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2024 Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The Natural History Museum in London holds a yearly contest for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. There’s a separate contest for people under 18, known as the “Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year”. Here are some of this year’s best pictures and the stories behind them.

The pictures in the young competition are judged in three separate age groups: 10 and Under, 11-14, and 15-17.


Ages 10 and Under

Winner: Alberto Román Gómez, Spain
Free as a Bird

Picture of a young stonechat sitting on a gate next to a heavy duty chain and lock.
Alberto Román Gómez of Spain snapped this picture of a young stonechat sitting on a gate hunting for insects. The judges liked how Alberto captured the bird’s wild nature while showing it in a human setting.
(Source: © Alberto Román Gómez Hombre/Wildlife Photographer of the Year .)

Alberto Román Gómez of Spain was sitting in his father’s car, parked near the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park when he noticed this young stonechat. Stonechats like open areas where they can sit up high and keep an eye out for insects.

Alberto had to work hard to snap the picture, since the bird was so busy flying off to eat insects. The judges liked how Alberto captured the bird’s wild nature while showing it in a human setting.

Alberto has been hiking with his father in natural parks since he was four. He’s now enjoying experimenting with higher quality cameras.


Ages 11-14

Winner: Parham Pourahmad, USA
An Evening Meal

Picture of a Cooper's hawk eating a squirrel that it has caught.
Parham Pourahmad of California shot this picture of a Cooper’s hawk eating a squirrel that it has caught. The judges were impressed with the way Parham framed the picture, and the way the sunlight lit the scene.
(Source: © Parham Pourahmad/Wildlife Photographer of the Year .)

Parham Pourahmad lives in California, and makes a habit of visiting the parks near his home. He likes the idea of showing how wildlife exists even in busy cities. He shot this picture in a nearby park just as the sun was setting.

The image shows a Cooper’s hawk eating a squirrel that it has caught. The judges were impressed with the way Parham framed the picture, and the way the sunlight lit the scene.

Parham became interested in wildlife photography during the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to birds of prey, he enjoys taking pictures of coyotes, sea otters, and bobcats.


Ages 15-17

Grand Title Winner: Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, Germany
2018 Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Life Under Dead Wood

Picture of a springtail next to the "fruiting body" of a slime mold.
Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas of Germany created this image of a springtail next to the “fruiting body” of a slime mold. Alexis had to be quick, since the springtail could jump at any moment.
(Source: © Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas/Wildlife Photographer of the Year .)

While walking in a local forest, Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas of Germany rolled a log over, and this is what he saw. On the left is a springtail. It’s less than a tenth of an inch (2 millimeters) long, but it can jump a long way. On the right is the “fruiting body” of a slime mold. Both help break down things like logs and leaves.

Alexis had to be quick, since the springtail could jump at any moment. Still, he managed to take 36 pictures that he later combined to create this image. The judges were impressed that Alexis kept everything in focus, which isn’t easy when taking pictures of things this tiny.

Alexis has been interested in photography for several years, but he’s especially interested in nature. Since 2021, he has led an event called the Berlin City Nature Challenge.


Impact Award

Liwia Pawłowska, Poland
Recording by Hand

Picture of a common whitethroat being gently held while it is banded.
Liwia Pawłowska of Poland won an “Impact Award” for her picture of a common whitethroat being gently held while it is banded . When a bird is banded, a small ring is put on one of its legs to identify it. Liwia hopes her picture will help “others to get to know this topic better.”
(Source: © Liwia Pawłowska/Wildlife Photographer of the Year .)

Liwia Pawłowska of Poland won a special “Impact Award” for her picture of a common whitethroat being gently held while it is banded (or ringed). When a bird is banded, a small ring is put on one of its legs to identify it. The scientists record the bird’s size, health, age, and whether it’s male or female. The bird is then released. The process helps scientists learn about the numbers of birds, how healthy they are, and where they travel on their migrations.

Liwia snapped the picture at a local center where she has been volunteering for years. She enjoys helping with the bird banding and hopes her picture will help “others to get to know this topic better.”


Did You Know…?
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. The museum will be accepting photos for next year’s contest until December 5. If you like to take pictures of nature, it’s time to get busy! Even if you don’t take pictures, you may want to have a look at more of the amazing photos.

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