{"id":11648,"date":"2026-08-26T05:03:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T03:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/2026\/08\/26\/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-offers-a-first-look-at-its-standout-2026-images\/"},"modified":"2026-08-26T05:03:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T03:03:00","slug":"wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-offers-a-first-look-at-its-standout-2026-images","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/2026\/08\/26\/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-offers-a-first-look-at-its-standout-2026-images\/","title":{"rendered":"Wildlife Photographer of the Year offers a first look at its standout 2026 images"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-header has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-header-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-gearpatrol-dek\">\n\tBefore category winners are announced on October 13, the Natural History Museum is giving the public its first look at the competition\u2019s scope through 15 highly commended photographs drawn from a record-breaking submission pool.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen-copy-jpg.webp?w=1920\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail not-transparent wp-post-image has-focal-point\" alt=\"Three orcas swim near the surface of calm blue ocean water, with one exhaling and creating small splashes; reflections are visible on the water.\" style=\"--dominant-color: #1f506b;object-fit:cover;object-position: 50% 50%;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen-copy-jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen-copy-jpg.webp?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen-copy-jpg.webp?resize=650,366 650w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen-copy-jpg.webp?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen-copy-jpg.webp?resize=1920,1080 1920w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen-copy-jpg.webp?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen-copy-jpg.webp?resize=2048,1152 2048w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen-copy-jpg.webp?resize=1200,675 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" data-dominant-color=\"1f506b\"><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Vegard Byrkjeland Aasen \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Natural History Museum\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=31959X1726082&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhm.ac.uk%2Fwpy&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dpreview.com%2Fphotography%2Fwildlife-photographer-of-the-year-offers-a-first-look-at-its-standout-2026-images%2F&amp;xcust=%5Bcontent_id%7C%5Brefdomain%7Cwww.dpreview.com%5Bcontent_product_id%7C%5Bproduct_retailer_id%7C\">Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/a> is sharing a sneak peek of the 100 winning images of this year\u2019s contest. This year marks the 62nd edition of the competition, which saw a record 65,403 entries across 121 countries and territories.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The competition recognizes photographs across numerous subjects and approaches, including animal behavior, portraits, underwater scenes, urban wildlife, photojournalism and ecosystem-focused work. It also presents awards for photo stories and portfolios, a Rising Star prize for photographers ages 18\u201326, and separate age-group awards for young photographers. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While celebrating outstanding nature photography, the contest also aims to deepen public understanding of the natural world and the need to protect it. As Natural History Museum Director Dr. Doug Gurr said, \u201cAt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An international panel of experts in wildlife photography, filmmaking, science and conservation judged the anonymous entries on creativity, originality, technical excellence and storytelling. Category winners and the Grand Title awards will be announced on October 13 at a Natural History Museum ceremony hosted by wildlife presenters and conservationists Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin; the winning images will go on display at the museum in London beginning October 16.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.\u00a0The full gallery of category winners and the Grand Title recipients will be published on the <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=31959X1726082&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhm.ac.uk%2Fvisit%2Fexhibitions%2Fwildlife-photographer-of-the-year&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dpreview.com%2Fphotography%2Fwildlife-photographer-of-the-year-offers-a-first-look-at-its-standout-2026-images%2F&amp;xcust=%5Bcontent_id%7C%5Brefdomain%7Cwww.dpreview.com%5Bcontent_product_id%7C%5Bproduct_retailer_id%7C\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Natural History Museum\u2019s Wildlife Photographer of the Year pages<\/a> following the October 13 ceremony.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 \u2014 highly commended preview<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 15 images below are drawn from across the competition\u2019s categories. Descriptions are reproduced as supplied by the Natural History Museum.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Biting Back<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-02-Andrea-and-Maceo-Grammatico.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"745235\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #745235;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1920\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-02-Andrea-and-Maceo-Grammatico.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-02-Andrea-and-Maceo-Grammatico.jpg?original\" alt=\"A tiny fly stands atop the head of a coiled, earth-toned viper, its large eyes and textured scales shown in close-up.\" class=\"wp-image-671494 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Andrea and Maceo Grammatico \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer:\u00a0<\/strong>Andrea and Maceo Grammatico <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award:<\/strong>\u00a0Highly Commended, Animal Portraits<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title:\u00a0<\/strong>Biting Back<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location:\u00a0<\/strong>Sierpe, South Puntarenas, Costa Rica<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong>\u00a0Andrea and Maceo Grammatico (France) get a snake\u2019s-eye view of a mosquito drinking a venomous viper\u2019s blood. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Twins Andrea and Maceo describe this image as \u201cone of the most demanding focus stacks we\u2019ve ever created.