The top 10 animal photos from the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2026 competition have been announced, showcasing a diverse range of subjects and photography styles.
The International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2026 competition has released its top 10 animal photos, and they are a testament to the power of photography in capturing the beauty and majesty of the natural world. From a savannah sparrow singing in a field of tulips to a hungry hoopoe feeding its chick, these photos showcase the diversity of subjects and photography styles that made it to the top.
Winning Photos The winning photo, 'Tulip Time' by Lourdes Venard, features a savannah sparrow singing in a field of yellow and red tulips. The photo was taken with a Canon EOS R10, 150-600mm lens at 500mm, 1/1000sec, f/6.3, ISO 320. Guest judge Tesni Ward praised the photo, saying it is 'incredibly visually striking' and 'well deserving of acknowledgment and appreciation'.
Top 10 Photos The top 10 photos showcase a range of subjects, including birds, horses, dogs, and insects. The photos were taken with a variety of cameras and lenses, and demonstrate a range of photography styles and techniques. Here are the top 10 photos, along with their corresponding camera settings: | Photo | Camera | Lens | Shutter Speed | Aperture | ISO | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Tulip Time | Canon EOS R10 | 150-600mm at 500mm | 1/1000sec | f/6.3 | 320 | | Malachite | Canon EOS-1D X Mark II | 100-400mm at 400mm | 1/2000sec | f/13 | 12800 | | Hungry Hoopoe | SONY ILCE-1M2 | 600mm | 1/4000sec | f/6.3 | 5000 | | Onaqui Silhouette | Canon EOS 80D | 70-200mm at 191mm | 1/400sec | f/4.5 | 100 | | Seagull Landscape | Not supplied | | | | | | Making an Entrance | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | 90mm | 1/200sec | f/16 | 100 | | Asleep | Canon EOS M | EF-M22mm | 1/200sec | f/7.1 | 200 | | Stag Do | NIKON Z 8 | 180-600mm at 470mm | 1/500sec | f/6 | 280 |
Photography Techniques The photos demonstrate a range of photography techniques, including the use of long lenses, shallow depth of field, and careful composition. The photographers have also shown patience and anticipation, waiting for the perfect moment to capture the shot. According to the judges, the photos that stood out were those that told a story, captured a moment of behavior, or showcased a unique perspective.
Conclusion The top 10 animal photos from the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2026 competition are a testament to the power of photography in capturing the beauty and majesty of the natural world. The photos showcase a diverse range of subjects and photography styles, and demonstrate the importance of patience, anticipation, and careful composition in capturing the perfect shot.
