The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has officially opened for entries for its 61st edition, marking a celebrated annual event for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. This year introduces a significant change: for the first time, all photographers aged 18 to 26 will be able to enter for free. This move aims to boost accessibility and engagement among younger photographers, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of wildlife photography.
This initiative is part of the competition’s effort to reach out to underrepresented groups, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity. Photographers from Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America also benefit from waived entry fees as part of long-standing inclusivity efforts. With entries open until December 5, 2024, competitors can submit multiple images across various categories, with the chance of being judged by esteemed experts from the wildlife and conservation sectors.
The jury for this year's competition includes seven renowned specialists known for their extensive experience and expertise. They will sift through thousands of submissions to find the top 100 images, culminating in the selection of 16 winners across categories like Urban Wildlife, Mammal Behaviour, and Photojournalism. The event is not just about competition; it’s also about storytelling through visuals, inspiring change and awareness about conservation issues worldwide.
This year, the competition continues to focus on positive narratives through its newly instituted Impact Award, which acknowledges projects showcasing conservation successes. Kathy Moran, the Chair of the Jury, encourages budding photographers to embrace originality: "Be original. Trust in your work. All species and landscapes, great and small, have the potential to captivate and motivate. Surprise us with what has delighted you this year, and we can’t wait to once again be amazed." These sentiments reflect the heart of wildlife photography, where each image has the power to tell compelling stories and evoke emotions.
Among the many submissions anticipated this year, a few memorable moments from last year's competition stand out. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 event revealed stunning images at the Natural History Museum, attracting nearly 60,000 entries from over 117 countries. Among the prestigious winners was Canadian photographer Shane Gross with his breathtaking shot, “The Swarm of Life,” which captures the magical underwater world of western toad tadpoles. This award served as another reminder of the importance of such competitions, which not only recognize artistic talent but also aim to highlight pressing environmental issues.
Meanwhile, as this competition garners global attention, wildlife photographers worldwide are increasingly dedicated to using their art as a medium for advocacy. Mital Patel, another passionate photographer, has made it his mission to document endangered species, such as the Northern white rhinoceros. He emphasizes the role of photography as more than aesthetics; it brings awareness to pressing conservation challenges. Patel believes photography can bridge the gap between viewers and wildlife realities, emphasizing interconnectedness and the urgent need for action.
Patel’s work centers on the last remaining Northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, which reside at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. His photographs aim to evoke empathy and provoke thoughts about the fragility of species and the dire consequences of human actions. "Witnessing these animals felt humbling and awe-inspiring," Patel shares, capturing the deep emotional connection with the wildlife he is documenting.
This inspiration fuels many wildlife photographers who intend to channel their work toward raising awareness of conservation efforts. The juxtaposition of beauty and turmoil encapsulated within their snapshots doesn’t just inform the public but also encourages people to take part in preservation efforts.
Scottish photographer Craig McKenzie, who recently won the People’s Choice Award at the Tūhura Otago Museum Photography Competition for his photograph of New Zealand's rarest parakeet—the orange-fronted parakeet—emphasizes the importance of public perception. Strikingly, he notes how being chosen by the public carries more weight than traditional judging panels, remarking, "The accumulated wisdom of very many members of the public means more. It is certainly up there among the top few awards I have won." This sentiment reflects the growing appreciation for wildlife photography within the community, fostering connections among amateur photographers and the audience.
This year’s competition at the Natural History Museum uniquely features opportunities for both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs alike. If you are between the ages of 17 and under, you can submit up to 10 images for free; those18-26 can enter up to 25 images at no cost. Such measures are intended to tap the creative juices of budding talent who might otherwise feel deterred by entry fees. The competition strongly supports its aim to diversify representation within photographic mediums, reflective of the diversity found within the natural world.
Through these efforts, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition nurtures a community of talented individuals who champion the cause of wildlife conservation. This year’s competition, with its focus on innovation, diversity, and accessibility, promises not just to celebrate the beauty of wildlife but to amplify important conservation messages—leading the charge for change, one photograph at a time.
Photography’s remarkable ability to narrate stories and evoke emotions encapsulates the essence of what the Wildlife Photographer of the Year aspires to achieve. This uniquely powerful medium continues to thrive as it brings light to the urgent narratives shaping our planet’s future. Now, photographers around the globe have another opportunity to join this important conversation.