\u201d It required immense concentration and care. It wasn\u2019t until they reviewed their photographs that they noticed the mosquito on the snake\u2019s head.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fer-de-lance is a highly venomous viper, responsible for the greatest number of fatal snake bites in Central America. The snake\u2019s effective camouflage and adaptability in plantation habitats occasionally surprises unsuspecting workers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III | OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO | F8 | 1\/50 sec | ISO 200 | Godox V860III flash + Cygnustech diffuser | Focus stack of 37 images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wings of Darkness<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-03-Andrew-Parkinson.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"090704\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #090704;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1659\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-03-Andrew-Parkinson.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-03-Andrew-Parkinson.jpg?original\" alt=\"Black vulture with wings spread stands on the back of a partially submerged crocodile in dark water, both figures illuminated against a black background.\" class=\"wp-image-671495 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Andrew Parkinson \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer:\u00a0<\/strong>Andrew Parkinson<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award:<\/strong>\u00a0Highly Commended, Animal Portraits<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title:\u00a0<\/strong>Wings of Darkness<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location:\u00a0<\/strong>Meeting of the Waters State Park, Northern Pantanal, Brazil<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Andrew Parkinson (UK) spies a black vulture over the carcass of a yacar\u00e9 caiman in Brazil\u2019s Pantanal wetlands.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Andrew spotted this vulture, it was too good an opportunity to miss. He kept his boat back and used a long telephoto lens to frame what he saw as \u2018the menacing nature\u2019 of the vulture. Out of frame, a jaguar was waiting to retrieve the caiman from the water.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the vulture flew away, the jaguar claimed its prize. It was then that Andrew noticed \u2018a suspiciously clean, straight wound\u2019 on the back of the caiman\u2019s head, possibly caused by a blow from a speeding boat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Nikon Z9 | Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm F6.3 VR S | F10 | 1\/1600 sec | ISO 800<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flock of Gold<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-04-Bence-Mate.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"793106\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #793106;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-04-Bence-Mate.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-04-Bence-Mate.jpg?original\" alt=\"A large flock of small birds flies across two antelope silhouettes against a sunset, with a warm orange glow in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-671549 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Bence Ma\u0301te\u0301 \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer:\u00a0<\/strong>Bence M\u00e1t\u00e9 <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award:<\/strong>\u00a0Highly Commended, Behavior: Birds<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title:\u00a0<\/strong>Flock of Gold<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location:\u00a0<\/strong>Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Tsavo East National Park, Kenya<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong>\u00a0Bence M\u00e1t\u00e9 (Hungary) observes a flock of birds descend to quench their thirst at a small pond. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Bence, watching in the golden light of a late afternoon, the sight of this swirling mass was breathtaking: \u201cYou could feel the rush of air from tens of thousands of wings beating in unison, even from 30 meters (98 feet) away.\u201d <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Red-billed queleas are found in almost every part of central, eastern and southern Africa apart from in tropical forests. They gather in groups as large as two million, and the global adult breeding population is estimated to number 1.5 billion, making them the most abundant wild bird on Earth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Sony a9 III | Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS + 1.4x teleconverter | F8 | 1\/4000 sec | ISO 5000<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mutual Friends<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-06-Ernest-Porter.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"a0805e\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #a0805e;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1529\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-06-Ernest-Porter.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-06-Ernest-Porter.jpg?original\" alt=\"Close-up of a rhinoceros head with a yellow-billed oxpecker bird perched on its nose, pecking at the textured skin; background is blurred and brownish, emphasizing the interaction between the animals.\" class=\"wp-image-671497 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Ernest Porter \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer:\u00a0<\/strong>Ernest Porter <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award: <\/strong>Highly Commended, Behavior: Birds\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title:\u00a0<\/strong>Mutual Friends<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location:\u00a0<\/strong>Manyeleti Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong>\u00a0Ernest Porter (South Africa) is delighted by an oxpecker cleaning its bill against a rhino\u2019s skin in the soft afternoon light.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While searching for wildlife in the reserve, Ernest witnessed a group of white rhinos with red-billed oxpeckers feeding on the insects that infest their skin. He noticed one rhino with a subtle blue ring in his eye, which immediately became his unique muse.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Swahili, the red-billed oxpecker is called askari wa kifaru, a name that translates to \u201cthe rhino\u2019s guard.