{"id":11939,"date":"2026-10-14T05:03:49","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T03:03:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/2026\/10\/14\/this-years-wildlife-photographer-winners-deliver-striking-images-of-our-natural-world\/"},"modified":"2026-10-14T05:03:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T03:03:49","slug":"this-years-wildlife-photographer-winners-deliver-striking-images-of-our-natural-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/2026\/10\/14\/this-years-wildlife-photographer-winners-deliver-striking-images-of-our-natural-world\/","title":{"rendered":"This year\u2019s Wildlife Photographer winners deliver striking images of our natural world"},"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\tSee the photos that shed light on animal and human behavior in new ways.<\/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\/10\/Collage-Lead.jpg?w=1920\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail not-transparent wp-post-image has-focal-point\" alt=\"Collage of wildlife photographs: a cougar resting on a fence, a scorpion on sand, a dung beetle pushing a ball, an aerial view of a boat at night, two shoebill storks, and a coyote overlooking a city.\" style=\"--dominant-color: #817d75;object-fit:cover;object-position: 50% 50%;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Collage-Lead.jpg 3840w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Collage-Lead.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Collage-Lead.jpg?resize=650,366 650w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Collage-Lead.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Collage-Lead.jpg?resize=1920,1080 1920w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Collage-Lead.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Collage-Lead.jpg?resize=2048,1152 2048w, https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Collage-Lead.jpg?resize=1200,675 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" data-dominant-color=\"817d75\"><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Francisco Negroni \/ Sitaram Raul \/ Oscar Whitfield \/ Alex Lindbloom \/ Isak Pretorius \/ Loren Elliott \/ The Natural History Museum, London<\/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 is-article-intro\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gearpatrol-article-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s once again time for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards, where the Natural History Museum, London, presents some of the best images of the natural world across 19 categories. The competition has been going for 62 years, and, in 2026, garnered 65,000 submissions.<\/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\">The winning photos depict animals in their natural \u2013 and sometimes unnatural \u2013 habitats, as well as plants, fungi and more. As usual, the museum is <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=31959X1726082&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhm.ac.uk%2Fvisit%2Fexhibitions%2Fwildlife-photographer-of-the-year.html&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dpreview.com%2Fphotography%2Fwildlife-photographer-of-the-year-2026-winners%2F&amp;xcust=%5Bcontent_id%7C%5Brefdomain%7Cwww.dpreview.com%5Bcontent_product_id%7C%5Bproduct_retailer_id%7C\">holding an exhibition<\/a> of 100 images from the competition, starting this week and running into July 2027. If you want to see some (still <em>very<\/em> good) images that didn\u2019t quite make the cut, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/photography\/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-offers-a-first-look-at-its-standout-2026-images\/\">check out our article<\/a> covering 15 other entries that were highly commended.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 \/ Behaviour: Mammals \u2013 <em>The Aftermath<\/em>, Federico Veronesi<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Federico-Veronesi.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"828282\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #828282;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Federico-Veronesi.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1920\" width=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Federico-Veronesi.jpg?w=1440\" alt=\"Black-and-white photo of an adult elephant lifting a calf with its trunk in a grassy field.\" class=\"wp-image-676486 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Federico Veronesi (Italy) witnesses a powerful moment of an elephant carrying a dead calf, a rare glimpse into complex animal behaviours.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Federico Veronesi<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption: <\/strong>Federico was tracking elephants when he came across an unusual pattern of drag marks in the sand of a dry riverbed. The source became clear when he caught up with a family group. A female emerged with the calf, its leg wedged between her tusk and trunk.<\/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\">Behaviours centring on death have been observed in both Asian and African elephants, including vocalisations, guarding the dead, inspecting and handling bones, and carrying the deceased. Some researchers suggest these behaviours could indicate an elephant\u2019s journey to understanding death, while others interpret these actions as possible displays of grief.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Huab River Valley, Damaraland, Namibia<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Nikon Z8 | Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S | F2.8 | 1\/1000 | ISO 72<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Animals in their Environment \u2013 <em>The Meeting Place<\/em>, James Lewin<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-James-Lewin.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"928c89\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #928c89;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-James-Lewin.