Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 Shortlist Revealed

Key Takeaways

• Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 shortlist has been officially revealed.
• Audun Rikardsen captured a rare perspective of a female polar bear underwater.
• Young photographer Jack Crockford highlighted migrating swifts over London's Bushy Park.
• Competition winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
• The exhibition at London's Natural History Museum opens on October 16, 2026.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 Shortlist Highlights

The Natural History Museum in London has revealed the highly commended entries for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 competition. The shortlist features breathtaking moments captured by photographers across the globe, offering unique perspectives on animal behavior.

Face-to-Face with an Arctic Predator

Among the standout entries is "Icy Window," a remarkable shot taken by renowned Norwegian photographer Audun Rikardsen. Highly commended in the "Animal Portraits" category, the photo captures a curious female polar bear looking directly down a seal's breathing hole.

To get the shot, Rikardsen set up an underwater camera equipped with a motion sensor beneath the ice while guiding in the Arctic. After waiting eight hours to safely retrieve his equipment, he discovered the stunning close-up image. Rikardsen previously won category awards in 2019 and 2025.

Celebrating Youth and Urban Wildlife

The competition also highlights young talent, such as UK photographer Jack Crockford (aged 15–17). His entry, "The Art of Flying," captures swifts returning to London's Bushy Park after migrating from Africa. The image showcases the swift's remarkable aerial agility, as these birds spend almost their entire lives airborne.

Exhibition and Winner Announcement Details

According to a report by BBC News, the overall category winners and grand title winners will be revealed on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Following the announcement, the flagship exhibition will open to the public at the Natural History Museum in London on Friday, October 16, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 winners be announced?

The overall winners will be officially announced on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Where can I see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 exhibition?

The exhibition will open at the Natural History Museum in London on Friday, October 16, 2026.

Who captured the highly commended polar bear image 'Icy Window'?

Norwegian wildlife photographer Audun Rikardsen captured the image using an underwater motion-sensor camera beneath the Arctic ice.

Originally reported by BBC News. Enhanced and optimized for search by TechVeb.