\u201d Oxpeckers act as sentinels, calling out to alert their hosts to the approach of other dangerous animals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Canon EOS R7 | Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM | F2.8 | 1\/5000 sec | ISO 800<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lifted to the Surface<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"1b4c67\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #1b4c67;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1643\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-15-Vegard-Byrkjeland-Aasen.jpg?original\" alt=\"Three orcas with black and white markings swim together near the surface of clear blue water.\" class=\"wp-image-671506 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Vegard Byrkjeland Aasen \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer:\u00a0<\/strong>Vegard Byrkjeland Aasen<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award:<\/strong> Highly Commended, Behavior: Mammals\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title:\u00a0<\/strong>Lifted to the Surface<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location:\u00a0<\/strong>Kv\u00e6nangen, Troms County, Norway<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong>\u00a0Vegard Byrkjeland Aasen (Norway) watches an adult orca supporting the body of a calf in the freezing waters of a Norwegian fjord.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vegard had just launched a drone to document sightings for the Norwegian Orca Survey when something caught his attention \u2014 an adult orca carrying a deceased calf, occasionally dropping it and then retrieving it as it sank. Although difficult to witness, Vegard felt it was \u201cimportant to document the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cetacean mothers have been known to use their heads to lift newborns to the surface to breathe, raising the possibility that Vegard was witnessing efforts to revive the calf. Some researchers interpret this behavior as a reflection of the deep bond between mothers and calves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> DJI Mavic 4 | Hasselblad 28mm equiv. | F2 | 1\/50 sec | ISO 640<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-behavior-mammals\">Up a Tree without a Squirrel<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-01-Allegra-Hutton.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"c4c4c4\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #c4c4c4;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"2305\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-01-Allegra-Hutton.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-01-Allegra-Hutton.jpg?original\" alt=\"A young leopard clings to the far side of a tall, weathered tree trunk while a squirrel climbs above it.\" class=\"wp-image-671493 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Allegra Hutton \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer: <\/strong>Allegra Hutton<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award: <\/strong>Highly Commended, Behavior: Mammals<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title: <\/strong>Up a Tree without a Squirrel<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location: <\/strong>Okavango Delta, Botswana<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description: <\/strong>Allegra Hutton (USA) watches a young leopard chase a squirrel up a tree in Botswana\u2019s Okavango Delta.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allegra had already watched the leopard try \u2014 and fail \u2014 to stalk a rabbit. The squirrel also avoided the leopard\u2019s clumsy maneuvers, eventually ascending too high for the leopard to follow. By then, the cat could barely hang on. An awkward backward retreat ensued.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The world is a dangerous place for young leopards. Less than half of cubs survive to independence. Many are killed by male leopards or fall prey to lions and other predators.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details: <\/strong>Sony a7R V | Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS at 467mm | F11 | 1\/640 sec | ISO 4000<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-behavior-amphibians-and-reptiles\">Split-Second Escape<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-09-Jens-Cullmann.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"786139\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #786139;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-09-Jens-Cullmann.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-09-Jens-Cullmann.jpg?original\" alt=\"An African bullfrog lunges with its mouth open and tongue extended toward a butterfly hovering just out of reach.\" class=\"wp-image-671504 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Jens Cullmann \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer: <\/strong>Jens Cullmann<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award: <\/strong>Highly Commended, Behavior: Amphibians and Reptiles<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title: <\/strong>Split-Second Escape<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location: <\/strong>Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description: <\/strong>Jens Cullmann (Germany) gets eye-level with an African bullfrog as it lunges for an African babul butterfly \u2014 and misses.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jens noticed tadpoles on a previous visit after heavy rains and returned the following month to find ponds and puddles full of young bullfrogs. He spent more than two weeks watching the young frogs \u201ceat everything that moved.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As adults, African bullfrogs grow up to 12 centimeters (5 inches) in length, turn a drab green and spend 10 months of the year in a dormant state underground, only emerging after the rains to breed and eat voraciously.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details: <\/strong>Canon EOS R3 | Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM | Canon Extender RF 2x | F9 | 1\/4000 sec | ISO 2500<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-behavior-invertebrates\">Hidden Dragon<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-07-Gil-Wizen.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"3d4228\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #3d4228;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-07-Gil-Wizen.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-07-Gil-Wizen.jpg?original\" alt=\"Green and white camouflaged insect with thin, tangled body and antennae closely matches lacy lichen on a dark, blurred background.\" class=\"wp-image-671498 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Gil Wizen \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer: <\/strong>Gil Wizen <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award: <\/strong>Highly Commended, Behavior: Invertebrates<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title: <\/strong>Hidden Dragon<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location: <\/strong>Wildsumaco Biological Station, Napo Province, Ecuador<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description: <\/strong>Gil Wizen (Israel\/Canada) shares the beauty of this lichen dragon katydid.