Some photographs capture a fleeting moment, while others make us stop and see the world from an entirely different perspective. The winning images from the 2026 Photographers of the Year Contest, organized by the 1839 Awards, do both, revealing extraordinary beauty in nature, everyday life, and the unexpected.
This year’s competition received entries from 79 countries, matching its record for international participation. Gold awards were presented across 41 categories in both professional and non-professional divisions, celebrating an incredible range of photographic styles, from wildlife and architecture to street photography, portraits, and photojournalism.
Among the top winners, Giacomo Marchione was named International Photographer of the Year for The Invisible, a fascinating series exploring marine life after dark. Meanwhile, Dammy Twitch received the International Discovery of the Year award for What If We Lived Among Gods, a creative project blending Nigerian mythology with everyday life.
We’ve gathered a selection of remarkable winning photographs that show just how powerful a single image can be. From wild horses charging through the water and mesmerizing underwater scenes to moving human moments and breathtaking natural landscapes, each photograph tells a story of its own.
Take a look at these incredible images and let us know which one impressed you the most!
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#1 “Zeybeks” By Hasan Baglar (Non-Professional)
“Two praying mantises face each other on a slender branch, raising their front legs in a pose that resembles a traditional dance. In ‘Zeybeks,’ Hasan Baglar captures a fascinating moment in nature, highlighting the insects’ colorful, fan-shaped wings and remarkably synchronized movements. Against a soft golden background, the striking composition transforms this tiny encounter into an extraordinary display of beauty, symmetry, and elegance.”
Image source: 1839awards
#2 Overall Contest Winner: “The Invisible” By Giacomo Marchione (Professional)
“At night, the sea doesn’t sleep.When the sun sets and the sea seems to fall silent, one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles begins: the vertical migration of plankton. Millions of organisms rise from the depths to the surface, and in this upward migration,”
Image source: 1839awards
#3 Gold In Portrait Category (Professional): “Depths” By Emma Brawley
“Photographed at the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, New York, this striking portrait is part of a series that looks beyond the spectacle of the celebration. By photographing participants up close and from a low angle, Emma Brawley transforms elaborate costumes into larger-than-life characters, capturing the creativity, individuality, and imagination of the people behind the parade.”
Image source: 1839awards
#4 “Half Second Before” By Natalya Pyrogova
“A lone surfer rides an enormous wave as a towering wall of whitewater crashes down just behind him. Captured at a breathtaking moment, the photograph reveals the incredible power of the ocean and the remarkable courage required to face such extreme conditions. Natalya Pyrogova freezes a split second of danger, skill, and adrenaline, highlighting the dramatic contrast between human vulnerability and the unstoppable forces of nature.”
Image source: 1839awards
#5 “A Childhood Between Cattle And Dust” By Roberto Pazzi
“As the sun sets over a dusty landscape, a young boy stands beside a magnificent long-horned cow, gently resting his hand against its head. Surrounded by a large herd of cattle, the child appears completely at ease in a world shaped by animals, tradition, and the rhythms of rural life. Roberto Pazzi captures a tender moment of connection between the boy and the animal, revealing the beauty and resilience of a childhood lived close to nature.”
Image source: 1839awards
#6 “Back To Top” By Shinobu Yoshiwada (Non-Professional)
“In ‘Back to Top,’ photographer Shinobu Yoshiwada captures a breathtaking underwater scene in which thousands of silver fish form an enormous swirling formation above a lone freediver. The striking contrast between the diver’s small silhouette and the massive school of fish highlights the extraordinary scale and beauty of marine life. Bathed in deep blue tones and illuminated by sunlight filtering through the surface, the photograph reveals the mesmerizing patterns and movements of the underwater world.”
Image source: 1839awards
#7 Photographer Of The Year In Architecture Category (Professional): “Dragon Gates Of Hong Kong” By Derry Ainsworth
“This series explores a unique Feng Shui design principle in Hong Kong. Voids known as dragon gates are built into coastal high-rises so spirit dragons can fly from the mountains to the sea. Each image frames a different view, contrasting dense modern architecture with ancient culture.”
Image source: 1839awards
#8 “Swarm” By Mark Gray
“An extraordinary aerial perspective reveals a mesmerizing landscape of soft pink, white, fiery orange, and vivid blue. Intricate textures and colorful formations create patterns that resemble a swarm of tiny creatures moving across the surface. With its delicate details and almost painterly appearance, Mark Gray’s photograph blurs the boundaries between nature and abstract art, revealing the unexpected beauty hidden in the landscape.”
