Some of the world's most extraordinary landscapes remain largely unknown to the majority of travelers. Hidden beyond popular destinations are remote plateaus, untouched waterfalls, mist-covered forests, dramatic deserts, and breathtaking natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Capturing these places requires patience, exploration, and often a willingness to venture far beyond familiar paths.
The Hidden Gems of Earth: Nature Photo Contest celebrated photographers who reveal these remarkable places through their images. With an impressive 2,032 photographs submitted from around the world, the competition showcased stunning landscapes, extraordinary light, and the incredible diversity of our planet's natural beauty. The winning photographs transport viewers to locations that feel both real and almost mythical at the same time.
1st Place — Vladimir Kochkin
Starry Night at Manpupuner Plateau
Vladimir Kochkin earned first place with the spectacular image "Starry Night at Manpupuner Plateau." The photograph combines one of the world's most unusual geological formations with the beauty of the night sky, creating a scene that feels almost otherworldly.
The image succeeds through its balance of scale, atmosphere, and composition. The towering rock formations stand beneath a star-filled sky, reminding viewers how small we are compared to the vastness of nature and the universe.
Rather than simply documenting a location, Vladimir's photograph creates a sense of wonder and adventure, inspiring viewers to imagine what it would be like to stand beneath those ancient stone pillars and experience the landscape firsthand.
2nd Place — VIJAY RICHHIYA
WATERFALL
Vijay Richhiya received second place with "WATERFALL", an image that captures the raw power and beauty of moving water in a natural landscape.
Waterfalls have long been a favorite subject for nature photographers, yet creating an image that stands apart requires careful timing, composition, and an understanding of light. Vijay's photograph transforms a familiar natural feature into a dramatic visual experience filled with movement and atmosphere.
The image demonstrates how nature photography can reveal hidden locations and encourage viewers to appreciate landscapes they may never have the opportunity to visit themselves.
3rd Place — Michał Struk
Rooted in Light
Michał Struk earned third place with "Rooted in Light", a photograph that beautifully demonstrates the emotional power of landscape photography.
The image uses natural light as a central element, guiding the viewer through the scene while creating depth, mood, and visual harmony. Rather than relying solely on a dramatic location, the photograph succeeds through atmosphere and the photographer's ability to recognize a fleeting moment when light transformed the landscape.
The result is an image that feels peaceful, timeless, and deeply connected to nature, reminding viewers that some of the most remarkable hidden gems are often discovered through patience and observation.
The winning images from the Hidden Gems of Earth: Nature Photo Contest showcase the incredible diversity of our planet's landscapes. From remote plateaus beneath star-filled skies to powerful waterfalls and light-filled natural scenes, the contest highlights locations that inspire curiosity, exploration, and appreciation for the natural world.
The works of Vladimir Kochkin, Vijay Richhiya, and Michał Struk demonstrate different approaches to nature photography while sharing the same goal: revealing the extraordinary beauty that exists beyond the most familiar destinations.
Congratulations to all winners, finalists, and participants who helped make this contest a remarkable celebration of nature photography. With more than 2,000 submissions, the competition offered a stunning visual journey through some of Earth's most beautiful hidden places.
