Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Polar bear family after hibernation

Photo taken on the tundra in northern Manitoba, Canada.
By David Pike, UK.

Lycoris in a plum orchard

Photo taking in Japan.
By Jun Ogawa, Japan.

Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys

Photo taking at the Yunling Mountains in China.
By Xi Zhinong, China.

Grey reef shark

Photo taking on the Beveridge Reef in the South Pacific.
By Tobias Bernhard, Germany.

The photographers found grey reef sharks in this lagoon on the Beveridge Reef in the South Pacific and used bait to habituate them to meeting them at a particular coral
head. Out of curiosity, the largest female about two metres long would swim straight towards the photographers, then, at the last moment gybe sharply to change direction. Later the photographer, Bernhard, got used to this habit and could preset focus, exposure and flash. This photograph was taken when the shark was barely 30 cm from Bernhard.

African elephant family watching a grey heron

Photo taking in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park
by Angie Scott, Kenya

Angie had just got herself settled under a bush when this elephant family came trundling down the sandy bank, eager to cool off and drink. Once in the shallows, they relaxed, and the water settled back to its former glassy stillness. A grey heron plopped down in front of them, ready to catch any fish they stirred up, and this became the focus of their attention for a moment, providing that extra element Angie needed for the composition.