Image source: 1839awards
#9 “Deep Roots” By Alexander Seleznyov (Non-Professional)
“A solitary dead tree stands in the middle of a vast, cracked desert landscape, its exposed roots stretching across the dry ground. Above it, the magnificent arc of the Milky Way illuminates the night sky with countless stars and vibrant clouds of cosmic dust. Alexander Seleznyov creates a breathtaking contrast between the stillness of the barren landscape and the extraordinary beauty of the universe, capturing a scene that feels both timeless and otherworldly.”
Image source: 1839awards
#10 Photographer Of The Year In Landscapes Category (Professional): “Little Bird” By Anne Neiwand
“A solitary raven stands on a vast glacial snowfield, its dark, iridescent feathers contrasting with the surrounding white landscape. Behind it, brilliant blue ice emerges from the glacier’s deep fractures, highlighting the contrast between the small bird and the immense frozen wilderness.”
Image source: 1839awards
#11 “Reflective Realities” By Irina Kondrashova (Non-Professional)
“A crushed aluminum can becomes an unexpected work of art in this vibrant still-life photograph by Irina Kondrashova. In ‘Reflective Realities,’ the metallic surface captures distorted reflections of bright yellow, red, and blue surroundings, while a flower stem rising behind the can adds an intriguing natural element. The striking combination of everyday objects, bold colors, and reflective textures transforms an ordinary scene into a fascinating abstract composition.”
Image source: 1839awards
#12 “Reflexiones Geométricas” By Elizabeth Crane (Non-Professional)
“Vibrant red and blue architectural forms create a striking geometric composition, with their reflections adding symmetry and depth to the scene. In “Reflexiones Geométricas,” Elizabeth Crane explores the interplay of color, light, and perspective, transforming a minimalist space into a captivating visual illusion where reality and reflection seem to merge.”
Image source: 1839awards
#13 “Brothers” By Marina Koval (Non-Professional)
“In ‘Brothers,’ photographer Marina Koval captures two young men standing back-to-back, their eyes closed as they face opposite directions. The carefully balanced composition, soft lighting, and muted colors create a quiet, intimate atmosphere. Despite their contrasting appearances and the space between their gazes, their physical connection suggests a powerful bond, reflecting the complex relationship between individuality, family, and togetherness.”
Image source: 1839awards
#14 Gold In Macro Category (Professional): “Angle Of Extinction” By Bevil Templeton-Smith
“Crystals grown on glass slides were photographed under polarized light using a 1970 Leitz Orthoplan microscope. Their vibrant colors are created by optical interference, not artificial coloring. The photographed area measures just 3–4 millimeters, yet the image can be printed up to 1.5 meters wide.”
Image source: 1839awards
#15 “The Human Waterline” By Hamish John Appleby
“A fisherman stands waist-deep in the water, casting his net across the vast blue sea. Captured at the perfect moment, the delicate fishing net spreads through the air like a translucent wing. The photograph celebrates the skill, patience, and traditions of those who depend on the sea for their livelihood.”
Image source: 1839awards
#16 “Murmuration In Ostuni” By Malin Brand
“Thousands of birds gather in an extraordinary murmuration above Ostuni, Italy, creating mesmerizing waves and swirling patterns across the golden evening sky. Moving together in remarkable harmony, the flock transforms into a constantly changing shape that resembles a living work of art. Malin Brand captures the breathtaking beauty of this natural phenomenon, revealing the extraordinary patterns that emerge when nature moves as one.”
Image source: 1839awards
#17 “Inherited Presence” By Sabrina Charehbili
“A horse draped in flowing golden fabric moves through shallow water, its white tail sending droplets into the air. Illuminated by the warm sunlight, the translucent cloth glows against the dark greenery, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Sabrina Charehbili captures a striking moment where movement, light, and tradition come together in a mysterious and poetic composition.”
Image source: 1839awards
#18 “Anjali” By Samantha Wolov
“A striking portrait of a young woman whose long, dark hair is swept across her face by the wind. Her steady gaze meets the camera, creating a powerful sense of intimacy and quiet confidence. Against a muted green background, Samantha Wolov captures a beautiful interplay of movement, texture, and emotion, transforming a simple portrait into a compelling visual story.”
Image source: 1839awards
#19 “Social Geometry” By Sebastian Kahnert
“Photographed from directly above, a man enjoys a cup of coffee while seated at a small marble table, surrounded by empty chairs. The striking black-and-white geometric floor creates a mesmerizing pattern of diamonds and triangles, turning an ordinary café scene into an almost abstract composition. Sebastian Kahnert uses symmetry, perspective, and contrast to reveal the unexpected beauty hidden in everyday moments.”
