Photographer of the Year 2025 winners
And the winner is… After many months of jaw-dropping submissions, endless deliberation, and animated debate, we are proud to announce the winners of Photographer of the Year 2025.
This year, a theme emerged as if directed by nature itself – motion. Whether it was a lanner falcon swooping through a cloud of startled finches, a spoonbill shaking off water droplets during a bath, the quiet gaze of a gorilla following the flight of a butterfly, or a leopard shaking off a summer rainstorm, our photographers captured fleeting moments of action frozen in time.
Thank you to our generous partners for this year’s competition, Ukuri and African Parks, for supporting this celebration of Africa. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy an Africa Geographic safari exploring the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here.
A note from our CEO
What a thrilling ride this year’s competition has been!
Each photograph told a story not just of wildlife, but of momentum – the visceral energy of survival, the grace of instinct, the surprise of interaction. We saw a red-headed finch escape by mere inches, a gorilla mesmerised by a butterfly, and predators in moments of power and pause.
We are reminded again that wild moments are not staged. They happen in an instant – and then they’re gone. Our photographers, with grit, patience and skill, managed to catch these rare slices of time.
Artificial Intelligence is now part of the post-processing toolkit, yes – but let’s be clear: we do not accept AI-generated imagery. What we celebrate here is real Africa, captured by real people, in real time.
To all who entered, thank you. Your images show what is possible when passion meets purpose. In a world of digital illusions, your photographs are a testament to authenticity, dedication, and love for our wild continent.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
WINNER – PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2025
Judges’ comment:
Christina’s photograph is a masterclass in simplicity and timing. A crystal-clear leopard mid-shake, scattering a halo of water droplets, is framed by the sinuous lines of the tree. Captured in the middle of a rainstorm, the image balances chaos and calm with grace. The composition is beautifully controlled – the leopard’s one open, focused eye draws the viewer inward, anchoring the swirling spray and lending the photo a rare intimacy. The colour palette – rich greens and browns, golden fur, flashes of white water – reflects the storm-soaked bushveld in high contrast. The chosen angle, directly in the eyeline of the leopard, places the viewer in quiet proximity. This is not only a perfectly timed shot but a deeply evocative one. Every element – light, form, motion and mood – works in harmony to create a photograph that is both technically exceptional and emotionally resonant. A truly stunning image.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Christina says: “We spotted the leopard sleeping in a tree and decided to wait. After a long period of suspense, with my finger on the camera’s shutter release, the leopard suddenly lifted its head and shook the water from its wet fur. Within seconds, the still life turned into an explosion of water droplets, in the middle of which the alert eye of the big cat seemed to be looking directly into my camera aperture. The picture was taken on one of my first safaris, which sparked my passion for wildlife photography. I only realised later what a rare moment I was able to capture with this photo. Even today, after numerous wonderful photo trips to various African countries, this moment is still one of my photography highlights. My thanks go to my fantastic guides, Bernhard and Hennie.”
About photographer Christina Schwenck
Born in Kassel, Germany, Christina is a clinical psychologist. In her spare time, she explores wild corners of Africa with a camera in hand. Her travels have taken her to South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda. Wildlife photography is her mindfulness – a meditative exercise in patience, observation, and reverence for the natural world.
Instagram: @chschwenck
RUNNERS-UP
(in no specific order)
Judges’ comment:
Frozen in time, this image is pure adrenaline. The lanner falcon’s laser focus, the blur of escaping finches, the proximity of near-capture – it all culminates in a jaw-dropping display of nature’s fine margins. Ernest’s technical daring (that razor-thin depth of field!) paid off magnificently.
The lanner falcon is suspended mid-air in perfect profile, its wings slicing the frame with predatory intent. The falcon is etched in crisp detail – from the subtle curves of its wing coverts to the fine stippling around the eye. The red-headed finch, moments from capture, twists just out of reach, its escape rendered in a blur. The scattering flock, each bird flaring off in a different direction, adds a burst of chaos to the composition – a dynamic counterpoint to the falcon’s frozen form. It’s an image of pure tension and elegant violence – a cinematic moment distilled into a single frame.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Ernest says: “The moment I saw my first lanner falcon hunt in Kgalagadi back in January 2017, I was captivated. The sheer speed of the strike ignited a photographic quest: to capture that precise instant a falcon intercepts its prey in mid-air. Seven years, and thousands of attempts later, I finally achieved a photo I’m truly proud of. This photo was taken in December 2024 during a five-day holiday at Polentswa Campsite in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The dry conditions at Polentswa attracted abundant birdlife to the waterhole, creating prime hunting opportunities for juvenile lanner falcons. I committed several hours each morning and afternoon to photograph their aerial pursuits.
