Ship Rock, also known as Tse Bitai to the Diné (Navajo) people, is a remarkable geological formation located in New Mexico. This stunning rock formation, resembling a winged creature, rises out of the desert landscape and can be seen from miles around. Ship Rock is the result of a massive volcanic eruption that occurred millions of years ago, leaving behind a monolithic stack and several radiating ridges of cooled lava.
The gradual erosion of the surrounding land over millions of years has exposed the jagged shape of Ship Rock, making it a captivating sight for visitors and photographers alike. Karol Nienartowicz, a talented photographer who recently won second place in the International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest, was drawn to Ship Rock as a storm rolled through the Navajo Nation. His aerial photograph of the natural landmark captures its raw beauty and rugged charm.
The International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest received over 3,600 entries from photographers worldwide, showcasing the stunning diversity of our planet’s landscapes. The winning images, including Nienartowicz’s striking photograph of Ship Rock, highlight a wide range of ecosystems, from forests and deserts to mountains and lakes.
The top three winners of the competition were J. Fritz Rumpf, Karol Nienartowicz, and Joyce Bealer, each capturing the beauty of nature in their own unique way. Other notable photographs in the competition showcased landscapes from around the world, including snow-covered pine trees in Italy, a supercell in New Mexico, and otherworldly rock formations in Algeria.
A selection of 101 photographs from the competition will be featured in the annual book, with an additional 101 images available for viewing in the online gallery. The diverse range of landscapes captured by these talented photographers serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of our natural world.
As we marvel at the breathtaking images of Ship Rock and other stunning landscapes, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and protecting these natural wonders for future generations to enjoy. Through the lens of these photographers, we are able to see the world in a new light and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