Image source: 1839awards
#20 “Pass By” By Xiaoping Lin
“A breathtaking moment of wildlife action unfolds as a white egret spreads its wings above the water while a large silver fish leaps into the air nearby. A smaller fish is also suspended in midair, adding another layer of movement to the scene. Xiaoping Lin captures the remarkable timing of these simultaneous movements, with splashing water and delicate white feathers creating a dramatic composition against the soft, pale background.”
Image source: 1839awards
#21 “See Through” By Dorota Qaid (Non-Professional)
“Delicate, translucent curtains of fine vertical strands form an intricate arrangement of overlapping curves and spirals against a dark background. In this striking black-and-white photograph, Dorota Qaid transforms an architectural installation into a mesmerizing abstract composition, where light, transparency, and repetition create an extraordinary sense of depth and movement.”
Image source: 1839awards
#22 “We See You” By Gayle Pepper (Non-Professional)
“Two curious dogs and a man lean out of neighboring windows of a bright yellow house, all looking in the same direction. In “We See You,” Gayle Pepper captures a charming moment of everyday life, where the dogs’ attentive expressions and the man’s relaxed posture create a humorous sense of companionship. The vibrant yellow walls and green window frames add a playful touch to this perfectly timed composition.”
Image source: 1839awards
#23 “Cheap Therapy” By Jonathan Troll (Non-Professional)
“A colorful collection of movie tickets fills the frame, each one representing a different story, experience, or moment in time. In ‘Cheap Therapy,’ photographer Jonathan Troll transforms ordinary cinema stubs into a vibrant visual record of memories. The overlapping tickets celebrate the magic of movies and the comfort, excitement, and escape that cinema can bring to our everyday lives.”
Image source: 1839awards
#24 “Galloping Through The Sea” By Marketa Zvelebil (Non-Professional)
“In this breathtaking black-and-white photograph, Marketa Zvelebil captures a herd of white horses galloping through the sea, sending spectacular sprays of water into the air. Their flowing manes, powerful movements, and the surrounding splashes create a scene filled with energy and freedom. The monochromatic composition beautifully emphasizes the horses’ elegance and strength, transforming a fleeting moment into an unforgettable celebration of nature.”
Image source: 1839awards
#25 “The Golden Harvest” By Shanthi Sivananthan (Non-Professional)
“In ‘The Golden Harvest,’ photographer Shanthi Sivananthan captures a heartwarming scene inside a traditional corn storage space, where golden ears of corn hang from the ceiling and cover the floor. Two women smile as they work among the abundant harvest, surrounded by warm sunlight filtering through the wooden walls. The rich golden tones, intricate textures, and joyful expressions create a beautiful celebration of rural life, hard work, and the traditions that connect communities to the land.”
Image source: 1839awards
#26 “Journey Of Life” By Xuejun Long (Non-Professional)
“In ‘Journey of Life,’ photographer Xuejun Long captures a mesmerizing aerial view of dark waters crossed by delicate, swirling patterns of pastel colors. A small flock of birds flies across the mysterious landscape, creating a striking contrast between the vast natural formations and the tiny living creatures. The photograph transforms an ordinary moment in nature into an extraordinary abstract composition, celebrating the beauty, movement, and mystery of life.”
Image source: 1839awards
#27 Gold In Animals Category (Professional): “Sweethearts In The Window” By Andrew Raven Richardson
“For one Mayfair morning, Sweethearts appeared from every window.”
Image source: 1839awards
#28 Gold In Film/Analog Category (Professional): “Year Of The Cicada” By Emily Hlavac Green
“After a decade in New York, photographer Emily Hlavac Green returned to Aotearoa, New Zealand. Inspired by the familiar sounds of cicadas, this intimate photographic series explores family life, changing landscapes, memories, and the passage of time, reflecting on how years spent away can transform our sense of home and belonging.”
Image source: 1839awards
#29 Gold In Street Category (Professional): “A Fleeting Dream” By Haishan Chen
“In Guangzhou, China, an old elephant-shaped playground slide stands in the middle of a residential courtyard, surrounded by aging apartment buildings. Once a place filled with childhood laughter, it now serves as a quiet reminder of memories fading amid urban transformation. Through this photograph, Haishan Chen captures the passage of time and the bittersweet nostalgia of a disappearing childhood.”