Using a Canon R6MK II and a Canon EF 400mm f2.8 MK II lens, I opted for a high-risk, high-reward strategy. By setting the aperture to f2.8, I leveraged the full-frame sensor to achieve an exceptionally shallow depth of field, creating that striking background blur that isolates the subjects. While many would have played it safe with a larger aperture, this choice was crucial to the success of the photograph. What truly makes this photo for me is the raw intensity in the lanner falcon’s expression as the red-headed finch, by a mere whisker, dodges a bitter fate and escapes the falcon’s deadly talons.”
About photographer Ernest Porter
A professional wildlife photographer and guide from Johannesburg, Ernest’s passion for wildlife began during childhood visits to Kruger. Fresh out of high school in 2010, he sacrificed three electric guitars and an amplifier for his first starter-bundle camera. Thereafter, he spent years honing his skills at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, photographing the resident Verraux’s “eagles.”
His first visit to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in 2017 was love at first sight; he’s returned countless times since. A multiple Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year finalist, he now leads photo safaris and inspires others to find awe in the African wild.
Facebook: Wild Spots Safaris
Instagram: @ernest_porter_photography
Judges’ comment:
The gorilla’s gaze is fixed, entranced, as an orange butterfly – the same hue as its eyes – flits into frame. The moody forest lighting forms a delicate canvas for this flash of colour. A breathtaking image of curiosity and stillness.
What makes this image truly extraordinary is its emotional and visual symmetry. The gorilla, momentarily transfixed, halts all movement to observe the delicate flutter of the butterfly – a reaction so human in its wonder that it bridges the perceived divide between species. The matching amber tones of the gorilla’s eyes and the butterfly’s wings form a visual echo that ties subject to subject in quiet reverence. Bold in colour, rich in mood, and timeless in emotional impact.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Mary says: “It was a day defined by quiet connections. Beneath the lush canopy of Bwindi, I observed a young female gorilla gently nestled against the protective bulk of a silverback. The atmosphere was serene, filled with gentle sounds of the forest, until a sudden burst of delicate color broke through the calm. An unexpected visitor, a vibrant butterfly, appeared out of nowhere, fluttering gently through the air. Captivated, the young gorilla’s eyes widened, and in that moment, a beautiful interaction unfolded as a silent, shared wonder between two vastly different beings. I held my breath, hoping the butterfly would drift ever closer. The butterfly danced gracefully around the gorilla. This photograph captures not just the gorilla’s gentle curiosity but also a brief, beautiful moment where two creatures paused, noticing each other, bound by wonder and discovery.”
About photographer Mary Schrader
Based in San Diego, California, Mary’s roots in theatrical design and visual storytelling give her wildlife photography a narrative depth. Mary has photographed wildlife across the globe, from Africa’s golden plains to the icy stillness of the Arctic. But it’s the quiet moments – glances, gestures, pauses – that captivate her. Mary’s work honours the untamed and tells stories of connection. When not in the field, she’s home editing photos with coffee and a cat by her side.
Website: maryschraderphotography.com
Instagram: @maryschraderphotography
Facebook: Mary Schrader Photography
HIGHLY COMMENDED
(in no specific order)
Judges’ comment:
This image captures an extraordinary moment of raw power and timing. The composition is tight and theatrical – one warthog lunging low, the other bracing mid-charge, their eyes locked in fierce intent. The suspended dust, side-lit by warm bush light, adds dramatic texture and depth. A rare action shot. Warthog behaviour is seldom captured with such clarity and tension. The elongated tusks of both males are striking, underscoring the danger and grit of this encounter. One warthog, caught mid-lunge, seems to be sliding through a cloud of earth, while the other holds his ground with legs anchored and head poised, preparing to absorb the assault. Their glaring eyes are intently focused on their opponents. The contrast between the motion-blurred dust and the razor-sharp rendering of the warthogs adds a cinematic quality to the scene. The lighting is particularly remarkable: a pocket of golden bushveld glow illuminates the fighters, carving them out against an otherwise gloomy sky. A bold and immersive image that stands out for its action, light, and visceral composition.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Alex says: “These warthogs were very large and very powerful – and fighting for prime territory around a waterhole in the dry season. The fight went on and on, neither combatant wanting to give in, and, as they seemed well matched, it was as much a battle of wills as of strength. Neither wanted to concede. They drifted further and further away until, finally, one gave up and ran off, still pursued by the victor. I think I was as exhausted, due to the excitement of the spectacle, as they were.”
