International Garden Photographer of the Year: Collection Six

The International Garden Photographer of the Year competition has blossomed into one of the premiere showcases for nature and landscape photography, receiving thousands of entries from both professional and amateur participants. The competition encourages photos that take fresh approaches to their subjects, pushing the boundaries of garden photography. New categories this year are Wildflower Landscapes and Wildlife in the Garden, joining others such as Beautiful Gardens, Greening the City, and a special Young Garden Photographer of the Year.

This eagerly anticipated sixth collection of finalists brings together an exceptional group of photos, ranging from a split-second shot of hummingbird wings to eerily beautiful x-rays of flowers. Photos spill across the pages, allowing readers to pore over every detail. And though the beauty of the images can speak for itself, each photo comes with descriptions that tell how the photographer caught each moment and what camera and settings were used. The collection reminds us that despite advances in technology, the people behind the cameras are still the true talent.

This year's best photos will be shown in exhibitions across the world, with shows in New York City, London, Edinburgh, Sydney, Nuremburg, Lisbon, and more. With a winning combination of beautiful images and insight into the photographer's process, this collection will be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of any gardener, nature lover, or photography enthusiast.

Philip Smith is a professional photographer and cofounder of the International Garden Photographer of the Year annual competition. He is the author of Better Plant and Garden Photography.