\u201cAt first glance, this mesmerising image appears to depict leaves adrift in a cosmic sky \u2013 but on closer look, each shape reveals itself as a bird in graceful flight,\u201d said judges\u2019 chairman Tin Man Lee.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith its ethereal colours, perfect balance, and otherworldly atmosphere, the image evokes a dreamlike sense of wonder that feels both universal and timeless.\u201d<\/p>\n
Keilin\u2019s photograph was chosen from a record-breaking 24,781 entries from photographers in over 96 countries in this year\u2019s competition, announced at the Nature Talks Photo Festival in Amsterdam earlier this month.<\/p>\n
Winners were also chosen across 13 individual categories, with Keilin also taking out the Birds section. <\/p>\n
\u201cEvery photo competition brings its own challenges, and some categories spark more debate than others,\u201d jury member Kristel Schneider said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, our discussions touched on impact, originality, and the very definition of nature photography. I\u2019m delighted that many winners this year pushed boundaries \u2013 through creative vision, innovative technique, or the courage to show nature from a fresh perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Nature Photographer of the Year competition is organised by Nature Talks, the organisation behind the annual Nature Talks Photo Festival \u2013 a comprehensive nature photography event featuring a wide range of genres, including macro, landscape, underwater, wildlife and storytelling, bringing creators together for educational talks by world-class photographers, Q&A sessions and masterclasses.<\/p>\n
The Festival also supports NGOs and other organisations in helping nature, choosing Photographers Against Wildlife Crime for the event in 2025.<\/p>\n
Entries for next year\u2019s event open on December 8. Details for that and all the winners and runners-up from this year\u2019s contest can be seen at www.naturephotographeroftheyear.com.<\/p>\n