It’s always a huge treat to take a look at the winning and highly commended images from Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and 2023’s selection is no different.
Over the years, there’s been a noticeable shift away from what you might call ‘classic’ wildlife photography, towards more artistic representations of certain subjects, as well as journalistic approaches to important topics.
More than 100 extraordinary photographs are being displayed at the exhibition in London which runs at the Natural History Museum until 30 June 2024. After it completes its run in London, it will travel across the UK and internationally. A book, Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Portfolio 33, edited by Rosamund Kidman Cox and with a foreword by Kathy Moran (chair of the judging panel), is also available to buy now (RRP £28) if you can’t make it to the exhibition yourself.
This year, there were an incredible 49,957 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels from 95 different countries. An international panel of experts judged the images anonymously, looking for evidence of creativity, originality and technical excellence.
The winners of each category, along with the overall Grand Title and Young Grand Title Awards were announced on 10 October at a ceremony hosted by wildlife TV presenters and conservationists Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin.
If you’ve been inspired by this year’s winners, the next instalment of the competition – its 60th anniversary – is now open for entries. You’ve got until 11.30am GMT on Thursday 7 December to submit your work.
For more information on both the exhibition and the competition, visit nhm.ac.uk/wpy/competition
The Ancient Mariner by Laurent Ballesta, France Winner, Portfolio Award and Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023
Technical details: Nikon D5 + 13mm f2.8 lens; 1/25sec at f/22, ISO 800; Seacam housing; 2x Seacam
