French underwater photographer and biologist Laurent Ballesta was announced as this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his enigmatic image, Creation, that captures camouflage groupers exiting their milky cloud of eggs and sperm in Fakarava, French Polynesia.

Every year, for five years, Laurent and his team returned to this lagoon, diving day and night so as not to miss the annual spawning that only takes place around the full moon in July. After dark, they were joined by hundreds of grey reef sharks, hunting the groupers in packs. Overfishing threatens this vulnerable species, but here the fish are protected within a special biosphere reserve.

Creation by Laurent Ballesta, France. Underwater and Grand Title Winner, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021

Chair of the judging panel, writer and editor, Rosamund ‘Roz’ Kidman Cox OBE says, ‘The image works on so many levels. It is surprising, energetic, and intriguing and has an otherworldly beauty. It also captures a magical moment – a truly explosive creation of life – leaving the tail-end of the exodus of eggs hanging for a moment like a symbolic question mark.’

Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum says, ‘This year’s Grand Title winner reveals a hidden underwater world, a fleeting moment of fascinating animal behaviour that very few have witnessed. In what could be a pivotal year for the planet, with vital discussions taking place at COP15 and COP26, Laurent Ballesta’s Creation is a compelling reminder of what we stand to lose if we do not address humanity’s impact on our planet. The protection provided to this endangered species by the biosphere reserve highlights the positive difference we can make.’

Ten-year old Vidyun R Hebbar was awarded the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021 for his colourful image, Dome home, of a tent spider as a tuk-tuk passes by. Vidyun first featured in the competition when he was just eight years old and loves to photograph the often-overlooked creatures that live in the streets and parks near his home in the city of Bengaluru, India.

Dome home, Vidyun R Hebbar, India, 10 Years and Under and Young Grand Title Winner, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021

‘It’s such an imaginative way of photographing a spider. The picture is perfectly framed, the focus is spot on. You can see the spider’s fangs and the crazy weave of the trap, the threads like some delicate nerve network linked to the spider’s feet. But the really clever bit is the addition of a creative backdrop – the bright colours of a motorised rickshaw,’ says Rosamund ‘Roz’ Kidman Cox OBE.

Dr Natalie Cooper, a researcher with the Natural History Museum and jury member, says ‘The jury loved this photo from the beginning of the judging process. It is a great reminder to look more closely at the small animals we live with every day, and to take your camera with you everywhere. You never know where that award winning image is going to come from.’

Grizzly leftovers by Zack Clothier, USA, Winner, Animals in their Environment. Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021

The two Grand Title winners were selected from 19 category winners that celebrate the captivating beauty of our natural world with rich habitats, enthralling animal behaviour and extraordinary species. This year’s competition saw three new categories added, including ‘Oceans – The Bigger Picture’ and ‘Wetlands – The Bigger Picture’ to shine a spotlight on these crucial ecosystems.

In an intensive process, each entry to the competition was judged anonymously by a panel of experts for its originality, narrative, technical excellence and ethical practice.

Nursery meltdown by Jennifer Hayes, USA, Winner, Oceans: The Bigger Picture. Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021

Displayed alongside insights from Natural History Museum scientists and experts, the 100 images will be showcased in spectacular lightbox displays at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, opening on 15 October 2021, before touring across the UK and internationally to venues in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, USA and more.

The 58th Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition will open for entries from photographers of all ages, nationalities, and levels on Monday 18 October 2021. The international jury of industry experts has been announced, and the entry fee for photographers entering from 50 countries will be waived.

Reflection by Majed Ali, Kuwait, Winner, Animal Portraits. Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021

Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum. Associate sponsors for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London are renewable energy company Ørsted and non-alcoholic spirits brand Seedlip.

• Opens Friday 15 October 2021 and closes Sunday 5 June 2022.• The exhibition is open Monday – Sunday, 10.00-17.50 (last admission at 16.30), and weekends sell outquickly.• Adult tickets £17.25*, concession tickets £13.75*, and child £10.25* (*Prices including optional Gift Aiddonation to the Museum.)• Book your tickets: www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year• Use the hashtag #WPY57 when sharing your photos to social media

High-flying jay by Lasse Kurkela, Finland, Winner, 15-17 Years. Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021

• Opens for entries on Monday 18 October 2021.• Closing for entries at 11.30am GMT on Thursday 9 December 2021.• Entrants to the adult competition may enter up to 25 images for a £30 fee, which increases to £35 in the finalweek of the entry period from 11.30am GMT 2 December to 11.30am GMT 9 December.• An entry fee waiver has been introduced for photographers entering the adult competition who live in these 50 countries.• Entrants aged 17 and under may enter up to 10 images for free.• Find out how to enter: www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/competition

Elephant in the room by Adam Oswell, Australia, Winner, Photojournalism. Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021

Further reading

Wildlife Photographer of the Year announces jury and entry fee waiver

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020 winners revealed