Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice 2026: Cast Your Vote for the Winning Image
The prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has unveiled its shortlist for the highly anticipated People's Choice Award 2026. A captivating selection of 24 images has been chosen, showcasing the breathtaking diversity and raw beauty of the natural world through the lenses of talented photographers from across the globe.
How to Participate in the Public Vote
Members of the public are now invited to participate in this democratic process by voting online for their favourite photograph. This unique opportunity allows photography enthusiasts and nature lovers to have a direct say in which image will receive this special accolade. The voting period is a crucial part of the competition, engaging a global audience in celebrating wildlife conservation and artistic expression.
Exhibition Details and Winner Announcement
The winning image, as determined by public vote, will be officially announced on 25 March 2026. From that date onwards, it will be prominently featured as part of the overall Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. This world-renowned exhibition is scheduled to run until 12 July 2026 at the iconic Natural History Museum in London, offering visitors a chance to experience these remarkable works in person.
Highlights from the 2026 Shortlist
The shortlisted images for 2026 present a powerful narrative of wildlife, capturing moments of tenderness, survival, and the intricate balance of ecosystems. Among the standout entries are:
- Bond in Motion: A striking photograph by Lalith Ekanayake features the intense gaze of a curious lion-tailed macaque and its infant as they race along a forest path, symbolising resilience in an uncertain world.
- Dark Knight: Prasenjeet Yadav's image of a tiger named T12, who possesses a rare genetic condition called pseudo-melanism, wandering a reserve in India. This tiger represents a story of hope, having fathered new generations against significant odds.
- The Final Portrait: A poignant shot by Nima Sarikhani shows a polar bear cub looking into the camera during an unsuccessful hunting trip in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, highlighting the fragile existence of these majestic creatures.
- Portrait of Extinction: Adam Oswell's powerful photograph depicts Ugandan wildlife rangers standing before a pile of confiscated snares in Murchison Falls National Park, underscoring the ongoing battle against wildlife trafficking.
- Solar Waves: Francesco Russo's image of solar panels along the River Severn in England and Wales, part of a project documenting the relationship between nature and industry, reflecting on human impact on the environment.
The Significance of the People's Choice Award
The People's Choice Award holds a special place within the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, as it democratises the appreciation of wildlife photography. By allowing the public to vote, it fosters a deeper connection between audiences and the critical messages conveyed through these images, such as conservation, biodiversity, and the urgent need to protect endangered species.
This year's shortlist not only showcases technical excellence and artistic vision but also serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing wildlife today. From the plight of pangolins, among the world's most trafficked animals, to the effects of climate change on polar bears, these photographs tell stories that resonate on both an emotional and educational level.
As the voting commences, photography fans and conservation advocates alike are encouraged to explore the full shortlist and make their voices heard. The selected winner will join the ranks of previous recipients, gaining recognition in one of the most celebrated photography exhibitions globally.