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"995\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-James-Lewin.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Black-and-white wildlife scene with an elephant, giraffes, and zebras gathered at a waterhole.\" class=\"wp-image-676489 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">James Lewin (UK) watches a young bull elephant spray a group of zebra as they congregate in the Kenyan Chyulu Hills.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">James Lewin<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> While there was no shortage of subjects and action around this waterhole, James had to deal with the harsh, unforgiving light. He chose to soften the light using a camera converted to infrared, creating this dream-like scene.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Waterholes can act as vital lifelines during severe droughts. Larger animals, such as elephants, have priority over others for access to waterholes. Herbivores spend more time at these drinking spots when elephants are present, possibly because their size deters predators, although competition for access to water may also prolong herbivores\u2019 stay.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> ol Donyo Lodge, Chyulu Hills National Park, Makueni County, Kenya<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Nikon Z 7II (infrared converted) | Nikon Nikkor Z 28\u201375mm F2.8 lens | 45mm | F7.1 | 1\/800 | 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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Animal Portraits \u2013 <em>A Watchful Eye<\/em>, Aaron Sanders<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Aaron-Sanders.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"21220a\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #21220a;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Aaron-Sanders.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Aaron-Sanders.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Sea turtle peeking from beneath dark green kelp fronds underwater.\" class=\"wp-image-676479 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aaron Sanders (UK) glimpses a common octopus behind a curtain of kelp in the waters off southwest England.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Aaron Sanders<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Aaron had been diving off Porthkerris Beach when he noticed the footprints of octopus suckers through a thin blade of kelp, and a single eye slowly emerging. \u2018We remained perfectly still, watching one another with a seemingly shared curiosity,\u2019 says Aaron.<\/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\">In recent years in the waters off southwest England, there has been a dramatic increase in sightings of common octopuses, a species more frequently found in warmer Mediterranean waters. The influx or \u2018bloom\u2019 of these cephalopods has been linked to above-average springtime sea temperatures.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Porthkerris Beach, Cornwall, England, UK<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Nikon Z8 | Nikon Nikkor Z 24\u201350mm F4\u20136.3 | 27mm | F7.1 | 1\/40 sec | ISO 125 | Nauticam WWL-C wet lens | Inon Z-240 and Z-330 underwater 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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Behaviour: Birds \u2013 <em>Scenes from the Swamp<\/em>, Isak Pretorius<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Isak-Pretorius.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"78735e\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #78735e;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Isak-Pretorius.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Isak-Pretorius.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Two gray shoebill birds in a marsh, one with wings spread and both holding vegetation in their beaks.\" class=\"wp-image-676488 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Isak Pretorius (South Africa) chances across two elusive shoebill storks among wetland vegetation.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Isak Pretorius<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Exploring the swamp in a narrow canoe with a guide, Isak felt exceptionally lucky to see not one but two elusive shoebills. The birds pulled out vegetation, dropped it and then repeated the process several times. It\u2019s likely this is a breeding pair gathering nesting material.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Though often called the shoebill stork, these large birds are more closely related to pelicans, herons and ibises. Fewer than 5,300 mature shoebills survive across their entire range and their numbers are decreasing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Mabamba Swamp, Wakiso District, Uganda<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Canon EOS R5 | 500mm F4 | F4 | 1\/2500 sec | ISO 1250<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Behaviour: Amphibians and Reptiles \u2013 <em>Protective Pose<\/em>, Anton Sorokin<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Anton-Sorokin.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"5f3c02\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #5f3c02;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Anton-Sorokin.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1920\" width=\"1372\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Anton-Sorokin.jpg?w=1372\" alt=\"Small brown salamander clinging to submerged green plant stems in murky water.\" class=\"wp-image-676485 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Anton Sorokin (USA) finds a California newt laying its eggs as it clasps vegetation that already holds another newt\u2019s egg clutch.