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First Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021 images revealed
With a record-breaking number of entries from around the world, thejudges of thefifty-seventh Wildlife Photographer of the Year have had the toughest job yet.
From lynx making a comeback to a striking ecological disaster and Narwhal shrimp communicating at great depths, there is an incredible range in the unique and fascinating images in the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.The photographs are a compelling reminder of the importance of the variety and variability of life on Earth in securing the future of our planet, revealed just ahead of thefirst phase of theglobal UN conference of COP15 on biodiversity.
A special selection of Highly Commended photographs has been released ahead of the opening of the highly anticipated exhibition on Friday 15 October 2021, at the Natural History Museum in London.
For images and to arrange interviews with the photographers, please email wildpress@nhm.ac.uk
The Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year offers a global platform for photographers of all ages and levels,from around the world,that capture the beauty and vulnerabilityof the natural world.
This year's Wildlife Photographer of the Yearcompetition was the most competitive yet, attracting over 50,000 entries from photographers in 95 countries. Every entry was judged anonymously on its creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts.
The winning images, including the prestigious Grand Title Award winners, will be announced on 12 October2021 during a not-to-be-missed online Awards show. Broadcast livefrom the Natural History Museum, the freeevent will once again behosted by BBC presenters and wildlife experts Chris Packham and Megan McCubbinand feature photographers, Museum scientists and special guests.
Among the newly revealed Highly Commended images is Sergio Marijuán’s young Iberian lynxframed in the doorway of an abandoned hayloft; a species that was once on the brink of extinctionis now rising in numbers thanks to ongoing conservation efforts. Other images tell the story of nature under pressure, like the vibrant designs captured by Gheorghe Popa, which are the result of heavy metals from mining seeping into the river.
Chair of the judging panel, Roz Kidman Cox says, 'It was the overall quality of entries that took us by surprise. With most travel plans cancelled over the past year, photographers seem to have spent extra time considering what gems to submit. There are stand-out pictures of unforgettable scenes and encounters –those unique wild moments, skillfully framed, that result from knowledge, experience and planning –but also fresh, beautiful observations of nature close to home or in close-up. The result is a collection of both thought-provoking images and ones that, in these dark times, remind us of the joy and wonder to be had from nature.’
Dr Doug Gurr, Director ofthe Natural History Museum says, 'These extraordinary images show case the rich diversity of life on Earth and spark curiosity and wonder. Telling the story of a planet under pressure, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition illuminates the urgent challenges we face and the collective action we need to take. This year’s inspiring exhibition will move and empower audiences to advocatefor the natural world.’
After the flagship exhibition is unveiled at the Natural History Museum, the 100 images will embark on a UK and international tour, bringing the emotive power of wildlife photographyto millions of people. Associate sponsors for the upcoming exhibition atthe Natural History Museum arer enewable energy company Ørsted and non-alcoholic spirits brand Seedlip.
Exhibition information:
Dates and times: Friday 15October 2021–Sunday 5 June 2022, 10.00-17.50 (last admission at 16.30)
To book tickets:www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year
Prices: Adult £17.25*, concession £13.75*, and child £10.25*
Visitor Enquiries:020 7942 500
Facebook: @wildlifephotographeroftheyear
Twitter: @NHM_WPY
Instagram: @nhm_wpy #WPY57
*Prices including optional Gift Aid donation to the Museum.
Competition opens for entries
The fifty-eighth Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition will open for entries on Monday 18 October 2021 and close at 11.30am GMT on Thursday 9 December 2021. Open to everyone, the competition is judged anonymously and welcomes entries from photographers of all ages, nationalities and levels.
www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/wpy/competition
About Ørsted
Ørsted develops, constructsand operates offshore and onshore wind farms, solar farms, energy storage facilities, and bioenergy plants, and provides energy products to its customers. Globally, Ørsted is the market leader in offshore wind and it is constructing the world’s biggest offshore wind farms off the East Coast of the UK. Its UK offshore wind farms generate enough clean electricity for over three million UK homes. Ørsted ranks as the world’s most sustainable energy company in Corporate Knights' 2021 index of the Global 100 most sustainable corporations in the world and is recognised on the CDP Climate Change A List as a global leader on climate action. Headquartered in Denmark, Ørsted employs 6,179 people, including over 1000 in the UK. Ørsted's shares are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Orsted). In 2020, the group’s revenue was DKK 52.6 billion (EUR 7.1 billion).
www.orsted.co.uk/en/About-us
About Seedlip
Seedlip connects people to the wonders of nature, through the world’s first non-alcoholic spirits with distilled botanicals. Solving the dilemma of ‘What to drink when you’re not drinking ®’ Seedlip offers a sophisticated alternative for non-alcoholic options & is served around the world in over 40 countries. Available in three expressions, Seedlip Garden 108 captures the essence of the English countryside with sophisticated top notes of peas & hay blended with herbs (Rosemary, Thyme & Spearmint). Seedlip Spice 94is aromatic with strong spice (All Spice Berries & Cardamom) & citrus (Lemon & Grapefruit peel) top notes & a long bitter finish from the highest quality barks (Oak & Cascarilla). The latest addition to the range is Seedlip Grove 42, a celebration of the Orange; an adult, citrus blend of distillates including three varieties of Orange and uplifting spices (Lemongrass & Ginger).Seedlip is best mixed with tonic or as the base for non-alcoholic cocktails. Seedlip contains zero alcohol, zero sugar, zero calories and is free from allergens and artificial flavours.
For more information, please visit www.seedlipdrinks.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/seedlipdrinks/, or Instagram at @SeedlipDrinks
Images and media contact
Download photographs for print and online use: https://bit.ly/WPY57-press-preview(password protected)
To obtain the password, arrange interviews with photographers or judges or express interest in attending the Media previewof the exhibition at the Natural History Museum, please contact Josephine Higgins at the Natural History Museum press office:
Email: wildpress@nhm.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5654
Notes to editors
The Natural History Museum’s acclaimed Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and exhibition ignites curiosity about the natural world by showcasing Earth's extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. Using the unique emotive power of photography, the competition inspires people to think differently about their relationship with nature and become advocates for the planet: www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year
Wildlife Photographer of the Year was founded in 1965 by BBC Wildlife Magazine, then called Animals. The Natural History Museum joined forces in 1984 to create the competition as it is known today. The competition is now solely run and owned by the Natural History Museum.
Open to photographers of all ages, levels and nationalities, the competition opens for entries every October. The 2022 competition opensfor entrieson 18 October 2021.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Portfolio 31, edited by Rosamund Kidman Cox and with a foreword by Chris Packham, is published by the Natural History Museum and will be on sale as of 13 October 2021, priced £25.
Natural History Museum members enjoy free, unlimited entry to every exhibition at the Museum including Wildlife Photographer of the Year, with access to a range of exclusive discounts and benefits: www.nhm.ac.uk/support-us/membership
The Natural History Museum is both a world-leading science research centre and the most visited natural history museum in Europe. With a vision of a future in which both people and planet thrive, it is uniquely positioned to be a powerful champion for balancing humanity's needs with those of the natural world. The Museum uses its enormous global reach and influence to meet its mission to create advocates for the planet –to inform, inspire and empower everyoneto make a difference for nature: www.nhm.ac.uk
