The wild called, and you answered! For our "Animals" photo contest, we challenged you to capture the essence of the animal kingdom in a single, unforgettable shot. And wow, did you deliver! From the majestic gaze of a predator to the intricate beauty of birdlife, your submissions transported us across diverse habitats, showcasing incredible moments of instinct, emotion, and pure, untamed nature. The sheer quality and storytelling in each image made judging an absolute thrill. A massive thank you to everyone who shared their vision of the animal world with us!
After much deliberation, we are incredibly excited to present the winning photographs!
And... the new photo contest is live! Discover it here
🏆 And the Winner is... Johan Willems!
Photo by: Johan Willems
Title: Mother & Cub in Masai Mara
1st prize: Xpozer (80x120cm)
Johan’s winning shot is a masterclass in capturing intimacy and emotion in wildlife photography. The image immediately draws you into the tender bond between the leopard mother and her cub. The soft, natural light beautifully illuminates their spotted coats, creating a gentle contrast with the slightly blurred background, which helps the subjects truly pop. It’s a moment of quiet serenity and protection, beautifully frozen in time.
From a technical standpoint, the shallow depth of field is used to perfection, ensuring both animals are in sharp focus while creating that beautiful, creamy bokeh that separates them from the busy environment. The composition is tight, emphasizing their connection, and the eye contact (or lack thereof, from the mother) adds to the narrative, suggesting vigilance even in rest. As Johan shared, "I was lucky enough to follow this leopard with her cub for 2 days. Photo taken in Masai Mara Kenya." This patience clearly paid off, resulting in a technically superb and emotionally resonant portrait of the animal kingdom's most powerful bond.
🥈 Second Place: Dimo Hristev
Photo by: Dimo Hristev
Title: Pelican Hunt
2nd prize: EPIX photo tiles (4x)
Dimo’s photograph explodes with dynamic energy, offering a rare, intimate glimpse into the frenetic world of pelican hunting. The wide-angle perspective, captured from "just a meter away," plunges the viewer directly into the heart of the action. The cool blue tones of the water and sky provide a dramatic backdrop, making the vibrant orange of the pelicans' beaks truly stand out. The splash from the diving bird adds an exhilarating sense of movement and raw power.
Technically, the timing here is everything. Dimo has captured the split-second drama of the hunt, with multiple birds contributing to the narrative – some poised, some diving with incredible precision. The reflections on the water add depth and context, while the sharp focus on the birds, especially the one mid-dive, ensures every detail of their intent and power is visible. It’s an immersive, high-impact shot that perfectly conveys the intensity of nature’s daily struggle.
🥉 Third Place: Ruud Zonneveld
Photo by: Ruud Zonneveld
Title: Kingfisher with Frog
3rd prize: EPIX retro tiles (4x)
Ruud's capture of the kingfisher is a testament to patience and observational skill in wildlife photography. While kingfishers are often seen with fish, catching one with a frog is a truly unique and rarely documented moment, making this image particularly special. The vibrant, iridescent blues and warm oranges of the kingfisher's plumage pop beautifully against the softly blurred green background, which provides a natural, uncluttered setting for the star of the show.
Compositionally, the kingfisher is perfectly framed on a rustic branch, its posture conveying a sense of pride and accomplishment after a successful hunt. The sharp focus on the bird and its unusual prey allows for every detail to be appreciated, from the texture of its feathers to the tiny frog in its beak. It's an image that combines exquisite detail with an extraordinary natural history moment, reminding us that nature always has surprises in store for the observant photographer.
Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted a photo and to all the voters who helped make this contest so much fun. We are consistently amazed by the talent and passion within the Xpozer community.
Ready for your next challenge? Our new photo contest is already live!
Happy shooting!