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Anton Sorokin<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Anton hadn\u2019t seen this pose before, despite documenting newt behaviour each winter. The pond was too dirty to swim, so Anton waded along the edge, carefully dipping his camera and lighting beneath the surface to record this remarkable view of parental care. <\/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\">California newts interlock their back feet to protect the clutch, which are vulnerable to predation by other newts. They will stay like this until the gelatinous mass around the eggs has swollen too large to be eaten and has solidified onto the stem.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Contra Costa County, California, USA<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Nikon D850 | Nikon AF-S 8\u201315mm fisheye F3.5-4.5E ED | F18 | 1\/100 sec | ISO 400 | Nauticam housing | Seacam 60D 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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Behaviour: Invertebrates \u2013 <em>Shifting Sand<\/em>, Sitaram Raul<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Sitaram-Raul.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"140b04\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #140b04;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Sitaram-Raul.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1282\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Sitaram-Raul.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Golden scorpion emerging from sand in dramatic low light.\" class=\"wp-image-676496 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sitaram Raul (India) encounters a scorpion burrowing into one of the shifting dunes of the Thar Desert.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Sitaram Raul<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Exploring the dunes at night near the village of Sam, Sitaram saw many scorpions searching for prey. But as sunrise approached, they started burrowing to avoid the intense heat. Sitaram timed the exposure so that the excavated sand was suspended in mid-air.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just one known species of Buthacus scorpion is from India. It uses its pincers to dig into large piles of sand. Stiff, elongated bristles or \u2018sand combs\u2019 are used like snowshoes to stop it from sinking into the dunes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Nikon D750 | AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm F2.8G IF-ED | F14 | 1\/250 sec | ISO 125 | Godox flash<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oceans: The Bigger Picture \u2013 <em>Night-Time Catch<\/em>, Alex Lindbloom<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Alex-Lindbloom.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"0c0f15\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #0c0f15;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Alex-Lindbloom.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1440\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Alex-Lindbloom.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Illuminated offshore platform with scaffolding and a small boat below at night.\" class=\"wp-image-676481 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Lindbloom (USA) finds a whale shark investigating the catch of a \u2018bagan\u2019, or mobile net-fishing platform, in the inky waters off Papua.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Alex Lindbloom<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Alex started searching for sharks around dawn when the nets were still in the water. Initially lacking natural light for his drone\u2019s camera, he found these sharks illuminated by the bagan\u2019s bright lights.<\/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\">Local fishing communities are using the predictable occurrence of whale sharks at bagans to attract tourists. Although contact with bagans can cause some minor injuries to whale sharks, this isn\u2019t a major cause of mortality. The species\u2019 significant decline in the Indo-Pacific region over the past 75 years is primarily driven by ship strikes, entanglements with fishing gear and illegal fishing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Off Cenderawasih Bay, Papua, Indonesia<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> : DJI Air 3 | 24mm F1.7 lens | F1.7 | 1\/60 sec | ISO 3200<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plants and Fungi \u2013 <em>Shedding Light<\/em>, Agorastos Papatsanis<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Agorastos-Papatsanis.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"1e2d28\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #1e2d28;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Agorastos-Papatsanis.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1286\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Agorastos-Papatsanis.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Clusters of small mushrooms with dark caps and bright yellow stems growing on a fallen log in a forest.\" class=\"wp-image-676480 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Agorastos Papatsanis (Greece) uses ultraviolet light to reveal the glowing yellow stems of beautiful bonnet mushrooms growing from a decaying log.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Agorastos Papatsanis<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> On the lower slopes of Greece\u2019s Mount Olympus, Agorastos experimented with ultraviolet (UV) illumination until it revealed the strongest fluorescent response from these mushrooms known as \u2018beautiful bonnets\u2019.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While humans cannot see UV light, we can get an inkling of its effect, thanks to the phenomenon of fluorescence. Mycologists are harnessing this phenomenon to distinguish closely related species of fungi by the colours and patterns they reveal under UV.