Every year, the California Academy of Sciences encourages photographers from all around the world to submit their best work to the BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition. The photography contest aims to highlight the Earth’s biodiversity and celebrate the immense beauty of nature, as well as its struggles.
This year’s grand prize winner was the photographer Jo-Anne McArthur, whose photograph titled Home Amidst the Ashes depicts an eastern gray kangaroo mother and her baby surrounded by the scorched forest in the aftermath of the Australian bushfire of 2020. This powerful moment is a metaphor for the resilience of the entire country. It reminds us that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times.
The other winners and finalists are spread across categories like Aquatic Life, Art of Nature, and Winged Life, and they are no less breathtaking and meaningful. Scrolling through them will undoubtedly remind you of how stunning and complex the world we live in really is.

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021
Related: 15 Winning Images From the World Nature Photography Awards

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021
Related: This Amazing Wildlife Photography Has an Important Cause

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021
Related: The Stunning Winners of the 2020 HIPA Nature Photo Contest

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021

Image Source: BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2021
To see and learn more about this photo competition, visit the BigPicture Natural Phonography Competition website.
Share these gorgeous images with those who love nature
16 Of Nature's Best Unintentional Works of Art
Sometimes the most moving and beautifully effortless works of art are the ones created by nature, without man's interference.
15 Powerful Photos Capturing the Drama of Nature
From powerful landscaped to majestic wildlife, we just had to to share 15 more of the winning images form the Tokyo International Foto Awards.
20:28
The 15 Most Gorgeous Gardens From Around the World
In this video, you will go on a tour around some of the most over-the-top gorgeous gardens in the world.
Snail Photography That Will Show You a Tiny Magic World
Peak into the world of the snails with these 10 photgrpahs
4:13
Dancing is Even Better Against a Beautiful Landscape
The two most beautiful things to watch are dancing and nature. So why not combine the two? This video does it accurately.
Aerial View of World's Largest Airplane Graveyard
Aerial photos show patterns we wouldn't notice otherwise!
Incredible Ancient Ruins Restored to Their Former Glory
What did these 7 ancient ruins look like back when they were first created? Fascinating!
These Superb Optical Illusions Had Us Fooled!
These epic optical illusions completely caught us off guard!
Animal Kingdom Stories Told Through Amazing Pictures
Check out the awe-inspiring wildlife photos of the 2024 Nature inFocus Photography competition.
10:05
This Skyscraper Will be the Tallest Garden in the World
This Australian skyscraper in the city of Melbourne will soon become the tallest vertical garden in the world!
15 Historical Photographs Very Few Have Seen
This collection of fantastic historical photos will leave you intrigued.
The Winners of the Top Bird Photo Contest of 2020 Are In!
They're finally here, the winners of the 2020 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards, the biggest bird photography competition in the world!
When Jack-o’-Lanterns Became Works of Art (15 Pics)
Get inspired by these unbelievably creative Halloween pumpkins.
Vintage Photos of the Real Wild West - 16 Rare Pics
These 16 remarkable photographs reveal increasingly surprising glimpses into authentic Wild West life.
The World From Above: 14 Award-Winning Drone Shots
Check out the amazing drone photos from the 10th Annual SkyPixel Aerial Photography Awards.
Time Transforms Everything - 15 Incredible Photos
Admire how time changed the world around us in these 15 historical photo comparisons of famous places around the world.
These Amazing Astronomy Photos Will Leave You Speechless!
The Royal Observatory’s Insight Investment Astronomy Photographs of the Year awards has released its shortlist for the best space pictures.
15 Photos That Capture the Magic and Beauty of Motion
Here is a look at the winners of the International Photo Contest that celebrates the art of movement.
30 Vintage Pics That Are Worth More Than a Million Words
Enjoy this great collection of rare historical photos.
These Extremely Rare Photos Will Teach You Something New
Prepare to see history in a whole new light through these fascinating snapshots.
