NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Check out the Winning Photos From the 2018 Nature’s Best Photography Awards

60 stunning photographs depicting the beauty and diversity of nature are on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History through September 2019.

African Bush Elephant, Skeleton Coast, Namib Desert, Namibia by Arby Lipman. Winner of “African Wildlife.” (© Arby Lipman, Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2018)
African Bush Elephant, Skeleton Coast, Namib Desert, Namibia by Arby Lipman. Winner of “African Wildlife.” (© Arby Lipman, Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2018)

Each year, thousands of photographers from across the globe submit their finest photos to the Nature’s Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards in hopes of winning the grand prize. This year, more than 26,000 photos depicting the beauty and diversity of nature entered the renowned competition. Of those, 60 stunning images, including the winners, are on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History through September 2019. Check out the winning photographs below.

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Polar Ice Formation, Svalbard, Norway by Andy Rouse. Winner of “Polar Passion.” © Andy Rouse, Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2018
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Bull Moose, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA by Isaac Spotts. Winner of the “Youth Photographer of the Year” award. © Isaac Spotts, Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2018
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Silver Fox, Northern Washington, USA by Tin Man Lee. Winner of “Wildlife.” © Tin Man Lee, Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2018)
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Edith Creek Sunset, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA by Chase Dekker. Winner of “Landscapes.” © Chase Dekker, Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2018
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Sumatran Orangutan, Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia by Marco Gaiotti. Winner of “Conservation Story.” © Marco Gaiotti, Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2018
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Gray Whale, Magdalena Bay, near San Carlos, Baja California Sur, Mexico by Claudio Contreras Koob. Winner of “Ocean Views.” © Claudio Contreras Koob, Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2018
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Hiking Proxy Falls, Willamette National Forest, McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, USA by Mark Chen. Winner of “Outdoor Adventure.” © Mark Chen, Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2018
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Jabiru and Nest, Pantanal, Brazil by Petr Bambousek. Winner of “Birds.” © Petr Bambousek, Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2018
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Mountain Gorilla and Baby, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda by Nelis Wolmarans. Grand prize winner. © Nelis Wolmarans, Nature’s Best Photography Awards 2018
Anna Torres

Anna Torres is a Public Affairs Specialist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. She translates the museum’s science and history-based research and collections information into compelling stories through media relations and the museum’s blog, with additional duties in communications and public affairs. When she isn’t at the museum, Anna spends her time traveling and playing soccer. Anna holds an MA in history and public history from American University.