World-Famous Photography Exhibition Comes to the Natural History Museum of Denmark
The international competition Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the largest of its kind in the world. Now the exhibition, featuring the 99 best nature and wildlife photography, is coming to Denmark for the very first time.
On 4 December 2020, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will open at the Natural History Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. Produced by the Natural History Museum in London, the competition is wildlife photographers’ equivalent of the Oscars, attracting the most talented amateurs and professionals from around the world.
The exhibition features 99 photos selected by an international jury from nearly 50,000 submissions. They include photos by the winners of the 14 categories, while the best photographer of all is awarded the prestigious title of ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’.
“Wildlife Photographer of the Year has been seen by millions of people throughout the world. While the countless stunning photos testify to the diversity of life on Earth, they also reflect our challenges vis-à-vis climate and wildlife, which are under tremendous pressure as a result of human impact. But COVID-19 has shown us how quickly we can guide our society in a specific direction. All it takes is for everyone to band together and make it happen. This gives us great hope that, by working together with determination, we can ensure a green, sustainable future for our blue planet,” says Professor Peter C. Kjærgaard, Director of the Natural History Museum of Denmark.
One of the regular highlights of the competition is the selection of the best young nature photographers. They are divided into three categories: 10 years old and under, 11-14 years old and 15-17 years old.
“The diversity of subjects and styles this year is memorable, with more than 25 different nationalities represented. But what especially stands out are the images from the young photographers – the next generation of image-makers passionate about the natural world,” says Rosamund Kidman Cox, Chair of the competition’s international jury.
The winner of Wildlife Photographer of the Year will be announced at an award ceremony on 13 October 2020 at the Natural History Museum in London. For the first time ever since the launch of the competition in 1965, the entire awards ceremony will take place virtually. Join in the excitement when we share the live-stream of the ceremony on our Facebook page at 21.00 – 22.30 Danish time.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year - Facts
The exhibition: Wildlife Photographer of the Year will open to the public at the Natural History Museum of Denmark, Øster Voldgade 5-7, Copenhagen on 4 December 2020 and run until 9 May 2021.
The competition: Wildlife Photographer of the Year was originally launched in 1965 by BBC Wildlife Magazine. There were three categories, and about 600 photos were submitted. 1984 saw the creation of the competition as we know it today. It is now organised by the Natural History Museum in London, UK. From the outset, the competition was the leading event of its kind for nature photographers, and it only grew more popular over the years. Today, the jury reviews in the region of 50,000 photos submitted by wildlife photographers from more than 86 different countries.
The international jury:
- Rosamund Kidman Cox (UK), Chair of the Jury
- Michael AW (Singapore), Underwater photographer and author
- Shekar Dattatri (India), Wildlife and conservation filmmaker and naturalist
- Tim Littlewood (UK), Director of Science, Natural History Museum, London
- Susan McElhinney (USA), Senior Photo Editor, National Wildlife Federation
- Jaime Rojo (Spain / Mexico), Conservation photographer and naturalist
People’s Choice Award: In addition to the 99 photos selected for the exhibition by the jury, the Natural History Museum in London nominates a further 25 photos for a global public vote. Everyone has a chance to vote for their favourite for the People’s Choice Award from Tuesday 1 December 2020. The winner will be revealed on Tuesday 2 9 February 2021. More information to follow.
The book: Wildlife Photographer of the Year Portfolio 30 features all the photos from this year’s competition and will be on sale in the museum shop from 4 December 2020. It is edited by Rosamund Kidman Cox and published by the Natural History Museum in London.