About photographer Alex Appleby
A computer programmer from Norfolk, UK, Alex is enthralled by the rawness of wildlife photography. Africa, with its unparalleled diversity, draws her back again and again. Her images seek to reflect behaviour, essence, and the emotion of action. Alex views photography as a way to strip away worries and focus on the now.”
Instagram: @appleby.alex
Judges’ comment:
A sublime study in focus and restraint. The detail in the lion’s eye – its glassy reflection, the mirrored sky, the curve of lashes – is mesmerising. The shallow focus isolates that unforgettable gaze, and the golden fur is rendered with exquisite sharpness – every strand visible and warmly lit. Exceptional control of light and composition. The lion’s iris, captured in such crisp detail, resembles a celestial sphere – a planetary disc orbiting a pupil, with soft cloud forms and light reflections creating an almost cosmic depth. A closer look reveals a tick, and a fly, beneath the eye, tiny intrusions into this otherwise serene moment, reminding us of the reality of life in the bushveld.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Benjamin says: “Lions are so widely photographed that it’s often difficult to get a unique image of one. I’d been trying to take a unique image of a lion for a long time, when the perfect opportunity presented itself. Whilst out on a drive, we were lucky enough to find a pride of lions sleeping in the grass. This large male lion stood up and walked so close to our game drive vehicle, that I had to stop down to f10 to get the whole eye in focus. I wanted to capture the reflection in its eye to have a ‘lion’s-eye view’. I was very pleased to come away with this capture.”
About photographer Benjamin Loon
At only 18 years old, Benjamin is already creating standout wildlife imagery. Raised in a small bushveld town in South Africa, he transitioned from macro to wildlife photography and spends every free moment in the field. His work aims to draw attention to moments in nature that too often go unnoticed – and his talent ensures we won’t miss them.
Website: benjaminloon.myportfolio.com
Instagram: @benj_photos
Judges’ comment:
A photograph of sculptural power and patience. The low light, and rich tones of mud, blood, and marsh create a striking scene. Compositionally, the figures are central and rising – the lion, all sinew and claws, the buffalo, braced and bewildered – captured with clarity under fading light.
This image unfolds like a myth – the lion and buffalo appear to erupt from the earth itself, their forms fused in motion and tension. The lion, slick with marsh mud, clings to the buffalo’s back, expression focused. The buffalo’s bloodied snout and heaving form anchor the frame, resistance in the face of conflict. The lion’s decision to go it alone after hours of failed attempts adds another layer of narrative weight to the image: a story of solitude, persistence, and instinct-driven determination. This is poetry in motion – primal, powerful, and unforgettable.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Eric says: “We spotted a group of five lions in the marsh, a little way off from us. Their behaviour was unusual, going back and forth into the water in between rests on drier ground. We realised they were trying to chase a buffalo to a more favourable location for hunting, while the buffalo was determined to stay sheltered in the marsh. The lions were exhausted after hours of struggling in the muddy terrain. Occasionally, they would all but disappear into the mud. After three hours, there was no change in the situation, and shooting conditions deteriorated as we began to lose light. We were about to head back to camp, when we saw a determined lion heading towards the buffalo. After a slow progression into the marsh, the lion was no longer visible. But suddenly, he jumped onto the buffalo’s back.
Thanks to my 600mm f/4L lens, I was able to properly focus to shoot a series of images. At 7pm, the light had already disappeared, and I was shooting at high ISO and low speed. After a struggle, the buffalo eventually moved out of the marsh with the lion on its back. At that point, the delegation of lions brought him down.”
About photographer Eric Coiffier
Eric studied biology and has always been interested in nature and ecology. He spent years photographing landscapes and street scenes in black and white before turning to wildlife. Now a globe-trotting nature photographer, he’s especially drawn to polar regions and Africa. His approach pairs scientific curiosity with artistic minimalism – capturing emotion and motion in stark natural frames.
Judges’ comment:
A perfect storm of mood and movement. Hannes’ signature skill in using desert dust as atmosphere is evident here – the hazy silhouettes of thorn trees, the grainy sky, and the faint ghost of heat. The composition leans into narrative – the male’s surprise, the female’s defiance, both isolated by the natural vignette of swirling sand.