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Litochoro, Pieria, Greece<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Nikon D810 | Laowa 15mm F4 | F20 | 8.0 sec | ISO 400 | UV light | focus stack of 6 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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Natural Artistry \u2013 <em>Escape Artistry<\/em>, Micha\u0142 Michalski<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Michal-Michalski.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"2e2c1d\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #2e2c1d;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Michal-Michalski.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Michal-Michalski.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Swarm of yellow butterflies over a dark forest of slender tree trunks.\" class=\"wp-image-676493 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Micha\u0142 Michalski (Poland) uses a slow shutter speed to create the illusion of trees still swathed in autumn foliage.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Micha\u0142 Michalski<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Micha\u0142 was in a field of unharvested sunflowers that had attracted mixed flocks of birds, especially goldfinches and bramblings. As they took to the sky, startled by a sparrowhawk, Micha\u0142 blurred the movement against a backdrop of leafless birches.<\/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\">There is evidence that flocks containing multiple species forage more efficiently, partly because each brings different skills to the group. With more eyes on the lookout for predators, individuals can also afford to devote more time to feeding.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Mi\u0142ochowice, Lower Silesian Township, Poland<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Nikon D500 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR | F8 | 1\/30 sec | ISO 250<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Under Water \u2013 <em>Making Morays<\/em>, Tony Wu<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Tony-Wu.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"10100f\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #10100f;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Tony-Wu.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Tony-Wu.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Spotted moray eel with open mouth against a black background.\" class=\"wp-image-676497 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tony Wu (USA\/Japan) provides a first-time glimpse into the mating ritual of Abbott\u2019s moray eels.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Tony Wu<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Tony has been working with biologists to address a knowledge gap in the social behaviour of this eel species. Guided only by a dim red-light source to minimise disturbance, and using a customised fisheye camera lens, he has studied this male since 2024 as it visits females that dwell in crevices on the reef.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is likely the first time Abbott\u2019s moray eel courtship and spawning have been documented, and the observations from Tony\u2019s work with biologists are feeding into published scientific studies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Kagoshima Prefecture, Ky\u016bsh\u016b, Japan<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Sony a1 | Customised Nikon fisheye 13mm F2.8 | F11 | 1\/320 | ISO 500 | 2x Backscatter Hybrid HF-1 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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Urban Wildlife \u2013 <em>Urban Jungle<\/em>, Seth Forestson<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Seth-Forestson.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"5a5a50\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #5a5a50;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Seth-Forestson.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1349\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Seth-Forestson.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Three monitor lizards feeding on a carcass beside a city park lake with skyscrapers in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-676495 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Seth Forestson (UK) spots a common water monitor carrying its fish supper in a Bangkok park.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Seth Forestson<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> The challenge wasn\u2019t finding these lizards, but catching them in action, as they spend most of the day basking in the sun. When Seth spotted this one, he lowered himself down onto the mud to frame this city dragon against the Bangkok skyline.<\/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\">Common water monitors have successfully adapted to living within cities across South and Southeast Asia. They will take whatever food source is available, such as the plentiful supplies of catfish and koi in the lakes of Bangkok\u2019s Lumphini Park.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Lumphini Park, Bangkok, Thailand<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Google Pixel 7 Pro | Main camera | F1.9 | 1\/291 | ISO 47<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wetlands: The Bigger Picture \u2013 <em>The Great Divide<\/em>, Alex Visbal<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Alex-Visbal.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"977e89\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #977e89;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Alex-Visbal.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1281\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Alex-Visbal.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Pink and white salt flats reflecting mountains and clouds under a blue sky.\" class=\"wp-image-676482 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Visbal (Colombia) documents how a single engineered line can reshape an entire wetland.