The Nature Category

2026 Flow Photo Contest: Winners, Finalists, and Honorable Mentions

Trees, animals, fields, clouds, and things. Plus parts of the natural world most of us don’t get the chance to see. From their backyards to the Arctic Circle, the winners of the Nature Category have taken the time to document Mother Nature in all her glory. Everything the light touches, Simba. VIEW FULL WINNERS GALLERY

The Post Fire

by Pablo Sanchez | @firewatchphotography
Gorman, California

Taken during the 2024 fire season in California. After scouting several locations, I came across this burning tree and captured it with a long exposure. To me, it felt like a reminder of how short life is, that eventually, we all return to ash and dust in one way or another.

Peekaboo

by Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra | @pedro_ajuriaguerra
San Cristóbal de Almendres, Burgos, Spain

Peekaboo — a tiny world looking back.

Peering into this leaf felt like stumbling into a hidden neighborhood I usually rush past. The insect’s curious gaze through the windowed holes made me notice how much life unfolds quietly, just beneath our attention. It reminded me that connection to nature isn’t always grand — it can begin with simply slowing down enough to be seen by something small.

Mother Nature

by Luis Lopez-de-Victoria | @ldvsphotography
Ica, Peru

During an August 2024 boat trip to Peru’s Ballestas Islands, a sudden storm caught us at sea, but amid the choppy waters and howling winds, we encountered a lone sea lion sitting in profound serenity atop a cargo ship. The captain of our boat mentioned the sea lion was pregnant and likely sheltering from the rough waters; this striking scene anchored my worries and gave me peace in the middle of a raging sea. Watching her brave the elements made me think of how many mothers, like my own, selflessly weather life's fiercest storms to keep their families safe from harm.