Best of the Best – Photo of the Year Award 2025

Best of the Best – Photo of the Year Award 2025

 

From December 20th to 31st, we invited everyone to cast their votes for the Best of the Best – Photo of the Year Award 2025. The competition was stronger than ever this year, featuring breathtaking entries ranging from stunning landscapes and vibrant summer vibes to captivating wildlife and artistic black & white compositions. The standard was incredibly high, and the race was tight.

But now, the votes have been counted, and we are proud to announce the Photo of the Year 2025 winner!

The winner of the Best of the Best – Photo of the Year Award 2025 is the mesmerizing image from the Forest contest! This absolute showstopper of a photo pulls the viewer into a fantasy world with its perfect composition and magical atmosphere.

The winner will receive an exclusive Xpozer Replacement Print, allowing them to instantly update their space with their winning masterpiece.

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated and voted to help celebrate the artistry in photography!

Forest Contest Winner - PHOTO OF THE YEAR 2025


Photo: Willem Klopper

Willem’s photo is an absolute showstopper. The composition uses the natural archway of the trees to create strong leading lines that pull the viewer deep into the image. It feels like a portal into a fantasy world, where industrial train tracks have been reclaimed by nature's vibrant embrace. The soft light and perfect symmetry make this a well-deserved first place!

 

City Contest Winner


Photo: Steve Hixon

A dramatic capture of the Manhattan skyline where golden sunset hues and autumn leaves stand in striking contrast to cold steel skyscrapers. The pier pilings create a perfect leading line, drawing the eye straight into the heart of the city.

 

Animals Contest Winner


Photo: Johan Willems

A masterclass in intimacy, this shot captures the tender bond between a leopard mother and her cub in the Masai Mara. Soft natural light and a creamy bokeh background ensure the subjects pop, freezing a moment of quiet serenity.

 

Pets Contest Winner


Photo: Ralf Klinkenberg

By placing the camera at table level, Ralf invites us directly into the cat’s perspective. The sharp focus on the eyes and paws against a soft garden background creates a playful yet focused moment of curiosity.

 

Landscapes Contest Winner


Photo: Dennis van Gulik

A crisp, misty sunrise in the Netherlands featuring a captivating sky painted in purple and orange. The bold black silhouette of a single tree stands in striking contrast to the luminous, foggy backdrop.

 

Summer Contest Winner


Photo: Marc Slagter

This breathtaking drone shot of the Azores tea fields uses the curved rows as leading lines toward the sunset. The warm golden light and the small figure add depth and scale to this serene summer landscape.

 

Dogs & Cats Contest Winner


Photo: Deliane Wolters

A stunning profile of a red cat against a deep black background. The cinematic lighting and the cat's meditative expression create a peaceful, soulful portrait that captivated the audience.

 

Birds Contest Winner


Photo: Tino Winkler

A regal close-up celebrating the peacock’s vibrant blue and gold hues. The composition keeps the focus sharp on the bird while the background reveals the intricate feather patterns in a soft, artistic blur.

 

Black & White Contest Winner


Photo: Isabelle Rigaux

A perfectly timed "lucky shot" contrasting the textured surface of the moon against a pitch-black sky. The sharp silhouette of an airplane crossing the lunar disc adds a powerful sense of scale and drama.

 

Flowers Contest Winner


Photo: Elien Moerenhout

A striking macro shot of an African daisy in full bloom. The rich orange petals and a single glistening water droplet stand out beautifully against a vibrant, soft green background.

 

Colorful Contest Winner


Photo: Kimberly Scheers

A dreamlike macro image where a monochromatic pink world envelops a sharp, detailed butterfly. The "Cotton Candy" atmosphere and shallow depth of field make the subject emerge effortlessly from the surreal background.

 

Travel Contest Winner


Photo: Luc Van Landeghem

A serene capture of a vibrant red hot air balloon floating over the hazy Moroccan desert. The composition perfectly balances the colorful subject against the soft, vast landscape, evoking the true spirit of adventure.

 

Again, a heartfelt congratulations to Willem Klopper and all the category winners! A special thank you to everyone who voted and made this contest so memorable. Your support made the competition a true celebration of talent and creativity.

Reading next

Winner Photo Contest Dogs
Winner Photo Contest Pets