Humpback whales, known for their massive size and majestic presence in the ocean, are rarely seen in their albino form. These all-white creatures, such as the famous Migaloo first spotted in 1991 off the coast of Australia, are a sight to behold and inspire wonder among those who are lucky enough to witness them.
Photographer Jono Allen recently captured a breathtaking image of a baby white humpback whale being nudged by its mother. This stunning photograph earned him the top prize in the 2026 World Nature Photography Awards (WNPA), as well as winning the Underwater category.
The seventh edition of the WNPA continues to showcase the diversity and beauty of our planet’s wildlife and ecosystems. From Mary Schrader’s heartwarming portrait of a gorilla observing a butterfly to Miki Spitzer’s enigmatic drone photo of a mineral pool resembling a dragon’s eye, each winning photo captures the essence of curiosity and awe.
Entries are now being accepted for the 2027 edition of the contest. To view the winners’ gallery and learn more about the competition, visit the WNPA website.
The winning photographs from the 2026 WNPA edition depict a wide range of wildlife and natural landscapes. From a lizard braving a sandstorm to a woodpecker diligently pecking at a tree, each image tells a unique story about the beauty and resilience of the natural world.
Other winning photographs include a grizzly bear splashing in a creek as red salmon spawn nearby, a moose peering through a camera in a snowy landscape, and a dramatic shot of a glacier with colorful rivulets leading into open water.
The WNPA awards also recognize the intricate beauty of small creatures, such as a bee collecting nectar and a sea turtle surrounded by glass fish. These images remind us of the delicate balance and interconnectedness of all living beings on our planet.
As we continue to celebrate the wonders of nature through photography, it is important to remember the importance of conservation and preservation. By capturing the beauty of the natural world in images, we can raise awareness and inspire others to protect and cherish our planet for future generations.
