The Jury
Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s reputation is reinforced by the expertise of our jury and the vigour of our judging process. Meet the sixy-first year’s international panel.
- Gavin Broad (UK) Entomologist and Principal Curator of Hymenoptera at London’s Natural History Museum
- Jaime Culebras (Spain/Ecuador) Biologist, Herpetologist and Nature Photographer
- Charlie Hamilton James (UK) Photographer and Filmmaker
- Jennifer Hayes (USA) Marine Biologist and Underwater Photographer
- Kathy Moran (USA) Chair of the Jury and Photo Editor
- Hans Cosmas Ngoteya (Tanzania) Wildlife and Conservation Storyteller
- Akanksha Sood Singh (India) Natural History Filmmaker
An invitation from the Chair of the Jury, Kathy Moran
When Wildlife Photographer of the Year was in its infancy, Susan Sontag wrote of photography, “Although there is a sense in which the camera does indeed capture reality, not just interpret it, photographs are as much an interpretation of the world as paintings and drawings.”
Her premise was that photographs are informed by countless decisions made by the photographer as well as the limitations of technology.
Yet, I don’t think that negates honesty.
Photographs, especially of the natural world, are often the only way in which we engage with the world, with landscapes, cultures and species often beyond our reach.
The photographer’s choices matter.
And, in a year in which AI technology has generated headlines and concerns that the hard-won, memorable photographs for which WPY is known might now be produced by machines instead of photographers, I say let’s prove otherwise.
It is my honor to invite you to participate in the sixty-first edition of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, keeping it wild and real.
To keep it wild, real and reflective of our ever-changing world, the rules are constantly updated.
Please take a look and understand the competition parameters as well as the nature of each category.
All entries must be of non-captive wild animals, plants, fungi, landscapes and habitats unless the category description specifies otherwise.
An important reminder from last year, in case you are new to the competition, please note under Ethical Requirements that the use of wide angle photography or low flying drones at or over nests is not allowed.
Also note that all photographs, regardless of category, must have been made within the last five years.
Anything with a capture date prior to 2019 will not be accepted.
Most importantly, this is a photographer’s contest; all AI-generated images will be disqualified.
One aspect of the competition is bedrock. The deadline for entry is 11.30 GMT on 5 December 2024.
My best advice is do not procrastinate! Confusion over time zones, conflicting schedules, incorrect files, one bad internet connection have all contributed to frustration for photographers and disappointment for the jury.
We want to see your photographs so please mark your calendars and enter as soon as possible.
Be original. Trust in your work.
All species and landscapes, great and small, have the potential to captivate and motivate.
Recently added categories like Wetlands and Oceans should not be overlooked.
Terrestrial species fill the categories but we would welcome more underwater imagery as well as invertebrates.
Surprise us with what has delighted you this year.
It is your vision that will shine.
Last year, we initiated a new Impact award that celebrates wildlife photography that inspires hope and positive action for the natural world.
This special prize, awarded from within the 100 winning images, in any category, will recognize a conservation success, a story of hope and/or positive change.
Highlighting solutions is just as valuable as documenting challenges.
Informative captioning and full disclosure as to how a photograph was made are incredibly valuable to the jury.
A little background can go a long way in persuading the jury to move an image forward, so I recommend submitting a full caption when you enter the competition and not wait until you may reach the final round.
Also please read the information on post processing of images. (5. Photo Specifications: 5.6.7).
Every year some terrific work is disqualified due to processing moves that are clearly stated as against the rules.
One of the great honors of serving on the WPY jury is the trust that the photographic community shares with us – trust that we respect your work, that we value your commitment to the natural world and that we endeavor to hold the competition to the highest standards.
We can’t wait to once again be amazed.
Kathy Moran, Chair of the Jury