Breathtaking photographs win Outdoor Photographer of the Year Award

By Francesca Street, CNN
3 minute read
Updated 12:22 PM EST, Tue January 23, 2018
<strong>Winner "Live the Adventure" category -- Mikolaj Nowacki (Poland): </strong>Nowaki took this photograph on a cruise ship on the Baltic Sea (somewhere on the way from the Swedish island of Utklippan to the Danish island of Christiansø). "It was my first cruise on a yacht on the open sea and there were only two of us -- myself and captain Jacek Pasikowski," he says in a statement. "It was a stormy day, but the captain -- who has more than 40 years of experience sailing in open seas -- remained completely calm and relaxed, even though waves were breaking over him every few minutes. While taking this picture I was hiding partly below a folding canvas roof: scared, but pretending not to be."
Winner "Live the Adventure" category -- Mikolaj Nowacki (Poland): Nowaki took this photograph on a cruise ship on the Baltic Sea (somewhere on the way from the Swedish island of Utklippan to the Danish island of Christiansø). "It was my first cruise on a yacht on the open sea and there were only two of us -- myself and captain Jacek Pasikowski," he says in a statement. "It was a stormy day, but the captain -- who has more than 40 years of experience sailing in open seas -- remained completely calm and relaxed, even though waves were breaking over him every few minutes. While taking this picture I was hiding partly below a folding canvas roof: scared, but pretending not to be."
Courtesy Mikolaj Nowacki/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>Winner "Spirit of Travel" category -- Andy Holliman (UK): </strong>Holliman took this atmospheric photograph of Kangerlussuaq Airport, Greenland: "It was the simple color palette of this scene that appealed to me, including the signposts that are apparently directing the planes to their destinations," says Holliman of the image.
Winner "Spirit of Travel" category -- Andy Holliman (UK): Holliman took this atmospheric photograph of Kangerlussuaq Airport, Greenland: "It was the simple color palette of this scene that appealed to me, including the signposts that are apparently directing the planes to their destinations," says Holliman of the image.
Courtesy Andy Holliman/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>Winner "At the Water's Edge" category -- Witold Ziomek (Poland)</strong>: This spectacular image of Thórsmörk (the valley of Thor) in Iceland was composed by Witold Ziomek on an Icelandic road trip. "We walked up to a viewpoint where we could see ... exactly nothing, due to the fog. We waited, and eventually the fog started to lift," says Ziomek.
Winner "At the Water's Edge" category -- Witold Ziomek (Poland): This spectacular image of Thórsmörk (the valley of Thor) in Iceland was composed by Witold Ziomek on an Icelandic road trip. "We walked up to a viewpoint where we could see ... exactly nothing, due to the fog. We waited, and eventually the fog started to lift," says Ziomek.
Courtesy Witold Ziomek/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>Winner "Under Exposed" category -- Saeed Rashid (UK)</strong>: Rashid took this shot of of fish swimming in Egypt's Red Sea: "You need to make sure you don't get too close as a photographer's hands make a very easy target and often get cut," he explains.
Winner "Under Exposed" category -- Saeed Rashid (UK): Rashid took this shot of of fish swimming in Egypt's Red Sea: "You need to make sure you don't get too close as a photographer's hands make a very easy target and often get cut," he explains.
Courtesy Saeed Rashid/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>Winner "Young Outdoor Photographer of the Year" -- Josiah Launstein (Canada)</strong>: 12-year-old Launstein took this shot of this Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, near Kamloops, British Columbia in Canada. "I love bighorns, and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are extra-special because they are an endangered species," says Launstein, who took the photograph in -25 C (-13 F) conditions.
Winner "Young Outdoor Photographer of the Year" -- Josiah Launstein (Canada): 12-year-old Launstein took this shot of this Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, near Kamloops, British Columbia in Canada. "I love bighorns, and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are extra-special because they are an endangered species," says Launstein, who took the photograph in -25 C (-13 F) conditions.
Courtesy Josiah Launstein/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>Winner "Light on the Land" -- Simon Baxter (UK)</strong>: Baxter took this eerie photograph of a North Yorkshire forest in Spring 2016: "The combination of the damp cobwebs, fallen birch, dominant old pine and the soft light filling this atmospheric and shallow valley makes it a favorite spot of mine for solitude," says Baxter.
Winner "Light on the Land" -- Simon Baxter (UK): Baxter took this eerie photograph of a North Yorkshire forest in Spring 2016: "The combination of the damp cobwebs, fallen birch, dominant old pine and the soft light filling this atmospheric and shallow valley makes it a favorite spot of mine for solitude," says Baxter.
Courtesy Simon Baxter/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>Winner "A View from Above" category -- Tom Sweetman (UK):</strong> In Chiang Mai, Thailand, Sweetman took this aerial photograph of the rushing river and the bridge below with a drone. The aerial category is new for 2017. "Some days you just capture the moment," says Sweetman.
Winner "A View from Above" category -- Tom Sweetman (UK): In Chiang Mai, Thailand, Sweetman took this aerial photograph of the rushing river and the bridge below with a drone. The aerial category is new for 2017. "Some days you just capture the moment," says Sweetman.
Courtesy Tom Sweetman/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>Winner "Wildlife Insight" -- Jose Fragozo (Portugal):</strong> While traveling in the Nairobi National Park, Kenya, Fragozo took the photograph of these animals: "The photo was taken from inside a 4x4 vehicle, and the major challenge was keeping the camera and lens dry," explains Fragozo.
Winner "Wildlife Insight" -- Jose Fragozo (Portugal): While traveling in the Nairobi National Park, Kenya, Fragozo took the photograph of these animals: "The photo was taken from inside a 4x4 vehicle, and the major challenge was keeping the camera and lens dry," explains Fragozo.
Courtesy Jose Fragozo/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>Winner "Small World" -- William Mallett (United Kingdom)</strong>: Mallett took this picture in his garden in Saffron Walden, Essex, England. "The asparagus plant in my garden -- which has become a bush and produced berries -- is a haven for wildlife," says Mallett. "I normally look for spiders in it to photograph, but on this particular evening, after a rain shower, it was covered in tiny snails."
Winner "Small World" -- William Mallett (United Kingdom): Mallett took this picture in his garden in Saffron Walden, Essex, England. "The asparagus plant in my garden -- which has become a bush and produced berries -- is a haven for wildlife," says Mallett. "I normally look for spiders in it to photograph, but on this particular evening, after a rain shower, it was covered in tiny snails."
Courtesy William Mallett/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
Breathtaking photographs win Outdoor Photographer of the Year Awards
CNN  — 