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At only 15 millimeters (3\/5 of an inch) long, this little lichen dragon katydid was not easy to find. Luckily, Gil was able to spot it when it moved slightly, though distinguishing between the katydid and the lichen in the camera\u2019s viewfinder made it challenging to photograph.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Found only in the Andes Mountains in Ecuador, Lichenodraculus matti, or \u201cMatt\u2019s little lichen dragon,\u201d takes part of its scientific name from its discoverer. \u201cDragon\u201d alludes to the spiny armor that protects it against eagle-eyed predators that see through its disguise.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details: <\/strong>Canon EOS 7D Mark II | Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM | F11 | 1\/100 sec | ISO 400 | Canon Speedlite Macro Twin Lite flash + customized diffuser<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-oceans-the-bigger-picture\">Calm Amid the Storm<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-13-Shane-Gross.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"3a3133\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #3a3133;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-13-Shane-Gross.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-13-Shane-Gross.jpg?original\" alt=\"School of fish swimming just below the water\u2019s surface, with an island lined with palm trees and a dramatic sunset sky with dark clouds in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-671500 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Shane Gross \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer: <\/strong>Shane Gross<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award: <\/strong>Highly Commended, Oceans: The Bigger Picture<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title: <\/strong>Calm Amid the Storm<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location: <\/strong>D\u2019Arros Island, Seychelles<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description: <\/strong>Shane Gross (Canada) slowly approaches a school of bigeye trevally as the morning light breaks and a storm approaches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shane noticed this school of fish swimming near the shore every morning at sunrise. Aiming for a split shot, he flipped the camera upside down to aid buoyancy distribution and adjusted his position, slowly approaching the curious school.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bigeye trevally are fished in many parts of the world, but here they are relatively safe. In 2023, the waters surrounding D\u2019Arros Island were made a Marine Protected Area and designated as no-take zones as part of the worldwide initiative for governments to protect 30% of Earth\u2019s land and ocean by 2030.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details: <\/strong>Nikon D500 | Tokina AT-X 107 DX Fisheye 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 | F16 | 1\/200 sec | ISO 500 | Aquatica AD500 housing | 2x YS-250 Sea &amp; Sea strobes<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-urban-wildlife\">Pooltime Pastime<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-10-Loren-Elliott.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"627068\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #627068;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-10-Loren-Elliott.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-10-Loren-Elliott.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"A black bear swimming in a backyard pool with white balls, lounge chairs, pink pool float, and modern patio furniture on the surrounding patio.\" class=\"wp-image-671503 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-10-Loren-Elliott.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-10-Loren-Elliott.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-10-Loren-Elliott.jpg?resize=650,433 650w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-10-Loren-Elliott.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-10-Loren-Elliott.jpg?resize=1920,1280 1920w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-10-Loren-Elliott.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-10-Loren-Elliott.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Loren Elliott \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer: <\/strong>Loren Elliott <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award: <\/strong>Highly Commended, Urban Wildlife<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title: <\/strong>Pooltime Pastime<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location: <\/strong>Monrovia, California, USA<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description: <\/strong>Loren Elliott (USA) observes a black bear stopping for a dip in a southern California pool.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Loren spent many hours watching through the kitchen window of a local resident\u2019s home to photograph bears that frequently pass through this yard. \u201cI most like how it shows the very common overlap of wildlife and residential living in Los Angeles County,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where housing developments have spread into the bear\u2019s habitat, human\u2013bear coexistence is increasingly challenging. The owner recognizes that he is living in \u201cbear country\u201d and endeavors to be a responsible resident, ensuring no food is left out and doors and windows are kept shut.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details: <\/strong>Sony a9 II | Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II at 24mm | F4 | 1\/1000 sec | ISO 320<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-wetlands-the-bigger-picture\">Ocean Protector<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-12-Ralph-Pace.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"243422\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #243422;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-12-Ralph-Pace.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-12-Ralph-Pace.jpg?original\" alt=\"Brown sea hare resting on sandy seabed among green seagrass, underwater with filtered sunlight.