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Alex Visbal<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> This photograph is part of Alex\u2019s long-term project documenting the industrial footprint on bodies of water.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The distinctive pink colour on the left is caused by bright pink microbes that thrive in extremely saline water, which happens when an area is cut off from a supply of fresh water. The ecology of the lake is in sharp decline due to industrial use, upstream diversions and climate change. Since this image was taken, the State of Utah has brought the area under conservation management.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Stansbury Bay, Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Canon EOS R5 Mark II | Canon EF 70\u2013200mm F2.8 IS II USM | 70mm |  F3.2 | 1\/640 sec | ISO 1250<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Photojournalism \u2013 <em>Warning Sign<\/em>, Francisco Negroni<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Francisco-Negroni.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"908677\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #908677;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Francisco-Negroni.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1281\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Francisco-Negroni.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Lioness draped over a wire fence post in a grassy plain at sunset.\" class=\"wp-image-676487 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Francisco Negroni (Chile) records this scene of a dead puma amid the rugged, windswept beauty of Argentine Patagonia.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Francisco Negroni<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Tied to the fence and presented as a hunting trophy, this display was one Francisco had \u2018never witnessed or photographed before\u2019. In 2025, Santa Cruz banned the hunting of pumas, but illegal persecution continues.<\/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\">Livestock predation is one of the major causes of human\u2013puma conflict, and it\u2019s suggested that enclosing sheep at night and using guard dogs can significantly reduce the loss of livestock without resorting to hunting. In southern Chile, some owners have even abandoned sheep farming in favour of puma tourism.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Route 40, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Canon EOS R5 | Canon RF 70\u2013200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z | 70mm | F3.2 | 1\/640 | ISO 100<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10 Years and Under \u2013 <em>Flight of the Bumblebee<\/em>, Amelie Davis<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Amelie-Davis.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"868e4c\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #868e4c;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Amelie-Davis.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1440\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Amelie-Davis.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Bumblebee hovering beside a pink-and-white flower spike in a sunlit garden.\" class=\"wp-image-676484 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Amelie Davis (UK) highlights a common carder bee suspended in mid-air as it flies in to land and feast on a flower in southern England.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Amelie Davis<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Amelie had been taking photographs of bees for several months. On this August afternoon the garden was \u2018teeming with bees\u2019. Without her camera, Amelie borrowed her dad\u2019s smartphone and was able to record the delicate detail of a single wingbeat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bees perceive plants and flowers in many ways. Distinguishing one colour for nectar and another for pollen helps them make rapid decisions when foraging. Their vision is tuned to blue, green and ultraviolet wavelengths, so they can see markings that are invisible to us.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Surrey, England, UK<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | Ultrawide lens | F2.2 | 1\/895 sec | ISO 40<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 \/ 11-14 Years \u2013 <em>Labour of Love<\/em>, Oscar Whitfield<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Oscar-Whitfield.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"d4d7d6\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #d4d7d6;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Oscar-Whitfield.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1265\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Oscar-Whitfield.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Dung beetle pushing a large dirt ball across pale sand with small flies in the air.\" class=\"wp-image-676494 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Oscar Whitfield (Zimbabwe\/UK) notices the arduous exertion of this dung beetle pushing its precious cargo.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Oscar Whitfield<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Using a fast shutter speed and high light sensitivity, Oscar lay flat on the ground to photograph the beetle at eye level, with the sunshine and heat creating dry dust all around him.<\/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\">There are more than 5,000 species of dung beetle found around the world, and they play a vital role in their environments. Breaking up dung and burying it prevents the conditions required for methane production, reducing the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions. Burying dung also helps it decompose faster, reducing the number of pests affecting livestock and wildlife.