The 12th annual International Landscape Photographer of the Year competition has revealed its winners, with American photographer J. Fritz Rumpf claiming the top honor. Rumpf's winning portfolio features painterly, abstract landscape images captured across three countries: Brazil, the United States, and Norway. His distinctive artistic approach to landscape photography earned him recognition among thousands of global submissions.
Rumpf expressed his overwhelming joy on Instagram, writing that he was "over the moon, honored, humbled, and yes, a little bit of pride thrown in there as well." His winning portfolio includes four standout images: "Storm Over Fields," which served as his signature piece, along with "Winter Meditations," "Whisper," and "River and Dunes." Each photograph demonstrates his unique ability to transform natural landscapes into abstract, artistic compositions that blur the line between photography and painting.
Second place in the overall competition went to Polish photographer Karol Nienartowicz, whose portfolio showcased dramatic landscapes from various locations. His winning images include "Shiprock," "Delta Pool," "Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah," and "Salar de Gorbea," each demonstrating his mastery of capturing remote and striking natural formations. Nienartowicz's work is characterized by bold compositions and dramatic lighting that highlight the raw beauty of untouched landscapes.
American photographer Joyce Bealer secured third place overall with her diverse collection of landscape imagery. Her portfolio features "Fitz Roy and Cascades," "Gracefully," "Starry Night," and "Fairytale Sunrise." Bealer's work spans various landscape photography techniques, from long-exposure water shots to astrophotography, showcasing her versatility and technical expertise across different environmental conditions.
In addition to the overall winners, the competition also recognized the best single landscape photograph of the year. Austrian photographer Lukas Trixl claimed first place with his stunning image "The Land Before Time," captured on New Zealand's North Island. The photograph presents an otherworldly landscape that evokes prehistoric times through its dramatic composition and ethereal lighting.
Dutch photographer Albert Dros earned second place in the single image category with "Porcelain Shrooms," a delicate and artistic capture taken in the Netherlands' Speulder Forest. American photographer Dave Drost rounded out the top three with his striking image "White Pocket," photographed in the unique rock formations of Northern Arizona. This location is known for its swirling sandstone patterns and vibrant colors that create natural abstract art.
The competition also honored photographers in several specialized categories, recognizing excellence in specific aspects of landscape photography. Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove won the Seascape Award for his mastery of coastal and ocean photography. Torsten Pull received the Black and White Award, demonstrating that monochrome photography continues to hold a powerful place in landscape art. Benjamin Barakat earned the Lone Tree Award, celebrating the iconic subject that has long been a favorite among landscape photographers.
Additional special recognition went to Dennis Hualong Zhang, who won the Stormy Sky Award for capturing the dramatic power of weather in landscape photography. Kung-Fu Li received the Snow and Ice Award, highlighting the unique challenges and beauty of winter landscape photography. These specialized categories ensure that various aspects of landscape photography receive proper recognition and encourage photographers to explore different environmental conditions and artistic approaches.
The International Landscape Photographer of the Year competition maintains strict standards to ensure the integrity of the art form. All submitted images must be captured by the photographer themselves, with AI-generated images of any kind strictly prohibited. The rules also require that photographers personally edit their own images, as the competition considers post-processing an integral part of the landscape photography artistic process. This approach ensures that the awards celebrate both technical skill in capture and artistic vision in presentation.
The competition's commitment to authenticity extends beyond just the technical requirements. By mandating personal involvement in both capture and processing, the awards maintain the traditional craft elements of photography while embracing modern digital techniques. This balance helps preserve the artistic integrity that has made landscape photography one of the most respected and challenging forms of visual art.
The 2025 International Landscape Photography Awards will release a comprehensive eBook featuring all winning images through their official website. This publication serves as both a celebration of the year's best work and an inspiration for photographers worldwide, showcasing the incredible diversity and artistic potential within landscape photography. The collection represents not just technical excellence, but also the deep connection between photographers and the natural world they seek to capture and share.
