Paul Stark, 19-time traveler from Fountain Hills, AZ the "Wildlife Winner" of O.A.T.’s 2023 Traveler Photo Content in 2024—took this close-up of an elephant during Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara to the Serengeti.
The photographs we capture during our travels have the power to rekindle cherished memories and inspire others to embark on their own adventures. Your best shots could also earn you prizes when you enter O.A.T.'s annual Traveler Photo Contest—the grand prize winner receives a FREE adventure, and winners in four categories each receive a $500 credit.
See this year's winners, full contest rules, and upload instructions here, and see below to get inspired by 10 years of winners in our Nature/Wildlife category.
2024
Photo taken by Martha Nickerson, 7-time traveler from Chichester, NH ∙ Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari
Comments from the judges: A unique perspective on African wildlife. Cropping the photo this way—making the unassuming bird its focal point against a background of geometric shapes—was an excellent choice by the photographer. It also reveals how the best wildlife shots aren’t always about the "Big Five."
2023
Photo taken by Paul Stark, 19-time traveler from Fountain Hills, AZ ∙ Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara to the Serengeti
Comments from the judges: The composition is done very well, using the "classic rule of thirds." With the subject on the left side of the frame and in the foreground, we are shown rich textural details of one elephant; while two other members of the herd in the background complete the perfectly composed scene. Seeing the elephant contentedly grazing while staring directly into the camera lens is a powerful moment. There is also an excellent use of negative space as the tree almost appears to frame the elephant.
2022
Photo taken by Barbara Robert, 15-time traveler from Berlin, MD ∙ Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari
Comments from the judges: This photograph has a wonderful, textural feel, as the leopard and his curving tail mimic the lines of the tree branches around him. It captures an interesting moment between action, as the creature readies himself to leap to the next branch. It also features a good use of negative space—while other photos may have zoomed in on the animal alone, the inclusion of the leaves and branches enhances the overall color scheme. The details are very clear and crisp.
2021
Photo taken by Larry Miner, 25-time traveler from Mill Creek, WA ∙ Ultimate Galápagos Exploration & Ecuador's Amazon Wilds
Comments from the judges: Not only does this photograph beautifully capture wildlife, but it shows wildlife in action as the bird soars through the sky. The image is sharp even with the motion of the bird’s wings, which is a great technical skill.
2019
Photo taken by Mary Hines, 7-time traveler from Latham, NY ∙ Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara to the Serengeti
Comments from the judges: While another photographer may have cropped this photo closer, we like the additional surrounding area that is shown here. By including the grass, the photographer creates a depth of field—not to mention, all of the cubs are looking curiously at the camera.
2018
Tom Palmer, 7-time traveler from Cincinnati, Ohio ∙ Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara to the Serengeti
Comments from the judges: We love how this shot is framed to include the safari vehicle and the lighting is beautiful—it looks like a painting. The dust kicked up in the background adds to the overall feeling.
2017
Photo taken by Sandy Mortimer, 28-time traveler from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma ∙ Java & Bali: Indonesia’s Mystical Islands
Comments from the judges: The scene is dramatic, as though the orangutan were posing for an audience. The framing captures his size through the length of his arm, and his gaze creates a connection with the viewer.
2016
Photo taken by Joaquin Espejo, 21-time traveler from Milan, Illinois ∙ Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia
Comments from the judges: This photo goes beyond capturing a landscape to give the viewer a sense of the larger environment. A quiet image becomes tense as the glacier not only falls, but explodes into the water—the photographer’s timing is just right. The intensity of the color matches the intensity of the moment as well.
2015
Photo taken by Roland Suarez-Ontog, 3-time traveler from Venice, Florida ∙ Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari
Comments from the judges: The selective focus and quality of color is wonderful, and allows the image to show the detail of a larger scene. The graphic quality exhibits the technical skill of the photographer.
2014
Photo taken by Stella Bouldin, 5-time traveler from Lafayette, Oregon ∙ Route of the Maya
Comments from the judges: The selective focus really gives this image an edge. The frog's eyes pop—they're clearly wet, and full of inquiry—and the bumps of its skin are especially striking.
Snap some wildlife photos of the "Big 5" and everything in between during Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara to the Serengeti and learn more about the photo contest here.