\" class=\"wp-image-671501 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Ralph Pace \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer:<\/strong> Ralph Pace <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award:<\/strong> Highly Commended, Wetlands: The Bigger Picture<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title:<\/strong> Ocean Protector<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location:<\/strong> Monterey Bay, California, USA<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Ralph Pace (USA) glimpses a sea hare gliding through an eelgrass meadow in Monterey Bay.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the shallows of Monterey Bay on the Pacific coast of the USA, the evening light traces the silhouette that earned this sea slug its name \u2014 sea hare. Ralph wanted to depict an unexpected, hopeful scene of \u201ca gentle giant safeguarding the last green meadows of the sea.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sea hares play an important role in the restoration of eelgrass meadows by grazing on the red algae that block sunlight to the meadow. Eelgrass is vital for coastal ecosystems and is an important carbon sink.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Nikon D850 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-70mm F2.8D ED-IF AF | F18 | 0.6 sec | Sea &amp; Sea strobes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-photojournalism\">The Show Goes On<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-11-Pietro-Rojas.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"343333\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #343333;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1704\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-11-Pietro-Rojas.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-11-Pietro-Rojas.jpg?original\" alt=\"Brown bear riding a decorated tricycle in a circus ring with a performer in blue and white costume posing nearby; snowy forest scene visible in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-671502 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Pietro Rojas \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer:<\/strong> Pietro Rojas <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award:<\/strong> Highly Commended, Photojournalism<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title:<\/strong> The Show Goes On<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location:<\/strong> Doha, Qatar<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Pietro Rojas (Guatemala) documents a brown bear riding a small motorcycle, muzzled and secured to the apparatus as it circles a circus ring in Doha.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Noticing that a circus with animal acts was in town, Pietro decided to document it. What he found most compelling about this image was \u201cthe contrast between the wild nature of the animal and the human environment imposed upon it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many countries have banned the use of wild animals in circuses. Where brown bears are used, they often are trained to perform in unnatural postures like standing upright for long periods of time, contributing to health and behavioral problems.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Leica Q3 43 | Leica Apo-Summicron 43mm F2 ASPH. | F2.5 | 1\/500 sec | ISO 400<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-animals-in-their-environment\">Eye of the Storm<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-05-Dewald-Tromp.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"c3a27c\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #c3a27c;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1626\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-05-Dewald-Tromp.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-05-Dewald-Tromp.jpg?original\" alt=\"Chameleon on sandy ground, blending into the beige-toned surroundings as wind stirs sand.\" class=\"wp-image-671496 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Dewald Tromp \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer: <\/strong>Dewald Tromp <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award: <\/strong>Highly Commended, Animals in Their Environment<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title: <\/strong>Eye of the Storm<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location: <\/strong>Namib Desert, near Swakopmund, Namibia<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description: <\/strong>Dewald Tromp (South Africa) witnesses a chameleon battling a sandstorm in the Namib Desert.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wind picked up as Dewald was photographing this Namaqua chameleon weathering the sudden storm. Soon, it became difficult to breathe and \u201cin a matter of seconds, you could hardly see the person next to you,\u201d Dewald recalls.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Namaqua chameleons are insectivorous desert specialists, harvesting moisture from the air directly. Droplets that collect on their skin as dew are channeled to their mouths via microscopic surface grooves. They also use their tongue to collect fog water condensed on vegetation, sand and rocks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details: <\/strong>Nikon D850 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm F4E PF ED VR | F8 | 1\/1250 sec | ISO 400<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Urban Wanderer<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-14-Sora-Miyazawa.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"4e3b31\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #4e3b31;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1933\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-14-Sora-Miyazawa.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-14-Sora-Miyazawa.jpg?original\" alt=\"Wet toad on a city sidewalk at night with a blurred figure walking past and a brightly lit, colorful tower glowing in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-671499 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Sora Miyazawa \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer: <\/strong>Sora Miyazawa <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award: <\/strong>Highly Commended, 11\u201314 Years<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title: <\/strong>Urban Wanderer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location: <\/strong>Tokyo, Japan<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description: <\/strong>Sora Miyazawa (Japan) focuses on an Eastern Japanese toad as it wanders through the street after a rainfall.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sora chanced upon this toad in the heart of one of the world\u2019s largest cities, Tokyo. With a slow shutter speed, he composed the image before the toad hopped back into the bushes from where it had emerged.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exactly how this species thrives in a city of 14 million people is unclear. Toads are more successful than other amphibians at dispersing and surviving in new habitats, including in urban environments like this one.