Grand prize winner: environmental photographer of the year 2023; also 1st place in the humanity v nature category; and winner of the 2023 public award. Lopé national park, Gabon, 2021. An angry elephant tries to defend itself after it was hit by a train that crosses paths the animals use within Lopé national park. Park officials decided the elephant was too severely injured to be saved. After it was killed, the park director distributed the meat to local people. As the forest loses its carrying capacity to sustain its megafauna, this kind of human-wildlife conflict is increasing. (Photo by Jasper Doest/Environmental Photography Award)

These kaleidoscopic images are the work of one persistent photographer’s efforts to capture vibrant hues at the exact moment a wave breaks. Ryan Pernofski‘s stunning shots feature brilliant yellows, reds, blues and purples as an array of sunlight hits the water at the perfect time. What’s even more impressive: Ryan, a 27-year-old Australian, began shooting his popular masterpieces without using a professional camera, taking his iPhone out into the water instead. Ryan began experimenting with this method in 2012, using an underwater housing to protect his phone, as he could not afford a professional camera. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)

A pug dressed as Yoda from the movie Star Wars walks along the runway at the 9th Annual Pug Parade on February 25, 2006 in Bradenton, Florida. 117 pugs competed for 10 prizes in 6 categories. Proceeds from the event benefit the Sarasota County Humane Society. (Photo by Phillippe Diederich/Getty Images)

Five year old Michael Esteban and his mother Kari Esteban, crawl through a 40-foot long, 4-foot high replica of a human colon on July 11, 2003 in Seattle. The colon is used to educate people on colorectal cancer. (Photo by Ron Wurzer/Getty Images)

With the world feeling more distant than ever, photographers were this year called on to translate their vision of the new humanity into images seen through their own eyes. Here: May. (Photo by Ami Vitale/2021 Lavazza Calendar)

In collaboration with Pet Stylist Ruben Santana, Sophie Gamand has photographed dogs as they are being washed before grooming. The way the water plays with their hair, and their facial expressions as the water is poured on them creates striking portraits that resemble famous humans or important characters.

Vitaly Gorshkov, a wildlife photographer, captured these animals in their natural habitat. He says that these animals are so hairy that it is difficult to distinguish the front from the back. The oxen aren’t really afraid of humans that is why it is easy to approach them and take pictures.