The Night Sky Feels like a Magical World in These Pics
Marvel at these strikingly beautiful nighttime photos by a Japanese photographer who captures the magic of the night sky perfectly.
Ingenious Solutions That Should Be More Widely Available!
Where there is a problem, there is also a clever inventor to come up with a solution, as shown in these 22 pictures of cool solutions to everyday problems!
No Words Other Than "Eye Candy" Can Describe These Photos
Have you ever seen a photo and felt amazed at how satisfied it made you feel? The 20 photos here are no exception. Enjoy these oddly satisfying photos.
Lets Open a Window to the Past...
These 16 black and white 20th century photos show us some of the most interesting moments of the 20th century.
You Won’t Find Wildlife & Nature Like This Anywhere Else!
This article is dedicated exclusively to the wildlife of Patagonia and its vast and glorious landscapes in 10 photos
View the Stunning & Varied Architecture of the Netherlands
A German photographer has always been fascinated by the modern architecture of the Netherlands, and this is what happened when he went to capture it.
10 of the Most Beautiful Buildings from Around the World
Like sculptures and paintings, buildings, as you’re about to see, can also be wonderful pieces of art. Check out these stunning architectural masterpieces from all over the world. These will undoubtedly amaze you.
The Stellar Night Sky Like You've Never Seen It Before
Enjoy these surrealist photographs of the stellar night sky over the great wide open.
The Art of Sand: 15 Breathtaking Sculptures
Check out these stunning sand creations by Janel Hawkins.
From Iceland to Canada - 15 Scenic Mountain Landscapes
Observe the world from some of the most beautiful mountain peaks all across the world.
These Unconventional Buildings Will Make You Look Twice!
You haven't seen such bizarre buildings before!
12 Stunning Award-Winning Photos from Zoos and Aquariums
Check out the winning entries of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums photography competition.
These Stunning Panoramic Photos Will Leave You in Awe
The exceptional winners of the 2024 Epson International Pano Awards will leave you in awe.
Let Your Eyes Swim With Whales and Dolphins...
Take a look at this stunning photo collection of beautiful whales and dolphins by British Photographer Christopher Swann.
15 Rare Photos That'll Change the Way You See the World!
These photos spread light on our surroundings, reminding us that even simple things can be extraordinary. Take a look!
5:09
What Does Your Home Say About You?
Your home can say a whole lot about your state of mind, so make sure you furnish it to the best of your ability!
French Artist Transforms Streets with Whimsical 3D Art
French artist Pierre Bertolotti transforms dreary spaces with his incredible 3D graffiti.
12 Award-Winning Designs That Redefine Innovation
Check out the innovative award-winning entries from the European Product Design Award.
When History Comes to Life: 21 Colorized Moments
Enjoy this amazing collection of colorized history photos.
These Colorful Photos Are An Affirmation Of Life's Beauty
These photos are concrete evidence of the existence of beauty in every nook and cranny of our world. What's more, they'll fill your heart with joy and wonder.
Stunning Architectural Masterpieces That No Longer Exist
Damaged by war, destroyed by fire, or foolishly demolished, these structures didn't withstand the test of time, but they still deserve to be admired & remembered
Size Does Matter – 14 Pics of Unusually Large Things
These freakishly big things might make you rub your eyes…
14 Surprisingly Rare Historical Moments Caught On Camera
The last 150 years haven't only been recorded in writing but also documented in pictures, check it out with these 14 very rare and surprising moments.
Rediscover History With 17 Rare and Surprising Images
We all learned a great deal about the events that shaped the world but some things are hard to really understand from a textbook...
These Photographers Got Their Timing Absolutely Spot On!
These perfectly timed photographs are proof that you don’t need to be a professional photographer to take awesome pictures.
These Urban Megaprojects Are the World's Most Ambitious
Two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050, and planners are making preparations for that eventuality. Here are 11 urban megaprojects.
These Gorgeous Churches Are a Sight For Any Eye...
Look at amazing churches from around the world photographed by the French photographer Thibaud Poirier.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.