The 2025 International Photo Jury is pleased to announce that Niklas Virsen is the recipient of Special Jury Mention for his essay Arctic Fox.
"I have photographed Arctic foxes—mostly blue morphs—in the remote landscapes of northern Iceland. The blue morph has a dark coat throughout the year and is more commonly found in coastal areas, where I’ve spent days observing them. In this harsh and unforgiving climate—where icy winds sweep across fjords and mountains—the Arctic fox lives. The Arctic fox is remarkably well adapted to these extreme conditions. Photographing them is both a physical and emotional challenge. You have to endure the biting cold, strong winds and still find ways to stay creative. For this photo essay, I wanted to focus on the harshness of the environment and how the Arctic fox is prepared to handle almost any weather condition in this region. However, the weather in northern Iceland changes rapidly. Even on days that begin with relentless snowstorms, the evenings can end in stunning sunsets."
- Niklas Virsen, 2025 Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition Special Jury Mention
Niklas Virsen is a nature photographer, educator, and tour leader based in Sweden. He has many years of experience traveling and working internationally in nature photography. He portrays landscapes, wildlife, and birds across the world, from misty mornings in the Nordic taiga forest to portraits of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains, and the elusive beauty of Arctic wildlife.
His work is published regularly, and he shares his passion through exhibitions, articles, and lectures for audiences ranging from photography clubs to nature organisations. As a speaker, he aims to inspire others about both photography and the natural world. Ecotourism is a central part of his work and, in his view, the key to future wildlife conservation. On his farm, he operates photography hides for photographing raptors and small birds, allowing him to work with nature and photography both locally and globally.
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The international jury is composed of three photographers: Irene Yee (USA), Hamish Frost (UK), and Mason Mashon (Canada). To see more information about the jury members click here.
"Like a story unfolding in a movie, Niklas Virsen takes us on a striking visual journey alongside our unlikely hero-the young arctic fox. From the stark loneliness of its harsh environment to the quiet beauty within that solitude, his essay allows us to experience their world with wonder. I loved these photos and the journey I was taken on with this remarkable animal."
- Irene Yee, 2025 Jury
"A breathtaking set of images that capture both the resilience of the Arctic fox and the stark beauty of its unforgiving habitat. The series demonstrates both scale and intimacy, immersing the viewer in the harshness of the landscape. Niklas’s dedication behind the lens is clear - it’s easy to imagine the effort and the hardships endured to capture this stunning set."
- Hamish Frost, 2025 Jury