A male presents his mate with a wreath of red campion. Many people have created portraits of gannets but never one like this, with such simplicity of composition, perfection of colour and touchingly beautiful behaviour. It was shot on the photographer\u2019s doorstep at the Bempton Cliffs gannet colony in Yorkshire. <\/blockquote> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>
What tips can you give when submitting images of well-trodden subjects to Wildlife Photographer of the Year?<\/h2>\n
Are you familiar enough with what has already featured in the competition to see your image as special enough to be better? Also, it\u2019s worth getting a second opinion from an honest critic.<\/p>\n
What are the key do\u2019s and don\u2019ts when selecting an image to enter Wildlife Photographer of the Year?<\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t select your entries in a rush. Review your selection afresh several times and\u00a0get a second opinion, if only to verify your own. Make sure you have the RAW files\u00a0to match. And don\u2019t enter a photo that has already been placed in another competition.<\/p>\n
What happens when the Wildlife Photographer of the Year judges disagree?<\/h2>\n
As with all competitions, it\u2019s the majority decision that stands, though discussion can swing the balance. This does mean that winners can be the result of compromise.<\/p>\n
Why is the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition important?<\/h2>\n
For photographers of wildlife and environmental subjects, it is the most renowned competition in the world, with a long history of rewarding the very best individual pictures and stories.<\/p>\n
Having pictures placed in the top 100 can help make careers and reputations, and for professionals, the reward goes beyond financial, bringing huge international exposure. That value is immense for photographers motivated by the desire to see coverage of the stories their images carry.<\/p>\n
Owned by the Natural History Museum<\/a> \u2013 an institution with a mission to create advocates for the planet \u2013 the competition is itself an institution. Both a photographic art exhibit and a story-telling platform, with a tale attached to every image, its reach\u00a0is both huge and continuous through the year.<\/p>\n
As well as a major exhibition at the museum, there are exhibition sets touring the world and commemorative books\u00a0in several languages. The competition\u00a0also brings together a community\u00a0of photographers, providing creative inspiration and moral support.<\/p>\n
There were new categories for the 2021 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition \u2013 what were the judges looking for?<\/h2>\n
Yes, including two very important ones, given our planetary emergency: Oceans and Wetlands. Images should have something to say \u2013 symbolically or literally, whether through broad strokes or specifics, beauty or impact \u2013 about the importance and functions of freshwater and marine ecosystems and their living components. So, as well as the aesthetics, think about the message that can accompany a picture.<\/p>\n

Roz is an editor, photo editor and writer specialising in wildlife and environmental issues. She has been judging the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition<\/a> over nearly four decades and edits the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Portfolio books.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Previously editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine<\/em> for more than 20 years, she currently project manages, edits and writes photography-led books.<\/p>\n
Roz is an affiliate of the International League of Conservation Photographers<\/a> and was awarded an OBE for services to conservation and photography.<\/p>\n
<\/p><\/div>

$\""Roz\"$ <\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
This article originally appeared in BBC Wildlife Magazine<\/em>. Look inside the current issue and find out how to subscribe<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Main image: Spirit of the Mountains, Winner 2016, Land. \u00a9 Stefano Unterthiner\/Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/em><\/p><\/body><\/html>\n
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What happens when the Wildlife Photographer of the Year judges disagree?<\/h2>\nAs with all competitions, it\u2019s the majority decision that stands, though discussion can swing the balance. This does mean that winners can be the result of compromise.<\/p>\n

What happens when the Wildlife Photographer of the Year judges disagree?<\/h2>\n
As with all competitions, it\u2019s the majority decision that stands, though discussion can swing the balance. This does mean that winners can be the result of compromise.<\/p>\n