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Zambezi National Park, Hwange District, Zimbabwe<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Sigma 150\u2013600mm F5\u20136.3 DG OS HSM | 500mm | F6.3 | 1\/1250 sec | ISO 3200<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">15-17 Years \u2013 <em>Birdsong Painted in Light<\/em>, Konrad Gr\u00e4eter<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Konrad-Graeter.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"192b2e\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #192b2e;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Konrad-Graeter.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Konrad-Graeter.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Silhouetted bird perched among branches beside a reflective pond at dusk.\" class=\"wp-image-676490 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Konrad Gr\u00e4eter (Germany) highlights a male blackbird singing in a vineyard early one April morning.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Konrad Gr\u00e4eter<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Konrad had to crouch down low on the steep slope of the vineyard and point his camera through a gap in the foliage to frame the blackbird within its landscape.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blackbirds can be heard singing at different times of day, but their songs have the most complex compositions at dawn. During the spring breeding season, the males sing from elevated vantage points to proclaim their territory and to attract a mate. Females respond with a softer sound, known as a subsong, during courtship.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg, Germany<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Fujifilm X-H2S | Fujifilm XF 150\u2013600mm F5.6\u20138 R LM OIS WR | 600mm | F8 | 1\/800 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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Photojournalist Story Award \u2013 <em>Wily Coyotes of San Francisco<\/em>, Loren Elliott<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Loren-Elliott.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"7b7973\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #7b7973;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Loren-Elliott.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Loren-Elliott.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Coyote walking on a dirt hillside above a city skyline and bay.\" class=\"wp-image-676492 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Loren Elliott (USA) opens a window into the lives of the often-misunderstood coyotes living in the environs of San Francisco on the West Coast of the United States. <\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Loren Elliott<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> A coyote pads along a trail in Bernal Heights Park, overlooking the city and bay of San Francisco. This individual is part of a resident pack that Loren observed hunting rodents in the park, which is also popular with people and dogs.<\/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\">Around 100 of these urban-adapted wild canines live alongside more than 800,000 human inhabitants, and attitudes towards them are mixed. While coyotes sometimes prey on domestic animals, they also bring benefits such as controlling disease-carrying rodents.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this portfolio, Loren invites us to reconsider our perceptions of these wild animals and their place in urban environments, living alongside humans.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> San Francisco, USA<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Sony a9 II | 20mm F1.8 | F5.6 | 1\/800 sec | ISO 250 | 2x Pocket Wizard Plus IIIe radio triggers<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rising Star Award \u2013 <em>Hidden Depths<\/em>, Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Alexis-Tinker-Tsavalas.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"4d4a1c\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #4d4a1c;\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Alexis-Tinker-Tsavalas.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Alexis-Tinker-Tsavalas.jpg?w=1536\" alt=\"Macro close-up of a fly with large orange eyes perched on a plant stem.\" class=\"wp-image-676483 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas (Germany) reveals the exquisite beauty of the tiniest of animals in the finest of detail.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> When Alexis spotted this robber fly, it had already impaled the flesh fly with its needlelike mouthparts. The bubbles forming in the victim\u2019s eyes indicate that the robber fly has injected digestive enzymes that liquefy its internal tissues before they are sucked out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A previous winner of the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year award, Alexis got his first camera aged ten. His focus shifted to macro photography during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when he was unable to venture farther than the urban habitats close to home in Berlin, Germany.<\/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\">By experimenting with focus stacking techniques, which involve combining multiple images with different planes of focus to increase the depth of field, Alexis wants to bring Winner Rising Star Award attention to species that often go unnoticed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Germany and Northern Ireland, UK<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Fujifilm X-H2 | Laowa 65mm f2.8 macro | F5.6 | 1\/200 | ISO 200 | Godox V860III flash + Cygnustech diffuser | focus stack of 24 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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Portfolio Award \u2013 <em>Secret Worlds<\/em>, Kutub Uddin<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Kutub-Uddin.jpg?original\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img data-dominant-color=\"9b8571\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #9b8571;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-destinationlink=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_\u00a9-Kutub-Uddin.jpg?original\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DNR_E_2026_Wildlife_Photographer_%C2%A9-Kutub-Uddin.jpg?w=1920\" alt=\"Two yellow-green slime mold fruiting bodies with orange stalks on a decaying log.