Image source: 1839awards
#30 “Morning On The Lake” By Leah Barad
“Bathed in the soft golden light of morning, a lone paddler glides across a peaceful lake in a wooden canoe. Captured from just above the water’s surface, the photograph beautifully reflects the quiet atmosphere, gentle ripples, and warm sunlight. Leah Barad transforms a simple moment on the water into a serene celebration of nature, solitude, and tranquility.”
Image source: 1839awards
#31 “My Mother’s Kitchen” By Leslie Osterling
“In this intimate black-and-white photograph, Leslie Osterling captures the quiet familiarity of her mother’s kitchen. A row of carefully arranged knives, an old-fashioned wall clock, a worn metal mug, and everyday appliances tell a story of routines, memories, and the passage of time. Through its simplicity, the image transforms an ordinary domestic space into a touching reflection on family, nostalgia, and the places we call home.”
Image source: 1839awards
#32 “Shadowplay” By Yevhen Kostiuk
“Captured from directly above, a tennis player prepares to strike the ball on a beautifully contrasting turquoise and terracotta court. The strong sunlight casts an oversized shadow across the surface, creating a fascinating interplay between the athlete’s movements and her silhouette. Yevhen Kostiuk transforms a moment of sporting action into a striking geometric composition, where color, light, and perspective come together to create an almost surreal visual effect.”
Image source: 1839awards
#33 “The Plunge” By Adam Davis (Non-Professional)
“In this striking black-and-white photograph, a young man relaxes in the foreground while another is captured midair, leaping from a diving platform toward the sea. Several others gather on the platforms, watching the action unfold. Adam Davis masterfully contrasts stillness and movement, creating a dynamic composition that captures the carefree spirit of summer, youthful adventure, and the thrill of taking the plunge.”
Image source: 1839awards
#34 “Urban Break” By Alex Polli (Non-Professional)
“A carefully composed architectural photograph reveals a striking interplay of geometric shapes, clean lines, and contrasting black-and-white surfaces. A single neatly trimmed green tree stands in the lower right corner, bringing a refreshing touch of nature to the minimalist urban setting. Alex Polli transforms an ordinary building façade into an elegant abstract composition, highlighting the unexpected harmony between architecture and nature.”
Image source: 1839awards
#35 “Eyes To The Sky” By Chia-Chieh Yang (Non-Professional)
“A group of young Buddhist monks gathers together, their faces turned toward the sky in a remarkable display of wonder, excitement, and curiosity. Some stare in amazement, while others smile with delight. Captured in black and white, Chia-Chieh Yang’s photograph beautifully highlights the children’s spontaneous expressions, creating a powerful moment of shared fascination and innocence.”
Image source: 1839awards
#36 “Red-Bearded Bee-Eater 2” By Graeme Guy (Non-Professional)
“A brilliantly colored red-bearded bee-eater soars through the air with an insect firmly held in its beak. In this spectacular wildlife photograph, Graeme Guy captures the bird in mid-flight, revealing its vibrant green plumage, striking red throat, and beautifully spread wings. The perfectly timed shot highlights the elegance, precision, and extraordinary beauty of nature.”
Image source: 1839awards
#37 “New York Eye” By Harriet Pratten (Non-Professional)
“A fish vendor wearing a red New York Yankees cap stands behind a weathered market stall displaying freshly caught fish, while seagulls perch on a nearby fishing boat. In ‘New York Eye,’ Harriet Pratten captures an intriguing contrast between the American-inspired cap and the traditional atmosphere of a busy fishing harbor. The photograph brings together everyday commerce, cultural details, and candid street photography in a colorful and engaging composition.”
Image source: 1839awards
#38 “The Phoenix Of Oblivion” By João Coelho (Non -Professional)
“Against a dramatic, smoke-filled sky, a lone man walks through a landscape covered in waste, surrounded by flames and thick clouds of smoke. In ‘The Phoenix of Oblivion,’ photographer João Coelho captures a powerful contrast between human vulnerability and the harshness of the environment. The fiery foreground, dark silhouette, and solitary bird flying in the distance create a haunting composition that invites reflection on poverty, survival, and the people society too often overlooks.”
Image source: 1839awards
#39 “A Temporary Constellation” By Sanghoon Park (Non-Professional)
“In ‘A Temporary Constellation,’ photographer Sanghoon Park captures a breathtaking aerial view of a massive concert audience illuminated by thousands of colorful lights. Shades of blue, purple, and pink transform the crowd into a dazzling sea of stars, while the stage’s intersecting walkways create a striking geometric composition. The photograph beautifully illustrates how countless individuals can come together to create something extraordinary, turning a fleeting moment of shared excitement into an unforgettable spectacle.”
Image source: 1839awards
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