30 Years Of Nature’s Best Photography—How One Contest Changed The Way We See Our Planet

Forbes - Mar 22nd, 2025
Open on Forbes

Nature's Best Photography (NBP) celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of showcasing breathtaking wildlife and nature images. Founded by Stephen and Deborah Freligh, along with freelance editor Jim Watson, NBP has become a prestigious platform for nature photographers worldwide. The annual competition captures stunning visuals that spark wonder, inspire conservation, and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Among the celebrated entries are Thanh Tran's photo of Western grebes, Andy Rouse's award-winning African Wildlife category image, and Luis Vilariño's Grand Prize-winning shot of Iceland's volcanic eruption.

Over the years, NBP has significantly influenced how people perceive and connect with nature. The organization has partnered with institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, bringing its captivating photographs to a global audience. Beyond the visual appeal, NBP's commitment to conservation is reflected in its initiatives and the stories behind the images. With categories that highlight human interaction with nature and youth contributions, NBP continues to evolve, reaching new audiences and inspiring the next generation of nature advocates. As it looks to the future, NBP remains dedicated to celebrating and preserving the beauty of our planet.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a compelling narrative about the history and impact of Nature’s Best Photography, effectively engaging readers with vivid descriptions and personal stories. It excels in clarity and readability, making the content accessible and enjoyable. However, the story could benefit from a more balanced perspective, incorporating external viewpoints and critical analysis to enhance its depth and credibility. While the article successfully highlights the contest's achievements and relevance, it lacks detailed evidence to support some claims, which affects its overall accuracy and transparency. By addressing these areas, the article could offer a more comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the role of nature photography in conservation.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story accurately details the history and mission of Nature’s Best Photography (NBP), including its founding by Stephen and Deborah Freligh. It correctly portrays the contest's global reach and its role in inspiring conservation efforts, as evidenced by mentions of partnerships with institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. However, while the story provides compelling narratives about past winners and their impact, it lacks specific data or external references to verify these claims. The article could benefit from more precise evidence, such as direct quotes from winners or statistics on public engagement and conservation outcomes.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects and achievements of Nature’s Best Photography, highlighting its role in conservation and the success of its participants. While it effectively showcases the contest's impact and growth, it lacks a critical perspective or discussion of challenges faced by the organization. There is little mention of competing photography contests or alternative viewpoints on the effectiveness of such initiatives in promoting conservation. The narrative could be more balanced by including critiques or challenges faced by the organization, such as funding or competition from other platforms.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear structure and engaging language that effectively conveys the story of Nature’s Best Photography. It successfully captures the reader's attention with vivid descriptions of winning photographs and the contest's impact. The tone is celebratory and optimistic, which aligns with the article's focus on nature and conservation. However, the narrative could benefit from clearer transitions between sections to improve the flow and coherence of information, especially when discussing different aspects of the contest and its history.

5
Source quality

The article relies heavily on quotes from Stephen Freligh and anecdotes from past participants, which provides a personal touch but limits the diversity of sources. There is a lack of independent verification or expert opinions that could add depth to the claims made. The reliance on internal sources may introduce bias, as the perspectives of external experts or critics are not included. Incorporating a broader range of voices, such as conservationists or photography experts, would enhance the credibility and depth of the narrative.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of Nature’s Best Photography's mission and achievements but lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to assess the contest's impact on conservation. It does not disclose potential conflicts of interest or the criteria used to select winning photographs. While the founders' motivations are articulated, more context on how the contest operates, such as judging processes or funding sources, would enhance transparency and allow readers to better evaluate the contest's integrity and influence.

Sources

  1. https://www.naturesbestphotography.org/upload/contest_pdf/2024NBPAwards_Guidelines.pdf
  2. https://www.naturesbestphotography.org/africa.php
  3. https://wondersofwildlife.org/partner/natures-best-photography/
  4. https://www.all-about-photo.com/photo-contests/photo-contest/2382/natures-best-photography-international-awards
  5. https://forum.yellowstone.net/viewtopic.php?t=96