From shoals of fish swimming in the Red Sea to the spectacular Valley of Thor in Iceland, there’s no shortage of natural wonders showcased in 2017’s winning Outdoor Photographer of the Year entries.

Now in its seventh year, this prestigious competition continues to showcase the best images taken by adventurers across the world.

This year the competition received over 18,000 entries by photographers from over 60 countries.

The overall winner and runner-up won’t be unveiled until March – but the nine category winners have been announced.

The creative categories include “Wildlife Insight,” “Spirit of Travel” and “Young Outdoor Photographer of the Year.”

Adventures big and small

This shot by Witold Ziomek showcases the Icelandic valley of Thor and won the "At the Water's Edge" category.
This shot by Witold Ziomek showcases the Icelandic valley of Thor and won the "At the Water's Edge" category.
Courtesy Witold Ziomek/Outdoor Photographer of the Year

Winner of the “At the Water’s Edge” category is Witold Ziomek, from Poland, who photographed Thórsmörk (the valley of Thor) in Iceland. His spectacular shot captures this mist-ridden gorge from an elevated position, adding to the sense of grandeur.

“Wildlife Insight” was won by Jose Fragozo from Portugal, who captured giraffes roaming in Nairobi National Park, Kenya.

Meanwhile, a particularly dramatic shot was taken by Mikolaj Nowacki, from Poland, who photographed the captain of a yacht traversing the Baltic Sea, en route to the Danish island of Christiansø.

Simon Baxter captured a moment of solitude in a North Yorkshire forest, which which won the "Light on the Land" category.
Simon Baxter captured a moment of solitude in a North Yorkshire forest, which which won the "Light on the Land" category.
Courtesy Simon Baxter/Outdoor Photographer of the Year

“It was a stormy day, but the captain – who has more than 40 years of experience sailing in open seas – remained completely calm and relaxed, even though waves were breaking over him every few minutes,” says Nowacki in a statement.

Calmer moments were captured by British photographers Simon Baxter and William Mallet. Baxter photographed an eerie private woodland, taking home the winning shot in “Light on the Land.” Meanwhile Mallet photographed snails on his asparagus plant in his garden.

