THE YOUNG WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

Are you a budding photographer who loves all things wild?

The Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is one of the world’s top wildlife photography honours – it’s kind of like the Oscars™ of the photography world!

So, if you love the great outdoors and have a keen eye for spotting the most captivating moments in nature, then this is the competition for you! Your images can cover any aspect of the natural world – from creepy crawlies and terrific trees to interesting habitats and urban wildlife.

Ready for the challenge? Grab a camera and get snapping!

And if you’re looking for some inspiration, make sure to visit this year’s Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition for FREE at The Natural History Museum at Tring.

Featuring 16 images, including both the Young Grand Title Winner and the Adult Grand Title Winner. Plus, they’ll be showing short films that tell the inspiring stories behind the winning photographs.

Meet a winner!

Ten-year-old wildlife photographer Jamie Smart is nicknamed the ‘eagle-eyed girl‘!

She won the ‘Ten Years and Under‘ category of the 2025 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition with her amazing image The Weaver’s Lair (below).

Another of Jamie’s photos, The Rutting Call, was also highly commended. We had a quick chat with her…

Hi Jamie! When did your interest in wildlife photography begin?

When I was little, I loved dinosaurs – and that grew into a love of wildlife and nature. I enjoy spending time immersed in nature and I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by wildlife and discovering new creatures and behaviours.

Do you have a favourite animal to photograph? And is there one on your ‘bucket list’ that you’d love to get a picture of?

I’m particularly fond of photographing tiny beetles called weevils – they are so funny and full of character when you see them up close! But my bucket list is VERY long! I would love to explore more of the world’s rainforests, especially in countries like Panama in Central America and Peru in South America.

What do you think makes a great wildlife shot?

The most powerful shots for me are ones that create an emotional response and a ‘connection‘ between the animal and the onlooker. This can be in the form of eye contact or some kind of intriguing animal behaviour.

What are the most important things a great wildlife photographer should do?

I think you need to be patient, learn as much as you
can about the creature you want to photograph, and understand light and how it works.

What’s your top tip for kids hoping to enter next year’s competition?

Find something you’re passionate about and photograph it – your passion will naturally come through in your picture, and that will help show the subject in the best possible light.

Great tips. Thanks, Jamie!