching, this photograph shows once more how amazing the animal kingdom is, how diverse and vibrant in its emotions. Exquisite technical choices: getting close, filling the frame, using a black background, all these enhance image quality and contribute to a very successful photograph. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Plumes amoureuses (love birds)

ALES KRIVEC

What an artistic fashion of using rim light! Playing on the recognizable shape of the ibex, the photographer dares to clear the frame of everything, leaving only a few strokes of light here and there. However, the composition is not strictly aesthetic. In its extremely minimalist fashion, it tells a story, and that’s a very ambitious goal for a picture in two tones. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – “Black and White”. Alpine ibex, from the high mountains of the Julian Alps. It’s always a great pleasure to observe them in their routine, especially on magical mornings with beautiful light.

HELGA MADAJOVA

Whimsical, entertaining, and artful, this double portrait highlights the playful character of dogs and breaks the norms of studio photography. It’s an image that starts conversations, one that stays with you and makes you smile, which is a huge accomplishment for a photograph. At the same time, it is technically impeccable, featuring beautiful light, crisp edges, and a harmonious color palette. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – “Next, please”.

ANDREA DUBLASKI

This unique portrait highlights the subject’s beauty, stance, and dramatic environment. At the same time, it underlines the photographer’s storytelling and compositional abilities. The background is dramatic, but cleverly used to make the subject stand out. The lighting, space, and contrast are finely balanced to match the impressive subject and show it off. The entire composition is a performance, and a very good one. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – “Who is the most beautiful bird on the planet?” Southern Zambia.

SIAN ELIZABETH

The photographer chose the camera angle and framing that make the subject stand out the most, empowering it to tell its story and reveal its personality. It’s an inclusive and equalitarian approach, much suited to animal photography. The color palette and diffused contrast provide the ambience we need to understand the subject’s way of life. Overall, the image is as entertaining as it is educational, checking all the boxes of good photography. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Chinstrap Mountain. At the top of a mountain deep in the Antarctic Peninsula was this Chinstrap penguin colony, filled with hundreds of nesting pairs going about their daily lives. The commute up is hard enough for us, let alone for a little penguin, although they proved that they are masters at a difficult climb and actually favour it. The higher up the nest, the higher the success rates for chicks.

ORY SCHNEOR

The animal kingdom is full of wonder, and one can only be grateful for being taken so close to it. This intimate shot takes your breath away. The colors alone leave you in awe. But it’s the kindness and loving care of the photographer that impresses you the most, because it takes a strong connection and an open heart to capture such a delicate moment without disturbing the subject. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – I love getting closer to the animals and discovering all the fine details they have.