Three Decades of Sensational Earth Photography: One Competition's Impact on Our Perspective of the Globe
Thirty long years ago, Stephen Freligh was crafting tales with a lens as a photo editor for the National Wildlife Federation, while his wife, Deborah, brought the vibrant pulse of nature to life as an art director and illustrator.
But their passion for the untamed and the wild were more than just a profession, it was a burning desire that birthed Nature's Best Photography.
A cherished dream to showcase the raw, earthy beauty of our planet through the power of visual narratives was realized with the help of their freelance editor, Jim Watson. Together they transformed a mere idea into an international spectacle, a stage for nature's most awe-inspiring moments one frame at a time.
Stephen shared, "Our inspiration is the community of nature photographers who traverse the globe to capture the diversity and beauty of our planet. The powerful images they bring home awaken our desire to explore, enjoy, and protect our natural world."
As it steps into its third decade, Nature's Best Photography has transcended beyond a mere competition. It has revolutionized the way we perceive and appreciate the natural world, fostering conversations, driving conservation, and instilling a fresh sense of awe.
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From breathtaking landscapes to intimate wildlife encounters, Nature's Best Photography has meticulously curated a visual archival testament to the splendor and vulnerability of our planet for three decades now.
In celebration of its celebrated anniversary, we take a trip down memory lane, tracing the evolution of this competition that transcended borders, shaped careers, and redefined our connection with nature itself.
Nature's Best Photography: A Story Unfolding
Stephen and Deborah spent their formative years engrossed in the world of conservation-driven photography at the National Wildlife Federation. However, they felt that something was missing - a dedicated platform that elevated nature photography to the realm of art and offered it the recognition it deserved.
"What set us apart from other nature-focused publications was our unwavering commitment to the quality of photography and reproducing images with the finest papers and inks," explained Stephen.*
It wasn't long before their dream gained momentum. The competition spawned by Nature's Best Photography soon cemented its reputation as a bastion of excellence in the world of photography.
Nature's Best Photography: Broadening Our Perception
From inception, the contest attracted entries that resonated deeply with the community. These weren't just beautiful photographs; they were stories skillfully captured within a single frame, capable of forging a deeper bond with nature.
Daisy Gilardini, the 2016 Grand Prize winner, summed it up best, "As environmental photographers, it is our duty to capture the beauty of places and species at risk and raise awareness through the universal power of imagery."
Photographers hailing from across the globe echoed this sense of responsibility. Luis Vilariño, the 2023 Grand Prize laureate, expressed, "Nature photography should inspire societal changes that foster a more sustainable world."
The images that left viewers awestruck were those that succinctly encapsulated nature's raw, unadulterated essence - such as Thomas Vijayan's evocative shot of a grizzly bear locked in a fierce stare with a leaping salmon at Brooks Falls in Alaska.*
Vijayan, who recently clinched The Nature Photography Contest's Photographer of the Year 2024 award, observed, "One can even witness the eye contact between the bear and the fish."
And just when you thought you had witnessed nature's finest, the subsequent year's entries proved otherwise.
The Real-World Influence of Nature's Best Photography
One of the most palpable examples of NBP's impact could be seen in its 22-year collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. For over two decades, award-winning photographs, often displayed nearly life-size, graced the grand halls visited by millions.*
The reach of the exhibition was staggering, and its impact profound. "Those were truly 'Nights at the Museum' that celebrated people with passion and purpose," Stephen reminisced.
More recently, the contest has expanded its horizons, gracing global venues - from Europe to Asia - whilst finding a permanent home at the Wonders of Wildlife Museum in Missouri.
It is not just the geography that has evolved; the contest remains steadfast in its mission, igniting conversations that stretch beyond the gallery.
Take Youth Photographer of the Year, Ashleigh Scully, for example, who began delivering presentations on environmental issues before graduating from high school.
Stephen notes with pride, "We have watched many blossom from youthful success to impressive achievements in their twenties and beyond. Both Deb and I feel like proud parents, blessed to be part of their journey."
To further engage photographers at all levels of expertise, they launched initiatives like Nature's Best Backyards and Nature's Best National Parks - invitations for photographers to find wonder right outside their doorstep.
Stephen emphasizes, "I wish more understood they are truly making a difference in the way the general public perceives nature. They are the messengers who motivate action."
Ten Images that Encompass the Soul of Nature's Best Photography
As Nature's Best Photography marked its 30th anniversary, Stephen and Deborah Freligh are adamant about maintaining their vision while keeping the core values that made it flourish. However, they acknowledge the necessity of evolution.*
"Our objective is to engage a new generation of Nature's Best evangelists who embody our principles yet bring fresh ideas that evolve and expand NBP for the next three decades," Stephen explained.
This evolution is already underway. Gabbing youth winners like Ashleigh Scully and Zander Galli have grown into articulate champions for wildlife and the environment.
Meanwhile, the global reach of the contest continues to expand, attracting more submissions, categories, and perspectives than ever before.
As Stephen said, "I wish more people understood they are truly making a difference in the way the general public perceives nature. They are the messengers who will motivate action."
Take the plunge and submit your entries for the 2025 edition of Nature's Best Photography until the end of March. People of all ages and levels of expertise can participate here.**
Can those stunning pictures from 30 years of Nature's Best Photography ignite a flame in your heart for the natural wonders that surround us? Discover where you fall on the Connectedness to Nature Scale**.
Stephen Freligh, a nature photographer who was once a photo editor for the National Wildlife Federation, has been a key figure in the evolution and success of Nature's Best Photography.
Over the past three decades, this renowned nature photography contest has not only fostered careers and showcased the beauty of our planet but has also acted as a catalyst for conversations, conservation initiatives, and a fresh sense of awe for the natural world.
Among its numerous accomplishments, Nature's Best Photography collaborated with the Smithsonian to display award-winning photographs in its museum, inspiring millions and catalyzing real-world change.
Today, the contest continues to expand its global reach, attract more entries, and continue its mission to inspire a new generation of photographers to communicate the importance of conservation through their powerful visual narratives.
Photographers can submit their entries for the 2025 edition of Nature's Best Photography until the end of March, joining the ranks of outstanding nature photographers who have contributed to the contest's rich history.
