Why Do Photographers Risk Their Lives for Wildlife Photos? Exploring the Main Photo Award of the Year

Imagine: you're neck-deep in a swamp, crocodiles are lurking around you, and you're waiting for the perfect moment to photograph a rare bird. Or: you've climbed a steep cliff, balancing on its edge, to capture an eagle's nest. Why? For the chance to win the coveted Wildlife Photographer of the Year award—the top prize in wildlife photography.

What Is Wildlife Photographer of the Year?

This is not just a contest. It's the Olympics for wildlife photographers. Organized by the Museum of Natural History in London, it has been celebrating the best photographs of animals and natural phenomena from around the world for over 50 years. Every October, a ceremony in London honors the winners.

Why Do Photographers Risk It All?

The history of the competition is full of surprising and sometimes shocking stories about what photographers are willing to do for that perfect shot.

• Paul Nicklen, the 2012 winner, spent several days in freezing Antarctic waters to capture a leopard seal hunt. “I was losing consciousness from the cold, but I couldn’t miss that moment,” he recalls.

• Brent Stirton, the 2017 Grand Prize winner, risked his life photographing poachers in Africa. “I could have been killed at any moment, but I had to tell this story,” says the photographer.

• In 2019, Yumai Zheng tracked a rare snow leopard in Tibet for several weeks. She nearly fell off a cliff, but captured an amazing shot that earned her victory.

Under the Waterline Matthew Smith. Photo: nhm.ac.uk

Russian Presence in Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Photographers from Russia have repeatedly become finalists and winners in the competition, proving that our country is rich not only in nature but also in talent.

• Sergey Gorshkov won the main prize in 2020 for a photograph of a Siberian tiger hugging a tree. He spent 11 months in the wild taiga to capture this unique frame.

• Andrey Naruchuk became the winner in the 'Underwater World' category in 2019 with a photo of a seahorse in the White Sea. To get this shot, he submerged in icy water at -1.5°C.

• Julia Sundukova received an award in the 'Animal Behavior' category in 2021 for a photograph of mountain gorillas. She risked contracting dangerous diseases by being in close proximity to these primates.

Photo: nhm.ac.ukA Tranquil Moment Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod. Photo: nhm.ac.uk

How Are Winners Selected?

The jury, made up of experts in photography and ecology, reviews tens of thousands of images. The evaluation considers not only technical skill but also the originality of the idea, emotional impact, and ethical integrity of the image.

“We look for photographs that tell a story, make people think, and inspire action,” says Ross Kidder, chair of the jury.

Winners of 2024: A Risk That Paid Off

This year’s Grand Prize went to a photograph capturing a rare moment of interaction between two species whose habitats have collided due to global warming. The photographer spent three weeks in the Arctic tundra, risking encounters with polar bears, to capture this frame.

Among other memorable works:

• A photograph of a previously unknown deep-sea creature. The photographer dove more than 1000 meters down in a special suit.

• A series of images documenting ecosystem recovery after forest fires. The artist worked in dangerous conditions, risking death from sudden blazes.

• A touching portrait of the last individual of an endangered species. The photographer tracked the animal for months in a remote area.

Life Under Dead Wood Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Photo: nhm.ac.ukWetland Wrestle Karine Aigner. Photo: nhm.ac.ukThe Swarm of Life Shane Gross. Photo: nhm.ac.uk

Why Is This Important?

In an era when our planet’s biodiversity is under threat, Wildlife Photographer of the Year plays a crucial role. These images are not just beautiful—they tell stories, provoke thought, and inspire action.

“Each photograph is a cry for help from the wild,” says Dag Gurr, director of the Museum of Natural History in London.

What’s Next?

After the award ceremony in London, an exhibition of winning and finalist works will tour the world. It will visit dozens of cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, giving millions of people the chance to experience the wonderful world of wildlife.

And for those inspired and ready to participate, good news: applications for next year’s contest are already open. Are you willing to risk it all for that perfect shot?

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award is more than just a photography contest. It’s a story about passion, dedication, and willingness to take risks for the sake of showing the world the beauty and fragility of our planet. In a world where environmental problems are growing more urgent, such stories aren’t just important—they’re essential.

Blooming Butterflies Haiyong Cai. Photo: nhm.ac.ukStrength in Numbers Theo Bosboom. Photo: nhm.ac.uk

Cover: Life Under Dead Wood, nhm.ac.uk