This is a visual standoff forged in grit and tension. The lioness stands firm in the foreground, her body coiled in a growl, daring the larger male to close the gap. He appears momentarily taken aback – leaning slightly, his ears pinned, caught between aggression and caution. The confrontation is quietly explosive, and it’s this restraint that makes the image so powerful. The earthy light, filtered through the storm, lends a whimsical tone to the entire scene, like pigment brushed across canvas.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Hannes says: “The male’s powerful presence commanded the surrounding territory, and no other lion dared to approach, knowing well that his dominance keeps all rivals at bay. The air was thick with tension as the lioness made her stance clear. Yet, the male remained close, unwilling to relinquish control.
About photographer Hannes Lochner
An iconic name in African wildlife photography, Hannes is a multi-award-winning professional wildlife photographer. Hannes is known for his long stints in the Kalahari and his striking use of light and motion. Hannes has produced five magnificent photographic collections, three of which were dedicated entirely to the Kalahari. To achieve this, he lived in the Kalahari for six years, where he spent hundreds of hours capturing inspiring images of this captivating landscape and its enigmatic inhabitants.
Hannes is extraordinarily talented at image composition and the interplay of various light conditions. His pictures show the essence of the landscape and its animals while telling their stories. His passion for art ensures that his pictures stand out from the work of conventional wildlife photographers. His skills enable him to produce work that attracts great attention continuously. Hannes is also passionate about passing on his knowledge.
He has earned international accolades, and his work reflects deep observation, patience, and a storytelling instinct honed in the wild.
Instagram: @hannes_lochner
Website: hanneslochner.com
Judges’ comment:
An iconic subject captured with refined perspective. Jordan’s use of vertical space and compositional scale showcases Boswell’s acrobatics while emphasising the immense sweep of the Zambezi Valley. The soft golden light, and placement of Boswell’s frame dwarfed beneath the mashatu tree, root this scene in dry-season elegance. A timeless portrait of a legend. This is not just a photograph of a well-known elephant. It is a celebration of behavioural wonder, of ecological context, and of the delicate balance between strength and poise.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Jordan says: “Boswell is without a doubt the biggest celebrity in Mana Pools, a big bull elephant who stands on his hind legs to reach nutritious green leaves, particularly in the dry season. Whilst he is not the only elephant to display this behaviour in the Zambezi Valley, he’s known for his gentle nature around both humans and herds of elephants, at times using his special technique to pull down branches, allowing them to feed when food within their reach is scarce.
We were told that Boswell hadn’t been seen for six days – then he walked straight through camp. As he passed us, we hopped into the vehicle and followed him before getting out and continuing on foot, where we watched as he stood up no less than six times as the sun was setting! Sometimes the wild just surprises you with the most magical moments imaginable, and it’s a case of being at the right place at the right time.”
About photographer Jordan Fry
A childhood fascination with nature documentaries turned into a photographic journey across Africa. Jordan has always been captivated by African wildlife, ranging from mega to microfauna and how they all contribute their own important role within an ecosystem. Originally from the UK, Jordan trained as a guide in South Africa and has returned to the continent frequently since. His images aim to capture raw beauty and ignite deeper conversations about conservation and connection.
Instagram: @jordanarranfry
Judges’ comment:
A study in camouflage and contrast. Marcio’s image draws the eye with its painterly palette – burnt rust, ochres, and pale desert light – echoed flawlessly in the chameleon’s colour shift. The balance between natural form and human artefact offers a layered composition rich in texture, visual rhythm, and ecological commentary. The chameleon’s textured skin mirrors the mottled rust of the corroded metal pipe it’s climbing, down to the subtle flecks of red and orange. Compositionally, the frame is minimal yet impactful. The arid landscape offers little distraction, allowing the viewer to focus on the fine interplay of colour, light, and form.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Marcio says: “This photo was taken on a windy morning in the Namib Desert. The chameleon found brief shelter beside a rusty can, and I was struck by how its changing colours mimicked the corroded metal. Estimates suggest that an aluminium can take 200 to 500 years to decompose in the environment.”
About photographer Marcio Lisa
Brazilian photographer Marcio Lisa fell in love with Africa during a 2012 National Geographic assignment. With over 40 trips to the continent behind him, visiting 13 countries, his work focuses on visual storytelling rooted in conservation. His eye for detail and pattern brings a signature aesthetic to even the harshest environments.
