Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 Winners Announced and Young Talent Celebrated
The winners of the prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 competition have been revealed, showcasing stunning images from around the globe. More than 25,000 entries were submitted, with the top prize awarded to a breathtaking photo of a bird against the backdrop of a total solar eclipse.
Celebrating Photographic Excellence
Photographers competed across eight categories in the adult competition, including Best Portrait, Birds in the Environment, Bird Behaviour, Birds in Flight, and Urban Birds, highlighting the diverse range of avian subjects and photographic approaches. There was also a dedicated competition for young photographers, fostering the next generation of wildlife photography talent. The competition shines a spotlight on avian beauty and the artistry of capturing it.
Young Photographer Wins Canon Photo Kit and Magazine Cover
Anwen, a sixteen-year-old photographer from South Wales in the United Kingdom, has won a substantial prize package from Canon and secured the front cover of The Week Junior Science+Nature magazine. Her winning image, titled "Golden Hour," portrays a puffin bathed in golden light, its beak filled with sand eels. Anwen expressed her long-held ambition to capture such an image, highlighting the dedication and vision behind her success.
"I had been dreaming of a photo of a puffin during golden hour ever since I started wildlife photography, and this evening I was able to capture my vision." - Anwen
Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest Highlights Young Talent
This year's Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest, organized by The Week Junior Science+Nature, challenged young photographers across the UK to focus their lenses on the beauty of the natural world. Participants were tasked with tracking down ten natural treasures and capturing them creatively, resulting in over 1,000 stunning photographs. The judging panel selected two top prizewinners and eight runners-up. Cole (age 8) and Eilan (age 11) were among the winners of the competition, demonstrating talent among the youth.
Canon's Support for Young Photographers
Canon, a partner in the competition, is providing substantial support to help these young photographers advance their skills. The first- and second-prize winners each receive over £1,000 (around $1,340 / AU$2,050) worth of Canon photography kit, including a Canon EOS R50 Camera Creator Kit and Canon Selphy CP1500 printer, along with a backpack kit. This investment aims to empower the next generation of wildlife photographers with the tools they need to succeed.
Judging Panel Applauds Extraordinary Entries
Wildlife photographer, Canon Ambassador, and Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest judge Ellie Rothnie praised the winning photo, highlighting its technical mastery and the challenge of capturing such a fleeting moment. She also lauded the entries to this year’s contest as "extraordinary," emphasizing the engagement of young people with nature and their ability to capture wonderful images. Jack (age 13) and Aafiyah (age 15) were also featured for their stunning images.
"This very accomplished picture captures a classic puffin moment in a beautiful light – and it’s no easy feat. The shot shows technical mastery in the exposure and detail, and the golden tones make it a truly special image.” - Ellie Rothnie
Exhibition at The Photography & Video Show 2026
Anwen's winning photo, along with the other nine winning shots, will be displayed at The Photography & Video Show in March 2026, held at the NEC (National Exhibition Centre) Birmingham, UK. This event, a celebration of still and moving images, provides a platform for young photographers to showcase their work alongside professionals, inspiring creativity and appreciation for the art of photography.
Event Details and Further Information
The Photography & Video Show returns to the NEC Birmingham from Saturday 14 March to Tuesday 17 March 2026. It features a wide array of speakers, workshops, and activities, offering attendees the opportunity to explore the latest cameras, lenses, and accessories. For more information, visit The Photography & Video Show website.