Scroll down to explore the list of 2024 finalists, who earned titles in categories such as Journeys & Adventures, Fascinating Faces and Characters, The Beauty of Nature, Animals in Their Environment, Underwater Life, Sports in Action, Documentary & Photojournalism, and Street Photography.
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A rare moment of harmony unfolds as a dragonfly gracefully lands on the nose of a turtle. Instead of seizing its prey, the turtle seems to enjoy the unexpected encounter, sharing a peaceful moment amidst the dim waters of the swamp.
Bored Pandareached out toAndrew Newey, the photographer behind the winning image depicting Gurung tribesmen of Nepal harvesting wild honey in the Himalayas. His photo, titled ‘Honey Hunter 3,’ was awarded 1st prize in this year’s SIPA Journey & Adventure category. We wanted to learn more about this captivating photograph, so we asked Newey what initially inspired him to document the honey hunters of Nepal and how he first connected with the Gurung tribesmen. The photographer shared with us: “I was drawn to photograph the honey hunters of Nepal after discovering a National Geographic documentary about them from the late ’70s. Intrigued to find out if they were still practicing this ancient tradition, I headed to Nepal to where I spent several weeks trying to track them down, and two weeks with them before, during, and after the hunt in the foothills of the Himalayas.”
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The starting line, the first hurdle—the moment brimming with anticipation and connection. Here, the unbreakable bond between human and dog is palpable, radiating through a magnetic gaze. Agility Dog embodies trust, respect, and unity.
A grey-headed flying fox plunges into a cool pool, swiftly refreshing and quenching its thirst, as it laps water off its wet fur in mid-flight and as it drips down from its belly upon landing.
Andrew shared that he wasn’t aiming for any particular shot or perspective while capturing the honey harvest. Instead, his goal was to document “as much of the tradition as possible before it dies out.”
A bait ball of this size is a mesmerizing showcase of rhythm, lightning reflexes, and collaboration, all without central intelligence. Tightening into a compact mass to minimize volume, it can disperse and surround you in a split second as predators charge from the opposite side.
A King Penguin cradles its newborn chick just moments after hatching. After patiently waiting for two days, from the first crack to the triumphant emergence, this image captures the essence of life’s delicate start. It showcases the profound beauty and resilient spirit of the Southern Hemisphere’s wildlife.
‘Honey Hunter 3’ showcases a high-risk activity, with a man being lowered down the mountain to collect honey. Meanwhile, the photographer also had to endure extreme conditions to reach the location and capture the perfect shot. We were curious to know what Andrew considered the most difficult part of documenting such a daring tradition. He told us: “The most challenging part of the shoot was focusing the camera lens because the bees, the largest in the world, played havoc on the auto focus function. Manual focus was also made more difficult because of the sheer number of bees, most of them intent on unleashing their painful sting!”
The fearless Gurung tribesmen of Nepal, known as master honey hunters, brave dizzying heights of around 300 feet in the Himalayan foothills. Armed only with handmade rope ladders and long sticks called tangos, they risk life to collect precious honeycomb.
I’ve seen mating behaviors in the wild, but never have I witnessed a more unique and intimate moment. This shot was taken in the stunning landscapes of Maasai Mara, Kenya, during a morning game drive in December 2023.
Finally, Newey shared with us the most unforgettable moment he experienced while watching the honey hunters at work: “The most memorable moment whilst observing the honey hunters at work was when one of the ladder rungs the honey hunter was standing on broke near the top of the cliff; with no safety ropes whatsoever, a fall from this height would have resulted in his death. However, being so experienced he calmly clung on and proceeded to climb up to the next rung.
A mother and calf humpback whale interact closely near the surface just off the coast of Tahiti’s island. These whales migrate to the islands of French Polynesia all the way from Antarctica, to mate and give birth. Renee captured the scene with an over-under image to showcase both the whales and this unique environment.
As the Mediterranean sun sets, it sparks the senses for those who contemplate it: scents, breezes, colors, water, salt. Amidst the harsh beauty of Mar Menor, Murcia, behold the mesmerizing dance of a jellyfish during this enchanting hour.
During a dive, Karim seized the chance to capture an extraordinary image. He was documenting a rare phenomenon: the abandoned swirl of milk floating in the depths as the humpback whale calf missed it. Just as he prepared to resurface for air, he spotted the calf rising in the background. Suppressing his urge to breathe, Karim managed to capture a few photographs of this unique moment.
The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico boasts the world’s largest underground river system. Its vast network of tunnels showcases intricate and fragile formations carved over 20 glaciation cycles.
In their Antarctic feeding grounds, humpback whales gorge on fat-rich krill for months, building up their blubber reserves for the challenging journey to tropical breeding grounds. Using a remarkable technique known as ‘bubble netting’, they skillfully trap their prey with precision.
Amidst the chaos, male cactus bees (Diadasia rinconis) fiercely contend for the attention of a single female, engaged in a high-stakes battle for mating rights. In this dangerous dance of nature, only the strongest will seize their chance to mate.