Instagram:@marciolisa
Website: marciolisa.com
Judges’ comment:
A stark reminder of life and death. What makes this image exceptional is its duality. On one level, it is a straightforward portrayal of a kill – raw, wild and essential. But Marina’s composition elevates the moment to something more reflective. The serene look on the dik-dik’s face, the three cheetahs clutching together and sharing their prize, the quiet symmetry of their position – all contribute to a composition of haunting beauty. This is a triumph for the young cheetahs, a moment of instinct realised, but the story is told with restraint and poetry rather than brutality. The choice of black and white removes the distraction of blood and colour, allowing the viewer to focus on form. A difficult scene to photograph, and harder still to portray with such empathy and visual grace. A remarkable piece of storytelling.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Marina says: “Three young cheetah brothers, caught in a moment of instinct and learning, hold a dik-dik in their jaws. Despite the tension, there’s poetry in the prey’s face, a quiet contrast to the intensity of the hunters.”
About photographer Marina Cano
Marina Cano is a Spanish wildlife photographer with over 25 years of experience, including two decades dedicated to nature photography. Her evocative, intimate style has earned her international acclaim, including features on the cover of National Geographic and multiple photography awards.
A Canon Europe, Banana Republic Wildlife, and Skylum Global Ambassador, Marina was named Doctor Honoris Causa in Bogotá in 2023 for her contributions to conservation through photography. She has published four wildlife books, served on international photography juries, and represented Spain in the World Photographic Cup for three years.
Website: marinacano.com
Facebook: Marina Cano Wildlife Photographer
Judges’ comment:
A graceful composition of scale and serenity. The elephant’s wrapped trunk adds dynamic shape to the otherwise still scene, while the muted layers of mountain and cloud give a soft grandeur. The road leading toward Kilimanjaro draws the eye, inviting us into the frame. Iconic, timeless, and evocative. The bull elephant, in musth and well-weathered, pauses to test the air, his trunk coiled in a fluid, almost sculptural knot. That gesture, full of purpose and grace, injects a sense of motion into the still, muted palette.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Nili says: “It was mid-morning in Amboseli National Park, and the snowy peak of Mount Kilimanjaro was wrapped in clouds. Herds of elephants began their march into the park, heading for the Ol Tukai swamps to feed on the soft reeds and get relief from the sweltering heat. A few bull elephants had come into musth after the severe drought. This bull was one of them, trailing the herds. One herd had just crossed the road in front of us, and this bull was following right behind them. Just before he crossed the road, he stopped on the edge, smelling the air. That is the moment I captured this iconic image of an elephant bull and Mount Kilimanjaro. Two of Africa’s icons.”
About photographer Nili Gudhka
Kenyan-born and raised, Nili traded a corporate career for a life among the wild. Today, this wildlife photographer now spends her days tracking leopards, studying elephants, and planning safaris. Her photography is rooted in deep love for her homeland and a desire to show Africa’s raw, majestic truth.
Instagram: @thejunglechic
Judges’ comment:
Aerial storytelling at its finest. Roan’s composition distills strategy into still-life – the trough a frame within the frame, the hartebeest oblivious, casting long shadows as they march. The parched terrain speaks volumes, and the high angle insight. A tactical image full of tension and anticipation. From above, we see the dusty, cracked expanse of Tsavo East laid bare: no water, no foliage, no movement save that of the hartebeest. The composition is simple, yet rich with narrative. The aerial perspective transforms the scene into a tactical diagram, a blueprint of ambush. The casual, unaware posture of the hartebeest trio adds to the building tension — we know what they don’t. It’s a rare and privileged view into predator-prey dynamics, framed with discipline and a documentarian’s eye.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Roan says: “This shot was taken during a routine anti-poaching patrol from my fixed-wing aircraft. Flying low and slow, I get to see some pretty incredible sights, which I capture by flying with my knees while shooting out of the window. Below me, a lioness was tucked deep into a dry water trough, barely visible, waiting in ambush. In the distance, a herd of hartebeest marched steadily toward the waterhole. I’d seen her try and fail with zebras earlier on. As the herd approached, she launched from the trough in a cloud of dust, closing the gap in seconds, only to miss her final pounce by a fraction.”
About photographer Roan Carr-Hartley
A conservationist, pilot, and field operator with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Roan spends his days flying across East Africa in support of wildlife protection. He spends his days flying over remote wilderness, tracking poachers, rescuing injured animals, and supporting teams on the ground. Photography has become his way of recording the remarkable – and often heart-pounding – encounters he experiences from the air and ground.
