The Landscape Awards 2025: A closer look at our four winners
While we often share the winners of our competitions, we often don't dive deeper into what made them successful.
So, we thought we'd share a little more information about our four category winners this year, and the reasons why the judges selected them over all the other amazing entries.
You can read the full competition wrap-up here.
Landscape category
About the shot
Halfway through a 2,000km journey home, Jason Keeler says he decided to cut short a visit with friends, excusing himself after lightning alerts started ‘going ballistic’ in the area.
“Constant direction changes had me weaving down unfamiliar backroads, eyes locked on the storm plumes building in the distance,” he recalls.
All the while, he was scanning for the perfect composition.
“A lone shed in a cropped paddock made me slam on the brakes. The storm was moving in fast. The front intensified into a massive rain bomb, and random bolts struck down as the setting sun was smothered, leaving only slivers of light to illuminate the scene.”
“I was buzzing inside, drenched within minutes, and beaming. I fired off excited messages and back-of-camera shots to my partner and mates who share this obsession.”
For the judges, Keeler’s phenomenal image was a standout from a star-studded field of landscapes this year.
What the judges said
This image exudes atmosphere and heaviness. The weight of the storm cloud above is framed deliberately and presses down on the farming structure. As a viewer you can feel the pressure. And yet despite the darkness, there is also lightness and beauty. The wisps of light seen through the clouds and falling rain contrast against the heaviness with lightness that draws the viewer into the frame and invites us to consider that while the heaviness is extreme it is also temporary. The image succeeds visually and in emotive metaphor - Matt Palmer
This image masterfully balances composition and atmosphere to create a truly jaw-dropping scene. The moody tones enhance the drama, while the lone house, dwarfed by the approaching storm, powerfully conveys the sheer scale of Mother Nature. A beautifully edited and deeply compelling shot - Steph Vella
Seascape category
About the shot
Larn Berge’s winning image in the Seascape category was captured at Muriwai Beach in New Zealand, home to a large gannet colony that nests there before the birds make their long journey back to Australia once the chicks are ready to leave.
“I’m a landscape photographer at heart, so I really wanted to capture this colony through that lens—not just focus on the birds,” Berge explains.
“To get the shot, I patiently waited for sunlight to break through the clouds and bathe the landscape in golden light, while also freezing the birds mid-flight. I noticed the waves crashing against the sea stack below, and I wanted to include that wild, untamed element of the location too.”
Berge says timing was everything to bring all these elements together in a single frame.
“It was my last shot of 2024—and a very proud capture indeed,” he says.
What the judges said
This image has a true WOW factor, drawing the viewer in with its warmth and dynamic energy. The movement of the birds, the crashing waves, and the golden sunlight all come together to capture this scene at its absolute best. Every corner of this image is alive with detail, making it an incredibly visually stunning and immersive shot - Steph Vella
This image really stood out to me, with the striking light and wonderful colour contrast. I particularly like the faster shutter speed used which not only captures the movement of the birds but also the energy and power of the sea. The composition is well balanced and overall I think the photographer has done a great job at capturing an iconic location - Will Patino
Aerial Category
About the shot
The mine sites around Perth, WA provide excellent opportunities to capture stunning abstract aerial images, explains Tom Putt.
“It was a windy morning when I hovered high above this location, however the sun provided the light I needed to produce the vibrant colours I was looking for.”
“From the air, the landscape transformed into an abstract canvas—cracked earth weaving through vivid streaks of ochre, turquoise, and deep rust-red. It felt like I was photographing a surreal painting rather than a piece of the natural world touched by industry. Moments like this remind me how unexpected beauty can emerge from even the most rugged and altered environments,” he says.
For the judges, Putt’s beautiful abstract landscape captivated in one of the most challenging categories to win.
What the judges said
As always there were a lot of great images in this year’s aerial section, but Tom Putt’s vertical shot of a dry lake was definitely the attention grabber. Its success lies in the strong colour palette, combined with the bold use of diagonals and an amazing amount of detail and texture within the image. Overall, we found this to be a remarkable image and a deserving winner of the aerial category - Anthony McKee
This breathtaking top down shot showcases the stunning colours and intricate textures of our planet from a whole new perspective. The delicate patterns draw the eye in, while the vibrant pops of colour make it feel like a natural masterpiece—one you could admire for hours - Steph Vella
Urban category
About the shot
On a rare foggy evening in Hervey Bay, Ryan Tutor spotted a roundabout that caught his eye.
“I had a long exposure shot in mind that I’d been wanting to try, and these conditions felt perfect to finally make it happen,” he explains.
With his tripod set up and a 20-second exposure ready, he waited for the right moment—just enough passing traffic to bring the scene to life. After a few attempts, he captured a shot full of atmosphere and mood—one that went on to impress the judges.
What the judges said
Ryan Tutor’s photograph of a rural roundabout at night was a clear favourite for the judges in the urban section. The soft mist combined with the effects of the lights on the scene, and the lights of a car or two passing by evoke some emotion from the viewer (most of us know the feeling of being the last car on the road on a cold night). In all, the design, composition and tonal handling of the image have resulted in a very subtle and lasting image - Anthony McKee
I really enjoyed the approach taken with this image. The simplicity of the urban setting, combined with the effective use of dark space, results in a strong and bold photograph. The use of light trails to convey movement, paired with the moody lighting and an atmosphere that almost feels fog-like, was a perfect creative choice. It all comes together to create a striking and evocative image - Petra Leary