Abstract

Photo © Simon Heather

1st classified

Tree of life
by Isabella Tabacchi


An aerial view of nature's artistry in Iceland's highlands. Grooves, rivers, and vegetation converge to form a tree-like pattern, showcasing nature's creativity as it paints an intricate artwork against the rugged Icelandic landscape.

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Runner up

LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
by Ignacio Medem


On Icelandic beaches, the sand turns black due to the erosion of lava remnants. The contrast between the white foam and the black sand creates stunning compositions.

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Highly commended

magical lines
by Mohammad Khorshed


While Mohd was at Doha Bay in Kuwait to photograph birds with his drone, he noticed a flock of gulls resting on the water. Intrigued, he decided to capture them from an aerial perspective. He adjusted the shutter speed to create smoother lines in the water created by the movement...

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Highly commended

Elddreki / Fire Dragon
by Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove


Captured during the 2023 volcanic eruption of Fagradalsfjall at Litli-Hrútur in Iceland, this lava outbreak formed the image of a dragon, which was only visible when looking straight down onto the lava field.

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Highly commended

Marching in the Salt Marsh.
by Raj Mohan


The Banni buffalo, unlike other common breeds, can tolerate water scarcity, harsh climatic conditions, and survive on scanty patches of grass and shrubs. They are commonly found here, creating abstract patterns in the salt marshes of one of the largest salt deserts in the world -...

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Commended

Blue Fan - Water Park
by Andreas Secci


Amusement parks hibernate during the cold, dark season. No screaming children having fun and getting exhausted on the water slide. Until the park wakes up again with the first rays of sunshine.

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Commended

Go with the Flow
by Ael Kermarec


During each eruption, observing the patterns forming in the ever-changing lava rivers is a stressful game. Identifying shapes is one task, but waiting for the right moment while hovering near a 1200°C lava river adds an element of excitement.

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Commended

Fairytale
by Siman Laszlo


The agricultural areas surrounding Spanish rivers exhibit a surprising variety of shapes when viewed from above. Often, these formations resemble existing or mythical beings and people, a phenomenon known as pareidolia. This picture was taken in Aragon during the spring.

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Commended

Moharlou Alluviums
by Amin Malekzadeh


Maharlu Wetlands, situated at the entrance of the expansive Maharlu Lake in Shiraz, also known as the Pink Lake, is home to numerous birds, including flamingos. Aerial views of Maharlu Lagoon reveal stunning abstract landscapes, resembling a magnificent painting canvas.

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Commended

tree of life
by Judith Kuhn


Last year, I aimed to photograph river structures at this location, but the road remained closed due to thawing conditions. This year, my opportunity came later in the season, and I succeeded. Fortunately, the envisioned pictures were captured despite the road being in poor condi...

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Commended

Layers of Color
by Alexandre Brisson


This abstract aerial photo captures the Icelandic highlands from above. A black volcanic hill covered in green moss surrounds the center while layers of black and white shades create intriguing patterns. In the top left corner, a small red crater adds a pop of color to the scene.

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Commended

Mixture of colors
by Sergio Tapia


Due to high temperatures, the level of a small lake drops, revealing a variety of colors and textures on its shore. These colors originate from an old nearby mine, where water carries heavy minerals that leave their mark on the earth.

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