Instagram: @roan.carrhartley
Judges’ comment:
A display of motion captured with grace and clarity. The monochrome treatment elevates the image, making each droplet shimmer against the dark water and background. The spoonbill’s pose – wings part-lifted, feathers radiant – is frozen at just the right second to reveal its quiet splendour. Spoonbills are often overlooked in the avian spotlight, their beauty subtle and behaviour reserved. But here, Tania has transformed a fleeting, everyday movement – a bird shaking off water – into something ethereal and unforgettable. The photo captures the spoonbill mid-rinse, wings delicately lifted, droplets arcing in crystalline clarity around its body. Every feather glows under a shaft of light that carves through the darkness, creating a sublime contrast between illuminated plumage and the murky water below.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Tania says: “I wanted to highlight the elegance and raw energy of the moment – the droplets, the pose, the contrast. The spoonbill was mid-bath. I knew this shot had to be in monochrome to enhance its mood and drama.”
About photographer Tania Cholwich
Tania is a South African wildlife photographer with a passion for storytelling through motion. Africa runs in her veins, and wildlife is central to her work. With a strong conservation ethic and artistic eye, she captures raw, authentic and action-filled moments that inspire deeper connection with the wild.
Website: taniacholwich.com/
Instagram: @tania_cholwich
Judges’ comment:
A moody, intimate portrait of one of Africa’s rarest giants. The shallow depth of field and soft directional light bring out every crease and flake of mud on the elephant’s skin. The central eye contact – sharp and yellow-green – pierces the forest gloom, grounding the image in emotional intensity. A masterfully composed close encounter. The forest elephant, often elusive and rarely photographed this clearly, emerges from the darkness like a spectre: its skin slick with mud. The splash of pale earth on its trunk adds contrast and narrative, suggesting a recent rub against moss-covered trees, an interaction with its rainforest world. It stares directly into the lens, confrontational and vulnerable. The image’s dark edit is a bold creative choice that heightens the contrast between form and texture. That this scene was captured in Gabon’s Loango National Park, a place of profound biodiversity but relatively few wildlife photographs, makes it even more powerful.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Turgay says: “Forest elephants are perceived as much more aggressive than their savannah cousins, especially outside their forest homes, where they are downright hostile. I experienced their hostility first-hand in Gabon. In the fading daylight, I had been busy photographing another local species, the rosy bee-eater, when I noticed some forest elephants venturing out of the forest to graze. They soon went back into the forest. Assuming that the sighting was over, I started to pack away my camera gear when one of them charged out of the forest and headed directly to our vehicle. My driver was justifiably concerned and started to whisk us away as quickly as possible. I was seated in the back row and managed to take a few shots with the only camera I had, and with no chance to adjust my settings. Suddenly, the elephant decided its message had been received, abandoned the mock charge, and turned around and trotted back into the safety of its forest home. This image is what I saw from the back of the vehicle.”
About photographer Turgay Uzer
Turgay began dabbling in film photography at a young age. A retired physics professor turned globetrotting wildlife photographer, Turgay’s passion spans the African savannah to the icy wilds of South Georgia. His favourite travel destinations are Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and Brazil’s Pantanal, among others. A multiple photography award winner, his work seeks out rare species and moments of quiet drama. With a deep knowledge of animal behaviour, he captures their world with reverence and clarity.
Website: turgayuzer.slickpic.site
Instagram: @upgrademeforfree
Judges’ comment:
A deeply emotive and technically challenging portrait. The bars, the gaze, the glow in the cheetah’s just-woken eyes – all speak to the tension between captivity and freedom. Composed from a crouch at eye level, Wiki’s framing draws the viewer into the cheetah’s perspective. A visual metaphor for the fragility and hope of rewilding. That raw, flickering gaze, filled with disorientation, light, and instinct, holds the viewer in place. There’s no distraction here – just soft light, shallow depth, and one powerful stare. There is tenderness here, and gravity. The subdued colour palette and diffused light add to the intimacy.
Photo and photographer details – read more
Wiki says: “This cheetah – Edie – had just opened her eyes after sedation. She’s the first captive-born cheetah from Australia to be rewilded in Africa. After treatment, she was released back into the wild, contributing valuable new genetics to South Africa’s cheetah population. I wanted to capture the very moment she came back to awareness, marking her return to the wild after weeks of rehab.”
About photographer Wiki West
Wiki is a conservation photographer and storyteller who left her data analytics career to work full-time on wildlife initiatives across Africa. She’s collaborated with the Wildlife Emergency Fund, African Parks, and other NGOs to document collarings, rescues, and rewildings. Her work is immersive, emotional, and grounded in deep research and trust.
Instagram: @wiki.west
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