An individual on a reflective surface before a mountain under aurora borealis and starry sky. Epsom Pano Awards winners.

Discover Mesmerizing Landscapes Captured by Award-Winning Photographers at the Epson Pano Awards

2026-10-21

Celebrating Excellence in Aerial and Landscape Photography: Epson Pano Awards Winners

The 17th Epson International Pano Awards has recognized outstanding photographers globally, with Spain’s Daniel Viñé Garcia as Open Photographer of the Year. This year’s competition introduced an open aerial category, drawing 680 entries, reflecting years of requests from the community from photographers like David Evans, the contest founder.

Aerial view of snow-capped volcanic mountains above a landscape of lakes and wetlands at sunset. — Panoramic aerial view of a snow-capped volcanic mountain range above a vast, dark landscape of interconnected lakes and wetlands at sunset.

Open Photographer of the Year: Daniel Viñé Garcia

The Sleeping Giant

The Parinacota Volcano in Chile, standing over 6,300 meters, inspired Daniel Viñé Garcia. Its perfect snow-covered cone, reminiscent of Mount Fuji, was captured in a 360-degree aerial panorama composed of 33 exposures. The setting sun blanketed the terrain in magenta hues, creating a memorable scene.

White rock formations in a desert landscape beneath a vibrant Milky Way and green airglow. — Panoramic view of white rock formations in a desert landscape under a vibrant Milky Way arch and green airglow.

Cathedral of Starlight

In the Argentine Puna, Garcia photographed white pumice formations under a pristine night sky. The Milky Way arched across the landscape, adding to the scene’s surreal atmosphere. Despite concerns from their accommodation owner worried about their late return, the exploration was unforgettable.

For more breathtaking night views, explore Hidden Nightscapes and Futuristic Visions highlighting captivating artworks from around the world.

Night sky with Milky Way over rocky landscape featuring small, turquoise thermal pools. — The Milky Way arcs across a night sky above a rocky landscape featuring small, turquoise thermal pools.

My Perfect Night

The Argentine Puna’s salt flats offered another ethereal vista. Situated over 3,300 meters high, colorful pools punctuated the vast plains. Here, Garcia captured a rare southern view of the Milky Way, featuring the Galactic Centre and Gum Nebula. Two of these stunning shots became part of this year’s winning collection.

Green aurora borealis arches above snow-covered dunes and a jagged mountain range at night. — Vibrant green aurora borealis arching across the night sky above snow-covered dunes and a jagged mountain range.

Amateur Photographer of the Year: Tomás Sánchez Ruiz – Part of the Winning Circle

Double Arch over Stokksnes

Despite a modest aurora forecast, Tomás Sánchez Ruiz captured the Northern Lights illuminating Vestrahorn in Iceland. Freshly fallen snow added an untouched beauty to the black sand, creating an unforgettable composition enhanced by the celestial display. His work merited him recognition among the acclaimed photographers.

Green aurora lights up a snowy landscape with jagged mountains under a night sky. — Green aurora borealis lights over a snow-covered landscape and jagged mountain range at night.

Wonderful Reflections

Ruiz’s experiences at Vestrahorn span a decade, capturing breathtaking moments from sunrise to the arctic night. Finally, he witnessed and photographed the auroras dancing above the peaks after years of hopeful visits, solidifying his place among the celebrated participants.

Fan-vaulted stone ceiling of Kings College Chapel with heraldic banners and stained-glass windows. — Low-angle view looking up at the intricate fan-vaulted stone ceiling of Kings College Chapel, with colorful heraldic banners hanging from the walls above stained-glass windows.

Architectural Wonders and Curator’s Choice

Westminster Abbey

During a visit to London, Ruiz explored Westminster Abbey’s Henry VII Chapel, capturing its intricate stained-glass windows and vaulted ceiling in a stunning panorama. This showcased the grandeur and historical significance of the space, celebrated by the jury.

Antarctic glacier with deep crevasses overlooking a bay of small icebergs under sunset. — Panoramic Antarctic landscape featuring a sprawling, deeply crevassed glacier overlooking a calm bay filled with small icebergs under a sunset sky.

Antarctic Immersion: Curator’s Award by Max Terwindt

Max Terwindt’s Antarctic adventure offered mesmerizing panoramas. Utilizing a license, Terwindt captured glaciers and sailing ships under the eternal twilight. This environment, bustling with marine life, provided a spectacular and unmissable experience, fitting for a top photography competition.

Person on rocky shore with mountain range under a night sky filled with stars and nebulae. — A figure standing on a rocky shore facing a mountain range under a panoramic night sky filled with stars, nebulae, and the Milky Way galaxy.

Innovative Landscape Photography

Double Arc in New Zealand’s Milford Sound

Mikel Iraeta’s captivating image from Milford Sound, New Zealand, displays an intricate Milky Way panorama, requiring optimal conditions and meticulous planning. This complex photo, involving 107 images, presents a unique view of the southern night sky and added to the excellence celebrated this year.

Black and white aerial of city grid at night with bright street lights and tall skyscrapers. — Black and white aerial view of a dense city grid at night, featuring a central corridor of bright street lights framed by tall skyscrapers.

Urban Brilliance in New York: Xuecheng Liu

Xuecheng Liu captured Times Square from a fresh perspective. Using 25 frames, Liu created a panorama revealing the vibrant architecture and energetic ambiance surrounding this iconic location, becoming one of the distinguished honorees.

Captivating views of iconic locations like George Hurrell’s Hollywood Glamour Photography offer a different perspective on artistic landscapes.

Four rhinoceroses walk across grassy field with two egrets flying under a cloudy sky. — Four rhinoceroses walking across a grassy field with two egrets flying nearby under a cloudy sky.

This year’s Epson Pano Awards highlighted breathtaking photography, showcasing the creative potential of both natural and urban landscapes. From grand volcanic vistas to bustling urban centers, each winning image tells a unique story of exploration and discovery as part of the prestigious competition.

Scuba diver exploring an underwater limestone cave illuminated by sunlight beam. — Scuba diver swimming through an underwater limestone cave illuminated by a beam of sunlight.

Flock of pink flamingos flying over dark water with a multicolored slick surface. — A small flock of pink flamingos flying in a line over dark water and a swirling, multicolored slick.

Concrete spiral staircase with curved walls viewed from an overhead perspective. — Concrete spiral staircase with curved walls, viewed from above.

Sources & Links

Source: dpreview.com

Frequently asked questions

Who won the Open Photographer of the Year at the Epson Pano Awards?

Daniel Viñé Garcia from Spain won the Open Photographer of the Year at the 17th Epson International Pano Awards.

What new category was introduced at this year’s Epson Pano Awards?

This year’s competition introduced an open aerial category, which drew 680 entries.

What did Tomás Sánchez Ruiz capture in his winning photography?

Tomás Sánchez Ruiz captured the Northern Lights illuminating Vestrahorn in Iceland, with freshly fallen snow enhancing the black sand.

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Discover Mesmerizing Landscapes Captured by Award-Winning Photographers at the Epson Pano Awards

Celebrating Excellence in Aerial and Landscape Photography: Epson Pano Awards Winners