Related article Winners of the 2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year contest

Experienced and fledgling photographers

New for this was the aerial category, "A View from Above," won by Tom Sweetman of the United Kingdom for this photograph of Chiang Mai, Thailand.
New for this was the aerial category, "A View from Above," won by Tom Sweetman of the United Kingdom for this photograph of Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Courtesy Tom Sweetman/Outdoor Photographer of the Year

A new 2017 category was “A View from Above,” aimed at drone photographers.

Tom Sweetman from the UK won this award with his vibrant shot of rushing rivers in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Josiah Launstein from Canada won the coveted “Young Outdoor Photographer of the Year” prize for his shot of a Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep in British Columbia in Canada.

12-year-old Canadian Josiah Launstein was crowned "Young Outdoor Photographer of the Year," thanks to this shot of a sheep.
12-year-old Canadian Josiah Launstein was crowned "Young Outdoor Photographer of the Year," thanks to this shot of a sheep.
Courtesy Josiah Launstein/Outdoor Photographer of the Year

“I love bighorns, and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are extra-special because they are an endangered species,” says Launstein in a statement.

“Photographing at -25 C [-13 F] is always a challenge and I was afraid I wouldn’t have time to get my camera on my tripod before the ram disappeared from view,” he adds.

Launstein used his natural instinct to capture the moment for posterity.

Related article The world's best photography vacations

The portfolio

This shot of Nairobi National Park by Jose Fragazo won "Wildlife Insight."
This shot of Nairobi National Park by Jose Fragazo won "Wildlife Insight."
Courtesy Jose Fragozo/Outdoor Photographer of the Year

The Outdoor Photographer of the Year competition runs in partnership with outdoor gear manufacturer Fjällräven and the overall winner will win £3,000 ($4,180) worth of equipment, garments and accessories.

The grand reveal will take place live on stage at The Photography Show at the NEC, Birmingham, UK on March 17, 2018.

The winners, alongside other outstanding entries, will be showcased in this book.
The winners, alongside other outstanding entries, will be showcased in this book.
Courtesy Outdoor Photographer of the Year

The Outdoor Photographer of the Year team has also compiled a book showcasing some of the best images entered into competition.

The book, “Outdoor Photographer of the Year: Portfolio III,” has been published by Ammonite Press: RRP £25 – UK publication date March 17, 2018, US publication date August 2018 – RRP $35.

Check out other outstanding entries from this year’s competition in the gallery below.

