People’s Choice: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026

Launching the 2026 People's Choice Competition

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, a prestigious event hosted by the Natural History Museum in London, has opened entries for its 2026 edition, with a special focus on the People's Choice category. This public-voted award allows everyday enthusiasts and seasoned photographers alike to submit their best wildlife shots for consideration. Thousands of images pour in annually from around the world, showcasing the beauty and diversity of nature through the lens. What sets this year's call apart is the continued emphasis on ethical photography, ensuring that every entry respects the animals and environments captured. Photographers must demonstrate that their images were taken without disturbance or harm, aligning with stricter rules designed to protect wildlife. This category not only highlights extraordinary moments in nature but also engages the public in celebrating conservation through visual storytelling. As entries begin rolling in, anticipation builds for the images that will capture hearts and votes.

Strict Rules Ensuring Ethical Wildlife Photography

Central to the competition are rigorous guidelines that prioritize animal welfare above all. Images must be captured in unrestricted natural environments, ruling out pets, captive animals, or cultivated plants. Any form of interference, such as baiting with food, scent, or sound, is strictly prohibited to avoid altering animal behavior or endangering lives. The only exception applies to photographs documenting legitimate scientific field research, provided full details are included in the caption. Photographers are required to submit original files like RAW or untouched JPEGs upon request for authenticity checks, preventing excessive digital manipulation. Allowed adjustments are limited to basics like cropping, sharpening, noise reduction, and minor cleaning for dust or distortions, but adding or removing elements is forbidden. These measures reflect a broader commitment in the photography community to ethical standards, ensuring winning images authentically represent the wild without exploitation. Jury panels scrutinize entries closely, disqualifying any that raise suspicions of staging or harm.

"We are committed to ethical wildlife practice above all else, so this year we've updated our rules on baiting to champion images that celebrate the natural world with respect and integrity," a competition organizer stated.

Submission Process and Public Voting Excitement

Entering the People's Choice category is straightforward yet demanding. Photographers aged 18 and over for the adult competition, or 17 and under for the young one, can submit images taken within the past five years using any camera, digital or scanned film. Files must follow specific naming conventions, starting with a category code followed by the title, using underscores instead of spaces and no special characters. No watermarks, borders, or personal identifiers are permitted to maintain anonymity during judging. Once pre-selected, a panel of experts evaluates based on artistic merit, originality, technical quality, and ethical compliance before advancing top entries to public voting. The winning image, chosen by popular vote, receives widespread recognition and often inspires exhibitions and publications. This democratic element empowers viewers worldwide to decide, fostering a global conversation about wildlife preservation. With entries typically exceeding tens of thousands, the 2026 competition promises fierce rivalry and stunning revelations of nature's wonders.

Participants are encouraged to review category-specific rules meticulously and seek feedback on their edits to avoid common pitfalls like last-minute technical glitches. Past winners have emphasized patience, originality, and a deep respect for their subjects as keys to success.

Impact and Legacy of the People's Choice Award

The People's Choice Award has a profound influence beyond mere prizes, shining a spotlight on underrepresented wildlife stories and emerging talents. Winning images frequently tour in exhibitions, reaching millions and raising awareness for conservation efforts. They remind us of the fragility of ecosystems and the role photography plays in advocacy. By involving the public, the award democratizes appreciation for nature photography, encouraging more people to explore and protect the wild. As climate change and habitat loss intensify, such competitions underscore the urgency of ethical documentation. Photographers from diverse backgrounds are particularly urged to participate, promoting inclusivity in a traditionally niche field. The 2026 edition builds on this legacy, with judges seeking fresh perspectives that surprise and move audiences.

In summary, the People's Choice: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 stands as a beacon for ethical, inspiring wildlife imagery, driven by strict rules, expert judging, and public passion, ultimately honoring nature's raw beauty while advancing conservation goals.