Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 Previews Highly Commended Images

Organizers of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 competition have released a selection of highly commended entries showcasing wildlife species and natural habitats around the world.

Among the commended photographs is “Icy Window” by Norwegian photographer Audun Rikardsen. While guiding for Arctic Wildlife Tours, Rikardsen submerged a motion-sensored camera beneath a seal’s breathing hole. At 4:00 a.m., a female polar bear peered down into the opening. Rikardsen waited eight hours for the animal to move away before collecting his equipment. Describing the moment he reviewed the photos, Rikardsen said, “I was so extremely happy.” He previously won competition categories in 2019 and 2025.

In Norway’s fjords, photographer Vegard Byrkjeland Aasen operated a drone for the Norwegian Orca Survey when he documented an adult killer whale carrying a dead calf. The orca repeatedly allowed the calf to sink before retrieving it to the surface, a behavior researchers believe may be an effort to protect or revive the young animal.

Macro photography is also featured in the shortlist. Twin photographers named Grammatico captured a mosquito resting on the head of a fer-de-lance viper, describing it as “one of the most demanding focus stacks we’ve ever created.” The highly venomous snake is responsible for numerous fatal bites in Central America due to its ability to blend into local plantation habitats.

Other commended images capture dramatic encounters between predators and prey. Allegra Hutton photographed a young leopard clinging to a tree after chasing a squirrel that escaped into higher branches. In Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands, photographer Parkinson captured a black vulture perched on a dead yacaré caiman before a hidden jaguar emerged to claim the body. Parkinson noted a straight wound on the caiman’s head, which he suspects was caused by a boat collision.

In the Namib Desert, photographer Tromp captured a Namaqua chameleon amid a sandstorm, illustrating how the reptiles extract moisture directly from ambient air and fog. In Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park, Hungarian photographer Bence Máté recorded tens of thousands of red-billed queleas drinking at a watering hole in late afternoon light.

The overall winners of the competition will be announced on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. The Natural History Museum in London will open an exhibition showcasing the winning entries on Friday, 16 October 2026.

Background

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is an annual international photography competition owned and produced by the Natural History Museum in London. Founded in 1965, the contest receives thousands of entries from professional and amateur photographers globally, aiming to showcase natural biodiversity and promote wildlife conservation.