The Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year i9s renowned for providing a platform for both amateur and professional photographers. This year’s shortlist of the top 100 photographs shines puts a spotlight on news and animals the world with the aim of encouraging a sustainable future.
Among the newly-revealed Highly Commended images is 13-year-old Arshdeep Singh’s image of a douc.
This endangered primate is seen staring at the camera while surrounded by the lush foliage.
Another highlight is Charlie Hamilton James’s photo of a lone tree surrounded by a deadly forest fire.
The photographer intends this image to highlight mankind’s impact on the Amazon Rainforest and the destruction wrecked on the ecosystem.
The overall winners, including the prestigious Grand Title winners, will be announced on October 13.
The ceremony itself will take place virtually from the Natural History Museum’s Hintze Hall – the first time this has ever happened, following the coronavirus pandemic.
Winning images will be chosen for their creativity, originality and technical excellence by industry experts.
This year’s competition attracted almost 50,000 entries from professionals and amateurs.
Chair of the judging panel, Roz Kidman Cox, said: “Several of my favourite images from the competition –the ones that I can look at again and again – are among the commended pictures.
“But then all the commended images are effectively winners, being among the top 100 awarded by the jury out of more than 49,000.
“The diversity of subjects and styles this year is memorable, with more than 25 different nationalities represented.
“But what especially stands out are the images from the young photographers – the next generation of image-makers passionate about the natural world.”
Dr Tim Littlewood, Executive Director of Science at the Natural History Museum and member of the judging panel, said: “This competition has an outstanding reputation in attracting the world’s very best photographers, naturalists and young photographers.
“But there has never been a more vital time for audiences all over the world to re-engage with the natural world, and what better way than this inspiring and provocative exhibition.
“Photography’s unique ability to spark conversation and curiosity is certainly special.
“We hope that this year’s exhibition will provide an opportunity for audiences to pause, reflect and ignite a passion of advocating for the natural world.”
The overall winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 13.
The competition can be followed on all social media platforms on the night and live streamed on the NHM website.
An exhibition of the top 100 images is then being held at the Natural History Museum opens on Friday, October 16.
This is the 56th year of the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
The 2021 competition opens for entries on October 19 and closes on December 10 2020.
As usual, the competition is open to photographers of all ages and abilities.