\" class=\"wp-image-676491 not-transparent\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kutub Uddin (Bangladesh\/UK) reveals a magical and often surreal world of slime moulds that can barely be seen with the naked eye.<\/figcaption><span class=\"wp-block-image__credit\">Kutub Uddin<\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caption:<\/strong> Fine threads, known as capillitium, emerge on the round, yellow-green bodies, which will eventually help disperse reproductive spores. Kutub says they appear like \u2018tiny clusters or unusual textures on the wood, often appearing as minute pins, spheres or dust-like groupings\u2019.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kutub became interested in slime moulds in 2024, and as a macro photographer now devotes much of his time to revealing this tiny hidden world. He loves exploring his local woodlands in southeast England, where fallen logs and damp forest floors provide opportunities for discovering these fascinating organisms.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slime moulds occur throughout the world, mostly growing on dead wood or leaf litter while feeding on other micro-organisms. The structures depicted in this portfolio are just one to two millimetres high (less than 1\/12 of an inch).<\/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>Location:<\/strong> West Sussex, England, UK<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical details:<\/strong> Canon EOS R5 | Canon MP-E 65mm F2.8 1-5x Macro Photo | F3.2 | 1\/4 sec | ISO 400 | diffused flash | Cognisys StackShot macro rail | Benro Bat tripod | focus stack of 124 images<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author-biography\"><span class=\"wp-block-post-author-biography__label\">About the Author: <\/span>Mitchell started taking pictures at 10 and hasn\u2019t stopped since. It\u2019s been a wide-ranging adventure, spanning a wide variety of genres and locales, and occasionally dipping into fascinations with video and filmmaking. They honed their technical knowledge doing documentation, programing and QA, writing for The Verge, and just generally messing around on the computer to see what breaks.<\/div>\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<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a20ee2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--custom--color--grey-900);border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:10px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--m);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--m);padding:var(--wp--preset--spacing--m)\">\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<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" google-add-preferred-source-btn=\"\" data-theme=\"dark\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wayfinder-xf-forum-activity\" id=\"comments\" data-embed-url=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/forums\/threads\/this-years-wildlife-photographer-winners-deliver-striking-images-of-our-natural-world.4869269\/?embedded=1&amp;theme=auto\" data-embed-title=\"Forum discussion\" data-thread-id=\"4869269\" data-open=\"0\">\n\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"wayfinder-xf-forum-activity__toggle view-comments\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"wayfinder-xf-embed-676501\"><br \/>\n\t\tView 0 comments\t<\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"wayfinder-xf-forum-activity__embed-wrap\" id=\"wayfinder-xf-embed-676501\" hidden>\n<div class=\"wayfinder-xf-forum-activity__header\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"wayfinder-xf-forum-activity__title\">Comments<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"wayfinder-xf-forum-activity__forum-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/forums\/threads\/this-years-wildlife-photographer-winners-deliver-striking-images-of-our-natural-world.4869269\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tForum View\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wayfinder-xf-forum-activity__embed-container\">\n<div class=\"wayfinder-xf-forum-activity__loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wayfinder-xf-forum-activity__spinner\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wayfinder-xf-forum-activity__loading-text\">Loading comments\u2026<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p>Author: Mitchell Clark<br \/>\nThis article comes from <i>DP Review<\/i> and can be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpreview.com\/photography\/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-2026-winners\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>read on the original site.<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>See the photos that shed light on animal and human behavior in new ways. Francisco Negroni \/ Sitaram Raul \/ Oscar Whitfield \/ Alex Lindbloom&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-11939","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":"See the photos that shed light on animal and human behavior in new ways. Francisco Negroni \/ Sitaram Raul \/ Oscar Whitfield \/ Alex Lindbloom&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11939","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=11939"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11939\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11939"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11939"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11939"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}