In the dynamic world of lion mating, interactions are intense, especially among the females. Over two days, William observed the same pair, anticipating the perfect moment for a close-up shot. Their response, however, exceeded all expectations.
In June 2019, while shooting the Milky Way at Capo Spartivento in southern Sardinia, Italy, I noticed a distant storm approaching from Africa, presumably Tunisia, with lightning striking every 2 minutes. Quickly setting up my tripod, I seized the opportunity to capture some shots. What a fantastic stroke of luck to witness and film the Milky Way alongside the lightning storm!
The rivers of Iceland flow from the glaciers to the oceans, carving paths across the volcanic terrain that resemble the veins of the land when viewed from above. Along their journey, they carry essential nutrients for the ecosystem in the form of sediment.
On the peaks of the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia, a Gelada family gazes over the precipice. Against the backdrop, gathering clouds foreshadow an imminent storm during August’s rainy season.
Boys will be boys: their curiosity begins in childhood. As best friends Harald and Marcus glide through their hometown of Steyr, a poster on the city’s outskirts ignites their imagination.
Sang Hyang Jaran is a mesmerizing and sacred Balinese dance ritual, blending mysticism with artistic expression. Originating from the island of Bali in Indonesia, this dance pays tribute to the mighty and compassionate spirits that reign over both the seen and unseen worlds.
In Norway, I climbed Gjertvasstind for the grand finale of the Light Lines Project, set against the rugged backdrop of Hurrungane. On May 4th, under ideal conditions and a radiant full moon, we seized the perfect moment to immortalize the beauty of Hurrungane through three synchronized ski descents.
In the waters near Pietarsaari, along the western coast of Finland, on May 3, 2023, during late spring as the sea ice was slowly melting, several herring died after becoming entangled in plastic packaging netting.
At 72 years old, Einar Njiokiktjien defies age with a backflip. As the global median life expectancy reaches 72 years, Earth’s population is on the verge of becoming the oldest it has ever been. By 2030, 1 in 6 people will be over 60 years old, marking a historic shift in demographics.
On October 14th, 2023, a rare annular solar eclipse occurred. After months of planning, Larin embarked on a journey to capture birds silhouetted against the eclipse. Despite traversing for hours to find breaks in the clouds, he successfully aligned these two majestic Glaucous-winged Gulls with the eclipse.
Collaborating with the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, my photographs highlight the critical connection between biodiversity loss and the illegal wildlife trade.
A stargazer fish (Uranoscopus scaber) blends seamlessly into the sandy seabed, awaiting its prey. Through a cascade of turquoise water, a monstrous mask appears to shimmer, as if death were patiently lurking for its next victim. This image was captured using flash and a slow shutter speed.
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An Arctic Tern repeatedly flies back and forth in front of a glacier. When glaciers break off and calve into the sea, they churn up a significant amount of sea plankton and small fish, providing an ideal opportunity for the Tern to dive and feed.
A Guarani Indigenous young man wields a bow and arrow during a protest against the “Marco Temporal” bill, which threatens to restrict the recognition of new Indigenous reservations. Environmentalists and human rights advocates view this decision as a significant setback.
Amidst the chaos in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Region, Irina, a waitress at Ria Pizza, becomes trapped under rubble after a devastating Russian Iskander K missile. The bustling restaurant, a beloved gathering spot, falls victim to the horrors of war, claiming the lives of 13 civilians and leaving 61 others wounded.
At El Rosario sanctuary, within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, during the harsh winter months, millions of monarch butterflies gather in a warm embrace, transforming the oyamel fir trees into a vibrant mosaic of colors. The golden rays penetrating the forest create a magical atmosphere.
In Andalusia, there’s a saying: “An Andalusian man without a horse is like a matador without a cape.” Horses are an integral part of the culture and daily life of this region. From a young age, children begin to familiarize themselves with these magnificent animals. Here, a boy soothes his horse amidst the bustling festivities of La Línea in southern Andalusia.
Adam Chasey, once a biologist in the Everglades, paddleboards amongst weather-beaten cypress trees under the light of a full moon. Nighttime often offers the best opportunity to explore swamps and encounter unique wildlife such as alligators and snakes.
An adult male Agile frog (Rana dalmatina), likely taking a well-deserved rest after mating. Surrounding him are the masses of eggs, a testament to his contribution to the cycle of life.
A glimmer of hope radiates from this turtle as it returns to the ocean after laying its eggs in the turtle reserve in Oman. With the ongoing threat of extinction looming over its species, there is a sense of optimism that its efforts will contribute to the survival and proliferation of its kind.
Near the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, Will Gadd and Sarah Hueniken climb on glacial ice. These unique ice features rest on rock and sand located within the crater of Mount Kilimanjaro.
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A female paper nautilus or Argonaut, carrying her egg case, rides a small jellyfish during a blackwater dive. These otherworldly creatures, just 2 cm in size, rise to the surface at night to aerate their eggs and feed. Using their beaks, they extract nutrients from the jellyfish.
