Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 Shortlist Highlights Stunning Polar Bear Capture

New Delhi, India Aug 26, 2026 ALN: How would it feel to find yourself face to face with one of the Arctic's most formidable predators?

This stunning image captures life from a seal's perspective. Taken by Norwegian wildlife photographer Audun Rikardsen, it was among the 'Highly Commended' entries in this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The competition, which has been running for over 50 years, is renowned for showcasing the most extraordinary wildlife photography from around the globe. It aims to highlight the beauty of nature while raising awareness about al issues and the need for conservation.

While working as a guide with Arctic Wildlife Tours, Rikardsen rigged an underwater camera with a motion sensor beneath a seal's breathing hole, and then waited. This innovative approach allowed him to capture an intimate moment between two species that are often at odds in the harsh Arctic . At 4am, a female polar bear approached and peered down. The polar bear, a symbol of the Arctic, is a species that has become increasingly vulnerable due to climate change and the melting of sea ice, which is critical for their hunting and breeding.

Rikardsen then waited eight hours for the bear to move away before retrieving the camera and reviewing the images. This level of patience and dedication is characteristic of many wildlife photographers, who often spend hours or even days in challenging conditions to capture the perfect shot. When he saw what he had captured, he said: "I was so extremely happy. I was screaming, so I probably woke up all the polar bears for miles." His excitement reflects not only the thrill of the capture but also the deep connection he feels with the wildlife he photographs.

Rikardsen has previously won two Wildlife Photographer of the Year categories: Birds in 2019 and Oceans: The Bigger Picture in 2025. His body of work is a testament to his skill and passion for wildlife photography, as well as his commitment to highlighting the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

The overall winners will be announced on Tuesday 13 October 2026, followed by an exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London, external from Friday 16 October 2026. This exhibition will feature a selection of the best photographs from the competition, showcasing the incredible diversity of life on Earth and the urgent need to protect it. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition not only celebrates artistic excellence but also serves as a platform for raising awareness about the challenges faced by wildlife and their habitats.

Scroll down to explore other highly commended works from the competition.

Title: The Art of Flying

Photographer: Jack Crockford (UK)

Category: Highly Commended, 15-17 Years

Location: Bushy Park, London

Crockford watched swifts return to London after their annual migration from Africa, filling the air with their high-pitched calls. These birds are known for their incredible aerial abilities and spend most of their lives in flight, landing only to breed. Most flew too high to photograph, but a few lower-flying ones gave Crockford the opportunity to capture the picture he wanted. The swifts’ migration is a remarkable natural phenomenon, and their presence in urban areas serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems, even in heavily populated regions.

Title: Urban Wanderer

Photographer: Sora Miyazawa (Japan)

Category: Highly Commended, 11-14 Years

Location: Tokyo, Japan

After rainfall, Miyazawa came across an Eastern Japanese toad making its way along a city street. He used a slow shutter speed to photograph it before it hopped back into the bushes. This encounter highlights the adaptability of wildlife, as Eastern Japanese toads are typically found in forests and grasslands but have shown remarkable resilience in urban s. The presence of such creatures in cities can serve as a vital indicator of al health and biodiversity.

Title: Lifted to the Surface

Photographer: Vegard Byrkjeland Aasen (Norway)

Category: Highly Commended, Behaviour: Mammals

Location: Kvænangen, Troms County, Norway

Aasen was flying a drone for the Norwegian Orca Survey when he noticed an adult orca carrying the body of a deceased calf through a Norwegian fjord. This poignant image captures a moment of both beauty and tragedy, reflecting the complex dynamics of marine ecosystems. Orcas are known for their intelligence and social structures, and such behaviors can provide insights into their lives and the challenges they face, including threats from pollution, climate change, and dwindling prey populations.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition continues to inspire photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the pressing need for conservation efforts. As the competition evolves, it remains a vital platform for raising awareness about the beauty and fragility of wildlife, urging us all to take action to protect our planet's biodiversity.