The Surreal Image That Won Bird Photographer Of The Year 2025
The Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 winner did not just “get a nice shot,” they caught a moment so surreal it looks staged. Liron Gertsman’s Gold Award image, The Frigatebird And The Diamond Ring, turns a wild, chaotic bird scene into something almost jewelry-adjacent, like nature decided to flex its styling.
And it gets more interesting from there. While Gertsman’s frigatebird dominates the headlines, the awards lineup is packed with other scenes that feel equally strange and specific: Tomáš Grim’s Urban Incubator, Maxime Legare-Vezina’s Voice Of The Ash Forest, and even Hira Punjabi’s Vanishing Species. So the complication is this, the images are gorgeous, but they also demand you notice the behavior, the timing, and the habitat details behind every frame.
Once you see how these winners were built, it’s hard to look at birds in flight the same way again.
Birds In Flight, Gold Award And Bird Photographer Of The Year 2025: The Frigatebird And The Diamond Ring By Liron Gertsman, Canada
Urban Birds, Silver Award: Urban Incubator By Tomáš Grim, Czech Republic
Best Portrait, Silver Award: Voice Of The Ash Forest By Maxime Legare - Vezina, Canada
Bird photography is not simply about capturing beautiful images; it serves as a lens through which we can explore the intricate dynamics of the natural world. The article emphasizes that the most stunning photographs, such as the winning image of the Bird Photographer of the Year 2025, are the result of an understanding of avian behavior and the environment in which these birds thrive.
To achieve those breathtaking moments, photographers must invest time in observing their subjects, learning to anticipate actions that lead to extraordinary captures. This level of dedication highlights the importance of patience and fieldwork in wildlife photography.
Moreover, the piece advocates for a thoughtful approach to photographing birds, urging photographers to respect their subjects and habitats. This philosophy not only enhances the quality of the images but also ensures a sustainable practice that honors the beauty of wildlife.
Conservation (Single Image), Bronze Award: Vanishing Species By Hira Punjabi, India
Black And White, Bronze Award: On My Own By Jim Lee, Singapore
Urban Boreds, Bronze Award: Sainte Trinité By Benoit Henrion, France
That’s when Liron Gertsman’s frigatebird, the one paired with the Diamond Ring title, becomes the perfect example of how a split-second decision can make the whole image feel unreal.
National Geographic's wildlife photographers often share insights on best practices, emphasizing early morning and late afternoon as prime times for capturing birds in action.
Light conditions play a pivotal role, influencing both the quality of images and the behavior of the birds. Patience is key, as many successful photographers spend hours waiting for the right moment.
Birds In The Environment, Gold Award: Feasting At Sunset By Franco Banfi, Switzerland
Birds In Flight, Silver Award: Through The Marigolds By Baiju Patil, India
Urban Birds, Gold Award: Feathered On Panels By Alex Pansier, Netherlands
Conservation Through Photography
By showcasing the beauty and fragility of wildlife, photographers can inspire public engagement and support for conservation initiatives.
15 - 17 Years, Gold Award: Jewel Of The Forest By Harry Sedin, Sweden
Bird Behaviour, Silver Award: King Of The Forest By Mateusz Piesiak, Poland
Birds In The Environment, Gold Award: Feasting At Sunset By Franco Banfi, Switzerland
Meanwhile, Tomáš Grim’s Urban Incubator makes you wonder if city birds are just as dramatic as the ones over water, especially when the timing hits right.
If you’re craving another high-stakes “caught in the moment” shot, see how Travel Photographer Of The Year 2025 captured global rituals and landscapes.
This means not only capturing beautiful images but also participating in initiatives that protect natural habitats. The World Wildlife Fund suggests that photographers donate a portion of their earnings to conservation projects or volunteer their skills to raise awareness.
Engaging with local communities about the importance of wildlife can also enhance conservation efforts, creating a holistic approach to protecting these species.
Birds In Flight, Bronze Award: Overflight By Tibor Litauszki, Hungary
Bird Behaviour, Bronze Award Swollen Chest By Chen Ein-Dor, Israel
11 And Under, Gold Award: Graceful Flight Over Wild Bloom By Sasha Jumanca, Germany
Technical Skills and Creativity
Renowned wildlife photographer, technical skills in photography are just as important as creativity.
Best Portrait, Bronze Award: Snowstorm By Luca Lorenz, Germany
Creative Perspectives, Silver Award: Landing In A Sea Of Swans By Andreas Hemb, Sweden
Black And White, Gold Award: The Giant By Jannik Jansons, Germany
Then Maxime Legare-Vezina’s Voice Of The Ash Forest throws the mood off-balance, because the “beautiful” part is inseparable from what the scene is warning you about.
Photography workshops often highlight the importance of technical skills alongside creativity. B&H Photo offers classes that teach essential camera functions, enabling photographers to adapt to various situations in the field.
Learning the fundamentals not only enhances image quality but also boosts confidence, allowing photographers to experiment more with their creative visions in the wild.
Birds In The Environment, Bronze Award: Triumphant Arrival By Steffen Foerster, Germany
Black And White, Silver Award: Black And White Swan By Raoul Slater, Australia
Best Portrait, Gold Award: Bloody Petrel By Steffen Foerster, Germany
And when Hira Punjabi’s Vanishing Species lands alongside these winners, it turns the whole contest into a reminder that the prettiest frames still come from real habitats that are on the line.
Ethics in Wildlife Photography
By adhering to ethical guidelines, photographers can contribute positively to conservation while maintaining the integrity of their work.
Conservation (Single Image), Gold Award: Radiographing By Sarthak Agrawal, India
Creative Perspectives, Bronze Award: Under Your Nose By Jim Lee, Singapore
Creative Perspectives, Gold Award: Photo Art By Philipp Egger, Italy
The Audubon Society provides resources that outline best practices for interacting with birds and their habitats, helping photographers make responsible choices.
These guidelines not only protect wildlife but also enhance the photographer's reputation as a responsible artist, fostering trust within the community.
15 - 17 Years, Gold Award And Young Bird Photographer Of The Year 2025: Minimalist Wings By Tomasz Michalski, Poland
Conservation (Single Image), Silver Award: Trapped By Charlotte Keast, United Kingdom
The Bird Photographer of the Year competition continues to prove just how powerful a single frame can be, not only as art but as a reminder of why these creatures deserve admiration and protection.
Want to explore the full collection of winning photos? Visit birdpoty.com or follow the competition on Instagram, Facebook, or X for more breathtaking bird moments captured through the lenses of passionate photographers.
Bird photography transcends mere aesthetics; it serves as a vital instrument for conservation and education. The captivating images featured in the Bird Photographer of the Year competition not only showcase the beauty of avian life but also highlight the responsibility that comes with such artistry. Photographers participating in this renowned contest possess the unique ability to shape public perception and deepen our connection to the natural environment.
Through their technical prowess and commitment to ethical practices, these photographers contribute significantly to wildlife conservation. The winning images from this year's competition exemplify how a dedication to both artistry and ethics can profoundly enhance our understanding and appreciation of the intricate ecosystems that surround us.
After these awards, you start noticing the background, not just the bird.
Want more surreal nature wins, including NBP 2024’s top photographers and distinguished photos? Check out the NBP International Awards 2024 winners.
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