Two young sea lion pups frolic in their ‘pup pond’ at Los Islotes, the southernmost rookery of California sea lions in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Here, amidst the safety of this protected rocky pool, the new pups learn to swim and socialize, ensuring a fun and playful environment for all!
Buryatian Shaman Vitali performs a ritual to connect with the spirits on frozen Lake Baikal, with the sacred Ogoi cape in the background. Lake Baikal is considered the most sacred place of Siberia’s shamanism.
A storm rages over the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. This arid realm, home to the planet’s richest variety of cacti, faces a dangerous threat from climate change.
This photo was taken on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, capturing swans bathing in a sea on the verge of freezing.
A breathtaking scene unfolds as the danish Jonas Vingegaard of Team Jumbo-Visma, wearing the Yellow leader jersey, leads the peloton through a picturesque sunflower field during stage eight of the 110th Tour de France 2023 on July 8th in Limoges.
In the Gaza Strip, smoke and flames fill the sky as Israeli illumination flares light up the night over the Al-Shati refugee camp on November 6, 2023.
Nestled in a remote hangar amidst the vast steppes of Kazakhstan rests a relic of Soviet space exploration: the “Buran” space shuttle. Nestled in a remote hangar amidst the vast steppes of Kazakhstan rests a relic of Soviet space exploration: the “Buran” space shuttle. After more than 30 years in obscurity, its condition is deteriorating. Eventually, it will fade away and return to the stars.
A common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) flying out of its roost just before sunrise. The photo was captured using a sensor while I was sleeping next to the tree, fortunately without any loss of bodily fluids.
Dr. Richard Harvey, wary of losing sight of the rest of the elephant herd, climbs onto the highest point he can find—the elephant bull he is fitting with a GPS collar—to make contact with the spotter plane. In 2023, 126 animals from 12 species were collared in South Sudan.
When it rains, the frog pairs come down to the river to spawn. After fleeing attacks from other males, they finally reach their spawning site. Once they lay eggs, they return to the mountains, leaving behind a brief but captivating story that unfolds over just one week.
During a nighttime freedive in the waters of Bacoli in the Gulf of Naples, Salvatore managed to capture the image of a white spotted octopus gliding beneath the sea’s surface. By tilting his camera, he immortalized its enchanting reflection.
A solitary fisherman casts his net under the enchanting glow of golden hour, creating a mesmerizing scene captured from a drone’s perspective. The soft, warm tones of the sunlight paint a stunning backdrop as the fisherman tends to his catch, destined to be transformed into the rich flavors of fish sauce.
On March 29, 2023, a migrant child is tossed in the air in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, as migrants cross the Rio Grande into the United States from Mexico. Among the thousands making the journey that day, many are from Venezuela.
A group of adult Chinook salmon congregates in a small pool as they migrate to their spawning waters. This species is currently of conservation concern due to significant declines across its native range in Western North America.
A mirror carp and a scaly carp appear to be kissing in the lake, reminiscent of a romantic moment between a man and a woman. This enchanting moment was captured in Lake Čierna Voda, Slovakia.
As the wildebeest falls prey to the relentless pursuit of four cheetahs, the victorious hunters remain ever vigilant, their gaze speaking volumes about the untamed world around them.
A family, with a young child, makes their way through razor wire along the border wall separating the US and Mexico in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Originating from Venezuela, they are among the multitude of migrants seeking a new beginning in the United States.
A man, standing with his hyena, is getting ready before the show, in one of the small villages of the desertic north-eastern Nigeria. He is a traditional storyteller, weaving a mesmerizing street circus that blends ancient mystique with the art of storytelling.
Orangutans are forced to perform in shows across Asia, as seen here at Safari World in Bangkok. Afterward, they are exploited for selfie sessions, despite the potential for disease transmission. In the past, orangutans were seized from Safari World after DNA tests confirmed they were being illegally trafficked.
During the Budapest Athletics World Championships, an athlete exults mid-air with a triumphant gesture, right after clearing the bar, satisfied and aware of having secured victory in the pole vault, one of the ten events in the Decathlon.
During ‘Flag Day’ festivities in Scheveningen, a local woman playfully hides behind her Vogue bag upon noticing the camera, resulting in a surreal blending of two faces: her own and that of the model on the bag.
I captured this photo while kids were playing. At one moment, they kicked the ball high into the sky just as an airplane flew overhead. The kids were overjoyed, feeling as if they were soaring like the airplane.
A Captivating Portrait of Siblings playing together is the streets of Aflou.
Alexis Holmes of the USA sprints to victory in the 4x400m mixed relay, setting a new world record time of 3:08.80. Meanwhile, Femke Bol of the Netherlands falls just short of the finish line during day one of the World Athletics Championships at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary.
Christopher O’Connell of Australia plays a forehand against Jiri Vesely of Czech Republic in the Men’s Singles second round match during day five of The Championships Wimbledon 2023 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 07, 2023.
This image was captured on the beach of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the picturesque south of France, during the annual pilgrimage of the gypsies to honor Sainte Sara La Noire. Here, a family awaits the arrival of the procession to bless Sainte Sara in the tranquil waters of the sea.
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