Photographing wildlife takes patience, a good eye, and often a lot of luck. The Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOTY) contest brings together photographers who manage to capture fascinating moments in the wild, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the animals and environments that make our planet so special.
While we wait for this year's winners to be announced, we thought it would be a good time to look back at some of our favorite wildlife photos that made the finalists' lists between 2016 and 2025. Earlier, we also shared a selection of photos from the contest's People's Choice Award, so make sure to check out that post if you haven't already!
Now, scroll down to revisit some of our favorite wildlife photography moments from the past ten years. Which one stands out to you the most?
#82 Hope In A Burned Forest By Jo-Anne Mcarthur
As the Australian climate fires raged, I knew that it was a story that I had to document. Specifically the stories of the animals, both domestic and wild, who were suffering and dying as a result of the fires. When the decision was made, I was on a plane less than 24 hours later.
Flying in over Australia, I could see a continent smothering in smoke. I spent two weeks working very long hours with a wonderful team to gain access to the burn sites, the rescues, the veterinary missions. It was an honour and pleasure to partner with the organization Animals Australia, who were instrumental in providing access to where I needed to be.
Flying in over Australia, I could see a continent smothering in smoke. I spent two weeks working very long hours with a wonderful team to gain access to the burn sites, the rescues, the veterinary missions. It was an honour and pleasure to partner with the organization Animals Australia, who were instrumental in providing access to where I needed to be.
This photo was taken in Mallacoota, Victoria. Interestingly, this is the very small town where my father, an Australian, was raised. I even met one of his childhood friends, who was helping provide space for wild animal feed which was being delived to animals in the area who were at risk of starvation during this catastrophe.
When I saw this Eastern Grey kangaroo and her pouched joey, I was abut 100 feet away from where I knew I’d be able to get a fantastic photograph. Any photographer can imagine how long those moments were, as I walked slowly to the spot I knew I needed to be, in order to get this shot. I walked slowly and she watched me. I prepared my camera with the settings I wanted and finally reached my spot. I took a few photos. Then I had time to crouch down and take this photo, the one I had envisioned. Then…she hopped away into the burned eucalyptus plantation. She was one of the lucky survivors. An estimated 3 billion animals died from these cataclysmic fires.
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