+15 Of The Best Shots From 2021 BigPicture Natural World Photography Contest

Who doesn’t snap a shot of their cutest pets while they’re sleeping or a colorful butterfly when they’re at the park? We like to have a physical memory of what we thought was beautiful or interesting. But there are people who take photos for a whole different purpose.

People who submit their work to the BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition go above and beyond to catch the right picture at the right time. And though there is a monetary prize to the winner, the competition hopes that these breath-taking images from all around the world will inspire others to protect and conserve our planet.

#1 Aquatic Life, Finalist: ‘Treasure On Ice’ By ‍marek Jackowski, Svalbard, Norway

#2 Terrestrial Wildlife, Finalist: ‘Tough Negotiation’ By Ayala Fishaimer, Judean Foothills, Israel

#3 Terrestrial Wildlife, Finalist: ‘Felis Silvestris’ By Vladimir Cech Jr., Doupov Mountains, Czech Republic

#4 Grand Prize: ‘Hope In A Burned Plantation’ By Jo-Anne Mcarthur, Mallacoota, Australia

#5 Terrestrial Wildlife, Winner: ‘Boss’ By Michelle Valberg, Great Bear Rainforest, Canada

#6 Human/Nature, Finalist: ‘Why Did The Sloth Cross The Road?’ By Andrew Whitworth, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

#7 Art Of Nature, Winner: ‘The Goblet Of Fire’ By Sarang Naik, Toplepada, India

#8 Aquatic Life, Finalist: ‘Orcas Under The Arctic Sun’ By ‍andy Schmid, Skjervøy, Norway

#9 Aquatic Life, Winner: ‘Barracuda’ By Yung-Sen Wu, Koror, Palau

#10 Aquatic Life, Finalist: ‘Facing Reality’ By Amos Nachoum, Pleneau Island, Antarctic Peninsula

#11 Aquatic Life, Finalist: ‘Private Moment Of Milk Feeding’ By ‍mike Korostelev, Indian Ocean

#12 Landscapes, Waterscapes, And Flora: Finalist: ‘Beautiful Water’ By Kazuaki Koseki, Inawashiro, Japan

#13 Winged Life, Finalist: ‘Ropewalker’ By ‍nicolas Reusens, Papallacta, Ecuador

#14 Human/Nature, Finalist: ‘Foxfence’ By Peter Mather, Whitehorse, Canada

#15 Art Of Nature, Finalist: ‘Vortex’ By ‍angel Fitor, Mar Menor, Spain

#16 Human/Nature, Finalist: ‘A Daring Rescue’ By Ami Vitale, Ruko Community Conservancy, Kenya

#17 Photo Story: Out Of The Ordinary: ‘Klukshu Ice Bears 4/6’ By ‍peter Mather, Yukon Territory, Canada