2022 Wildlife Photographer of The Year

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has been hosted by the Natural History Museum since 1984.

The exhibition displays nature photography, with the aim of getting visitors to “consider the extraordinary diversity of wildlife which we share with our world, and the role we have in protecting its future.”

The selection process is extensive. Seven judges, with a background in science, photography and broadcasting are appointed to examine 50,490 entrants.

Images are then judged on a series of strict checks for authenticity, ethics and image manipulation. They are then divided into 16 different categories with the 100 winning or highly commended photographs being displayed at the exhibition.

As you walk through the gallery, each section details the award category and offers an expert’s view on how these habitats have had to adapt to human interference.

The images themselves are accompanied by captions to provide visitors with information on the photographer and location of the shot. Other information includes technical camera details and a digital code that you can use on your smart phone.

Sustainability and the environment are a recurring theme. The material and structures are all reusable for future exhibits and the lighting panels are powered by more efficient LEDs to limit energy.

The end of the exhibition celebrates the overall award winners. This year’s Adult Wildlife Photographer of the Year was awarded to Laurent Ballesta for ‘Creation.’

The Young Photographers Award was won by Vidyun R Hebbar’s ‘Dome Home.’ ­­­The exhibit also showcases the People’s Choice Award.

25 additional images are selected by the Natural History Museum and voted for by the public. This was awarded to Cristiano Vendramin’s ‘Lake of Ice.’

They join a rich history of winners dating back to the first competition in 1965, which was originally organised by Animals Magazine.