The Natural History Museum is once again inviting the global public to participate in its celebrated Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award for 2026. Following the rigorous selection of competition winners, the museum is now offering photography enthusiasts and nature lovers the chance to cast their votes for their favorite images. This highly anticipated event empowers viewers to act as judges, supporting photographers who represent their diverse countries and capturing the essence of the natural world.
Public Invited to Select Wildlife Photography Favorites
The Natural History Museum recently announced the finalists for its prestigious 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award. These remarkable images were meticulously chosen from an astounding 60,636 submissions, representing 113 nations and territories worldwide. Each photograph tells a unique and compelling story of wildlife, showcasing the diverse beauty and fascinating behaviors of mammals and other creatures across the globe.
Among the distinguished finalists are three American photographers whose works particularly stand out. Dvir Barkay, with his heartwarming image titled "Hold Me Tightly," captured an intimate moment between a sloth mother and her baby at Costa Rica's La Selva Biological Station. Barkay observed the pair high in the canopy, and during a characteristic Costa Rican rain shower, he documented the mother tenderly sheltering her infant, illustrating a powerful bond of love and protection.
Joseph Ferraro's entry, "Ready to Pounce," offers a close-up look at the intricate world of insects. Photographed near his home in Ferndale, Michigan, Ferraro's image features an ambush bug nymph poised to strike its unsuspecting prey. The photograph brilliantly highlights the bug's predatory prowess, with its raptorial forelegs ready to immobilize victims with venom. The interplay of warm and green tones in the image effectively emphasizes the dramatic tension between hunter and hunted.
Chris Gug, in his captivating photograph "Along for the Ride," documented a humorous and intriguing interaction in Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. While scuba diving, Gug witnessed a small crab riding atop a glowing green jellyfish. This enigmatic scene raises questions about the relationship between the two creatures, suggesting possibilities ranging from energy conservation to mutualistic protection from predators, or even the crab using the jellyfish as a unique vantage point for hunting. The inherent mystery of the image adds significantly to its allure.
Beyond these American talents, the exhibition also features other compelling works. Alexandre Brisson from Switzerland presents a striking image of flamingos set against an industrial backdrop of power lines, highlighting the juxtaposition of nature and human development. Kohei Nagira from Japan captured a dramatic scene of a sika deer carrying the interlocked skull of a rival male, a stark reminder of nature's battles. Daniela Anger from Germany offers a glimpse into the life of a leucistic otter feasting on a catfish in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Francesco Russo, representing the UK and Italy, provides an aerial perspective of a solar farm, resembling ripples on water. Lastly, Thomas Hunt from the UK reveals the delicate act of a cellar spider safeguarding its precious egg sac.
The public is encouraged to participate by voting for their favorite photographs. Votes can be cast either online or directly at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition within the Natural History Museum in London. The voting period concludes on March 18th, with the winners scheduled to be announced on March 25th. The winning images will then be prominently featured as part of the ongoing exhibition.
This year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award once again shines a spotlight on the extraordinary talents of wildlife photographers and the captivating beauty of the natural world. It underscores the importance of observation, patience, and a deep appreciation for the creatures that inhabit our planet. Each photograph serves as a powerful narrative, encouraging viewers to connect with nature and reflect on their role in its preservation. The public's involvement in selecting these winners not only celebrates artistic achievement but also fosters a broader engagement with environmental awareness and conservation efforts.