Celebrating its 59th year, the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition opens March 1 at the Royal BC Museum, with close to 100 incredible photos showcasing the world’s best wildlife photography.
Capturing fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world, the exhibition unveils the triumphs, challenges and incredible beauty of a planet under pressure.
Through their art, photographers across the globe introduce audiences to species at risk of extinction and others brought back from the brink. Each photo is presented in an oversized backlit display with a caption that shares the image’s story, using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire.
This year’s competition attracted an astounding 49,957 entries from photographers from 95 countries and representing all ages and experience levels. On Feb. 7, ‘Ice Bed’, a compelling photo of a polar bear napping on a drifting iceberg by UK-based photographer Nima Sarikhani, was announced as the People’s Choice winner.
This year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year is particularly special as it features the work of two local photographers, Garth Lenz and Mark Williams.
Jordan River-based Williams’ image of an Arctic fox backlit by the sun was selected by the Natural History Museum as part of the exhibition’s core marketing materials and can be seen in advertising around Victoria.
Lenz’s striking early morning aerial shot of the biggest open excavation on Earth, the massive Bingham Canyon copper mine in Utah, was also highly commended by the competition’s judging panel. Lenz will also be supporting a number of events at the Royal BC Museum throughout the exhibition run, including an adult photography class hosted by the museum’s learning department.
Using the power of photography to raise awareness around animal advocacy and environmental conservation, this annual exhibition is a showcase of the world’s best nature photography. With soundscapes, videos, expert insights and stunning photography, you’ll leave not only awe-inspired by the beauty and diversity of nature but also with a renewed drive to do what you can to protect it.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year opens March 1 at the Royal BC Museum and runs until June 2.
More exhibitions coming soon to RBCM
Stonehenge: Illuminating the Past – May 10, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025
Canadian Modern – June 28, 2024 to Feb. 16, 2025
Learn more information about current exhibitions and coming events at the Royal BC Museum online here or visit them in person Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Thursday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 675 Belleville St. in the heart of Downtown Victoria. And be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for news updates, live streams and more!