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details: <\/strong>Nikon Z6 III | Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S at 24mm | F4 | 1\/10 sec | ISO 200<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Art of Flying<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-08-Jack-Crockford.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"809eb6\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #809eb6;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1530\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-08-Jack-Crockford.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DNR-E-GN-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-preview-08-Jack-Crockford.jpg?original\" alt=\"A small bird in flight is sharply focused against a blurred large passenger airplane, both set in a clear blue sky.\" class=\"wp-image-671505 not-transparent\"><\/a><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Jack Crockford \/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photographer: <\/strong>Jack Crockford<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Award: <\/strong>Highly Commended, 15\u201317 Years<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image title: <\/strong>The Art of Flying<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image location: <\/strong>London, England, UK<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description: <\/strong>Jack Crockford (UK) watches as a low-flying swift passes by, its shape echoed by an incoming plane to Heathrow Airport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"alignfull wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"ad-section--sidebar wp-block-gearpatrol-ad-slot\">\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jack observed swifts flying overhead, completing their yearly migration back to London and filling the air with their piercing, high-pitched calls. Most were flying too high to photograph, but occasional low-flyers allowed Jack to get the composition he\u2019d been hoping for.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Swifts\u2019 physical characteristics allow them to migrate from equatorial and southern Africa to breeding grounds in northern Europe. Their long, scythe-shaped wings enable exceptional speed and maneuverability. Living almost their entire lives in the air, they usually only land when they\u2019re ready to breed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details: <\/strong>Nikon D500 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR at 350mm (525mm equiv.) | F8 | 1\/5000 sec | ISO 1600<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author-biography\"><span class=\"wp-block-post-author-biography__label\">About the Author: <\/span>Abby Ferguson holds an MFA in photography and blends a fine-art background with extensive editorial and commercial experience. She built and led an in-house imaging program for a large vacation rental company and has served as an associate editor at Popular Photography. She also teaches at a local community college and serves on its Photographic Technology Program Advisory Board, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the medium.<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a20ee2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:10px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--m);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--m);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--xs);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--xs);padding-left:0\">\n<p class=\"is-style-caption-1 wp-block-paragraph\">Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases?\u00a0Add DPReview as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-resized has-custom-border\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--xs);margin-left:0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\"><img data-dominant-color=\"1b1c1a\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"338\" height=\"107\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/google_preferred_source_badge_dark_en.avif?w=300\" alt=\"add as a preferred source on google\" class=\"wp-image-542587 has-transparency\" style=\"--dominant-color: #1b1c1a; border-style:none;border-width:0px;width:170px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/google_preferred_source_badge_dark_en.avif 338w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/google_preferred_source_badge_dark_en.avif?resize=300,95 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 338px) 100vw, 338px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p>Author: Abby Ferguson<br \/>\nThis article comes from <i>DP Review<\/i> and can be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/photography\/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-offers-a-first-look-at-its-standout-2026-images\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>read on the original site.<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before category winners are announced on October 13, the Natural History Museum is giving the public its first look at the competition\u2019s scope through 15&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_customify_content_layout":"","_customify_sidebar":"","_customify_page_header_display":"","_customify_disable_header":"","_customify_disable_header_top":"","_customify_disable_header_main":"","_customify_disable_header_bottom":"","_customify_disable_page_title":"","_customify_disable_content_vertical_padding":"","_customify_disable_footer_top":"","_customify_disable_footer_main":"","_customify_disable_footer_bottom":"","_customify_breadcrumb_display":"","_customify_header_transparent_display":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[51,50,49,39,52],"class_list":["post-11648","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-camera-review-and-news","tag-camcorder","tag-camera","tag-dp-review","tag-news","tag-review"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Brokenmount","author_link":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/author\/sysop\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/category\/camera-review-and-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Camera Reviews and News<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Before category winners are announced on October 13, the Natural History Museum is giving the public its first look at the competition\u2019s scope through 15&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11648","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11648"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11648\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11648"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11648"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}