<strong>"View from Above" category -- Laura Daly (UK):</strong> Daly was on vacation on the Isle of Skye when she took this drone photograph of Duntulm Castle: "I chose to include the bright blue water of the ocean as it perfectly complemented the lush green grass, especially with the soft sunset light catching the walls of the castle," says Daly in a statement. "The view from above captures the beauty and lure of Skye, both natural and man-made."
"View from Above" category -- Laura Daly (UK): Daly was on vacation on the Isle of Skye when she took this drone photograph of Duntulm Castle: "I chose to include the bright blue water of the ocean as it perfectly complemented the lush green grass, especially with the soft sunset light catching the walls of the castle," says Daly in a statement. "The view from above captures the beauty and lure of Skye, both natural and man-made."
Courtesy Laura Daly/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>"Young Outdoor Photographer of the Year" category -- Alicia Hayden (United Kingdom)</strong>: Young photographer Hayden took this photograph of a puffin on the Isle of May in Scotland: "The misty gray background and subtle yellow lichens were the perfect background for the beautiful colors of this puffin's bright, breeding-season beak," says Hayden.
"Young Outdoor Photographer of the Year" category -- Alicia Hayden (United Kingdom): Young photographer Hayden took this photograph of a puffin on the Isle of May in Scotland: "The misty gray background and subtle yellow lichens were the perfect background for the beautiful colors of this puffin's bright, breeding-season beak," says Hayden.
Courtesy Alicia Hayden/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>"Spirit of Travel" category -- Gunarto Gunawan (Indonesia):</strong> Gunawan was visiting Shwe Gu monastery, Bagan in Myanmar, when he took this photograph of young boys who are training to be Buddhist monks. "I showed them a funny video on my iPhone -- I did not expect them to be so excited!" recalls the photographer. "In the end, they were all scrambling to watch the video. Seeing them laugh, I immediately took my camera and photographed this magical moment."
"Spirit of Travel" category -- Gunarto Gunawan (Indonesia): Gunawan was visiting Shwe Gu monastery, Bagan in Myanmar, when he took this photograph of young boys who are training to be Buddhist monks. "I showed them a funny video on my iPhone -- I did not expect them to be so excited!" recalls the photographer. "In the end, they were all scrambling to watch the video. Seeing them laugh, I immediately took my camera and photographed this magical moment."
Courtesy Gunarto Gunawan/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>"Under Exposed" category -- Pekka Turri (Finland):</strong> This shot of a great white shark was taken by Turri in Isla Guadalupe, Mexico. "From out of the 'mist', I saw this great white shark lurking behind a school of fusiliers," recalls Turri.
"Under Exposed" category -- Pekka Turri (Finland): This shot of a great white shark was taken by Turri in Isla Guadalupe, Mexico. "From out of the 'mist', I saw this great white shark lurking behind a school of fusiliers," recalls Turri.
Courtesy Pekka Tuuri/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>"At the Water's Edge" category -- Jaak Sarv (Estonia)</strong>: Sarv's image of Prandi Springs, Järva County, Estonia aims to capture "the magic" of an Estonian winter. "As the morning sun peeked out from behind the frost-covered trees it was like being in a fairy tale, with the warm orange light starting to penetrate the desolate blue landscape," he says. "To make the most of the scene I created a stitched panorama, reflecting the cinematic drama of the location."
"At the Water's Edge" category -- Jaak Sarv (Estonia): Sarv's image of Prandi Springs, Järva County, Estonia aims to capture "the magic" of an Estonian winter. "As the morning sun peeked out from behind the frost-covered trees it was like being in a fairy tale, with the warm orange light starting to penetrate the desolate blue landscape," he says. "To make the most of the scene I created a stitched panorama, reflecting the cinematic drama of the location."
Courtesy Jaak Sarv/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>"Light on the Land" category -- Wojciech Kruczynski (Poland)</strong>: Kallur lighthouse on the Faroe Islands was captured by Kruczynski in this nine-frame shot. "My journey involved an aeroplane, bus, ferry, another bus and then a long walk on foot. I had to walk through a tunnel that is close to one and a half miles long and then do roughly the same distance along a mountain sheep path," recalls Kruczynski.
"Light on the Land" category -- Wojciech Kruczynski (Poland): Kallur lighthouse on the Faroe Islands was captured by Kruczynski in this nine-frame shot. "My journey involved an aeroplane, bus, ferry, another bus and then a long walk on foot. I had to walk through a tunnel that is close to one and a half miles long and then do roughly the same distance along a mountain sheep path," recalls Kruczynski.
Courtesy Wojciech Kruczynski/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>"Live the Adventure" category -- Mark Bridgwater (New Zealand):</strong> Bridgwater took this photograph at Temple Basin, Arthur's Pass, Canterbury, New Zealand. "There are some moments in time when the photography stars align; clouds break in the perfect spot and the sun shines exactly where you are standing," says Bridgwater.
"Live the Adventure" category -- Mark Bridgwater (New Zealand): Bridgwater took this photograph at Temple Basin, Arthur's Pass, Canterbury, New Zealand. "There are some moments in time when the photography stars align; clouds break in the perfect spot and the sun shines exactly where you are standing," says Bridgwater.
Courtesy Mark Bridgwater/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>"Wildlife Insight" category -- Bence Máté (Hungary):</strong> This red fox and white-tailed eagle were photographed at the Kiskunság National Park in Hungary. "Over the last four winters I have spent more than 200 full days photographing from a hide, and in this time there have been only three occasions when I've seen a fox and an eagle together," says Máté.
"Wildlife Insight" category -- Bence Máté (Hungary): This red fox and white-tailed eagle were photographed at the Kiskunság National Park in Hungary. "Over the last four winters I have spent more than 200 full days photographing from a hide, and in this time there have been only three occasions when I've seen a fox and an eagle together," says Máté.
Courtesy Bence Máté/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
<strong>"Small World" category -- Amy Bateman (UK): </strong>In<strong> </strong>Kendal, Cumbria, England, Bateman photographed frogspawn found in a puddle on her farm. "We rescued it as a way to teach my children about wildlife conservation and ecology, keeping it on our patio in a fish tank," says Bateman.
"Small World" category -- Amy Bateman (UK): In Kendal, Cumbria, England, Bateman photographed frogspawn found in a puddle on her farm. "We rescued it as a way to teach my children about wildlife conservation and ecology, keeping it on our patio in a fish tank," says Bateman.
Courtesy Amy Bateman/Outdoor Photographer of the Year
Stunning entries for Outdoor Photographer of the Year Awards