The results are in for the 2025 British Photography Awards (BPA), where photography enthusiasts from around the world cast their votes to select their favorite images from an outstanding shortlist of 400 stunning photographs. This year's competition celebrated both emerging talents and established photographers, whether based in the UK or working internationally.

Founded as a non-profit competition, the British Photography Awards serves as a spotlight for the finest work in British photography. The 2025 edition featured a unique dual selection process, with 40 winners ultimately chosen: 20 selected by expert judges and 20 People's Choice winners determined by public vote. This democratic approach allowed photography fans to have their voices heard alongside industry professionals.

Among the standout People's Choice winners was Hang Ross's powerful wildlife photograph titled "Where Eagles Dare," captured using a Canon EOS R5 Mark II with an RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 lens. The image showcases the Iberian Imperial Eagle, also known as the Spanish Imperial Eagle, a large raptor species native to the Iberian Peninsula. Ross explained the significance of his subject: "The Iberian Imperial Eagle in the 1960s was close to extinction. The recovery of the Iberian Imperial Eagle stands as one of Europe's most inspiring conservation stories. From near extinction to a steadily rising population, with over 800 breeding pairs today."

The photographer further elaborated on the eagles' behavior captured in his winning shot: "These eagles are apex predators, feeding mainly on rabbits and other small mammals found in their dry, open habitats. Socially, pairs are monogamous and often seen together in territories, shown in the photograph, which highlights both courtship and territorial behaviors."

In the Pets & Domesticated Animals category, Nigel Wallace's charming image "Feed Me" took center stage, featuring Naru, a Coonhound captured mid-treat with infectious enthusiasm. Wallace shot the image using a Sony A9 II with an FE 24-105mm f/4 lens at f/8, around 1/160th second, and ISO 160. The photographer revealed the charitable purpose behind the session: "We were raising money for local dog-related charities. I think her motto was 'The more I eat, the more money we make'... She was right too." Wallace employed a large softbox positioned front and center to properly light the subject and freeze the action.

Thomas Lamont's drone photography "Crown of Light" captured the public's imagination, showcasing the Wallace Monument from a rarely seen aerial perspective. Shot with a DJI Mavic 3 Pro at 1/3 second, f/2.8, ISO 200 on the wide lens, the image presents the monument emerging from fog with golden light radiating at dawn. Lamont described his vision: "From the air, the Wallace Monument revealed its geometry in a way rarely seen, spire and crown etched against a backdrop of fog, light radiating in golden beams at dawn. Rarely illuminated at this hour, the monument became not just an architectural landmark but a living presence above Stirling."

The Low Light Photography category was dominated by Michael Steven Harris's "Milky Way over the West Pier," a technically impressive astrophotography image captured with a Nikon D780 and Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 G2 lens. Harris managed to photograph the Milky Way rising above Brighton's Grade I listed West Pier, with a wind farm's glowing lights visible in the distance. Despite the challenging urban location, Harris achieved remarkable detail: "The orange color of the large clouds of dust and gas in the Milky Way core along with the pinks of the three most prominent nebulae (Eagle (M16), Omega (M17) and Lagoon (M8)) can clearly be seen. While I knew it was possible to shoot the Milky Way from this location, I didn't expect to achieve such a high amount of detail in the Milky Way's core as the pier is just a few hundred meters away from the city lights of Brighton, a bright Bortle 6 area."

In the Portrait category, Oluwadamilola Taiwo's deeply moving image "Abẹfẹ (Beloved One)" resonated with voters. Captured using a Canon EOS 6D with a Sigma Art 85mm f/1.4 lens, the photograph depicts a tender moment between mother and child. Taiwo explained the cultural significance: "'Abẹfẹ' is a Yoruba word that means Beloved One – a name, a prayer, a memory, and a promise all at once. In her embrace, time slows. In her stillness, a story begins."

The Macro category showcased Barry Webb's fascinating "Glistening Slime mould," captured with an OM System OM-1 and Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro with two extension tubes. Webb discovered his subjects in his own backyard: "These glistening Comatricha nigra slime moulds were photographed on an old, rotting fence post in my back garden. I used a spray bottle to create a wet foreground to add a reflection and give the image an extra dimension." The technical achievement was impressive, with Webb explaining: "These fruiting bodies are around 2.5mm tall. 56 images were focus stacked to create the final image. Camera settings: 2.0 sec, f3.2, ISO 400."

The 2025 British Photography Awards successfully demonstrated the power of combining professional expertise with public appreciation, creating a comprehensive celebration of contemporary British photography. From wildlife conservation stories to intimate portraits, aerial perspectives to microscopic worlds, the winning images represent the diverse range of subjects and techniques that define modern photography. The complete collection of awarded photographs can be explored on the British Photography Awards website, offering inspiration for photographers and art enthusiasts alike.