The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 showcases a striking selection of 100 winning images that capture the beauty and struggles of wildlife.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 competition, organized by the Natural History Museum in London, recently unveiled a compelling preview of its 100 winning photographs. These images celebrate the diverse beauty and sometimes harsh realities of nature, positioning the contest's 62nd edition as a significant event in wildlife photography.
“Icy Window” by Audun Rikardsen / Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Highly Commended, Animal Portraits
Audun Rikardsen (Norway) depicts a polar bear from a seal’s perspective as it gazes down a breathing hole in the Arctic sea ice.
This year’s contest received an impressive 65,000 entries, showcasing the passionate pursuit of wildlife photographers globally. Judges based their evaluations on creativity, originality, technical excellence, and storytelling abilities found in the images.
Highlights from the Winning Images
The selection reflects a fierce competition, with entries from a wide array of photographers capturing intimate glimpses of wildlife behavior and interactions. Notably, Ernest Porter’s image of a rhino with an oxpecker highlights the symbiotic relationships present in nature. This captivating photograph demonstrates the bird cleaning its bill against the rhino's skin, illustrating a natural collaboration that is often overlooked.
“Split-Second Escape” by Jens Cullmann / Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Highly Commended, Behavior: Amphibians and Reptiles
Jens Cullmann (Germany) captures an African bullfrog lunging for an African babul butterfly and missing.
Allegra Hutton’s powerful photo of a young leopard chasing a squirrel in Botswana’s Okavango Delta reveals the perilous dance between predator and prey. Both images serve as poignant reminders of the intricate tapestry of life in the wild and the vital need for conservation efforts to protect such extraordinary moments.
Insights from the Exhibition
Dr. Doug Gurr, the director of the Natural History Museum, expressed the exhibition's significance: “Through a collection of truly extraordinary images, selected from a global reach of 121 countries and territories, this exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the wonder of our planet through the eyes of some of the world’s most talented photographers. At a time when nature is under more pressure than ever before, these photographs remind us of both what is at stake and what is worth protecting.”
The array of winning photographs, on display from October 16, 2026, through July 11, 2027, invites visitors to view the natural world from fresh perspectives, engendering a deeper appreciation for wildlife.
Notable Mentions from the Contest
“Mutual Friends” by Ernest Porter / Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Highly Commended, Behavior: Birds
Porter’s portrait captures a beautiful moment of an oxpecker perched on a rhino in the soft afternoon light.
“Biting Back” by Andrea and Maceo Grammatico / Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Highly Commended, Animal Portraits
The Grammatico duo, based in France, captures a snake-eye view of a mosquito feeding on a venomous viper’s blood.
Other notable photographs include “Flock of Gold” by Bence Máté, portraying birds at a pond, and “Calm Amid the Storm” by Shane Gross, featuring bigeye trevally swimming as a storm approaches. Each offers stunning insights into animal behaviors and environmental contexts.
“Urban Wanderer” by Sora Miyazawa / Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Highly Commended, 11-14 Years
Miyazawa's image depicts an Eastern Japanese toad navigating a street after rain.
Conservation and Education Through Photography
The showcased images highlight the importance of wildlife conservation efforts and the role photographers play in raising awareness. Photographers are not only artists but ambassadors of the natural world, using their lenses to share the pressing stories of the environment.
Exhibition Details
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will run until July 11, 2027, at the Natural History Museum in London. It provides an excellent opportunity for both seasoned photography enthusiasts and the general public to engage with visual storytelling that underscores the urgent messages about wildlife preservation.
Exhibition Information:
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
October 16, 2026 – July 11, 2027
The Natural History Museum, London
Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
More Information: Wildlife Photographer of the Year Website | Instagram
Interested visitors should plan their trip early, as this exhibition promises a transformative experience celebrating wildlife and the need for its protection.
