At a glance
One hundred extraordinary photographs turn fleeting moments in nature into stories of beauty, survival and a rapidly changing planet.
Why go
The Natural History Museum’s annual exhibition is one of the world’s most respected showcases of wildlife photography. Its 62nd edition presents 100 winning images selected from a record 65,403 submissions from 121 countries and territories. The exhibition combines visual spectacle with scientific and environmental storytelling. Alongside dramatic animal encounters, you will encounter quieter observations of behaviour, fragile ecosystems and the consequences of human activity. It is accessible enough for families and casual visitors, but the technical skill, patience and ethical questions behind the photographs also make it rewarding for serious photography audiences.
You'll see
Documentary photography · Conservation photography · Photojournalism
Don't miss
The photographs that initially appear beautiful but reveal a more complicated environmental story when you read their captions.
Also compare the young photographers’ categories with the professional awards. Technical experience differs, but curiosity, timing and emotional intelligence often matter just as much as equipment.
Artlovers Tip
One of London’s most consistently rewarding annual photography exhibitions.
It may not justify a trip to London by itself, but it is an excellent addition to an art-and-museum itinerary—particularly for visitors interested in photography, environmental storytelling or visual journalism.
The exhibition’s popularity and family appeal can make it busy, but the standard of the images and accompanying stories usually rewards patient viewing.
Inside the exhibition
Wildlife Photographer of the Year brings together artistic photography, scientific observation and environmental advocacy. Each edition presents a new selection, chosen by an international jury for originality, composition, technical achievement and the strength of the story behind the image.
The 2026 exhibition moves geographically from icy landscapes to tropical forests, oceans and remote deserts. Yet the photographs are not merely a catalogue of spectacular species. They reveal relationships: between predator and prey, animals and habitats, wildlife and expanding human environments.
Displayed in a quiet, deliberately contemplative setting, the images invite slow observation. Captions explain the behaviour being recorded, the circumstances of each photograph and, where relevant, the conservation issues surrounding the subject.
About the competition
Wildlife Photographer of the Year began in 1965 and is produced by London’s Natural History Museum. What started as a relatively small photography competition has developed into an internationally recognised platform for nature imagery.
Its categories encompass mammals, birds, invertebrates, plants, underwater life, urban wildlife, animal behaviour and environmental photojournalism. Separate awards recognise younger photographers, allowing new talent to appear alongside established professionals.
The competition also places increasing emphasis on ethical practice. Images are assessed not only for visual and technical quality but also for authenticity and responsible interaction with wildlife. After its London presentation, the exhibition travels to venues in the UK and internationally.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62
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