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We’ve revealed the winners of the Animal Kingdom class of the International Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) 2026 competitors. Here we share our favorite images that didn’t make the highest ten, plus extra nice pictures from the shortlist.

In APOY, the most effective non-professional photographers on the planet compete over ten rounds all year long to win some incredible prizes. The competitors is now open, with every month asking for entries on a brand new class theme. Entry is free to photographers aged 13-21 within the Young Amateur Photographer of the Year competitors.

Brown-throated sunbird by Richard Coulstock, Leyburn – chosen by Nigel Atherton, editor

Sony A7R V, FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS , 1/640sec at f/8

Nigel says: Richard describes himself on Photocrowd as a ‘short, fat, bald, Scottish man’ who ‘likes to click buttons on his camera’. It’s one thing that he does properly judging by the standard and breadth of the work on his platforms, which spans quite a lot of genres. Here now we have a pattern of his hen images. This brown-throated sunbird was noticed feeding on a plant on the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Brown is only one of many hues on show on this stunning, multi-coloured hen. Its vibrant crimson eye matches completely with the crimson of the plant that it’s tucking into. It seems like we’re simply inches from it however Richard was taking pictures on the lengthy finish of his 200-600mm lens, therefore the gorgeously blurred background that makes the topic actually pop. The technical high quality of this photograph is astonishing good.

Tweet Fight Club by Sara Jazbar, Trieste – chosen by Geoff Harris, deputy editor

NIKON Z 8, 180-600mm at 420mm, 1/3200sec, f/6, ISO, 1600

Geoff says: As a eager hen photographer, I understand how a lot dedication and persistence is required to get profitable pictures of our feathered pals. This picture of greenfinches falling out over one thing, or simply displaying off, may be very properly executed. The motion is frozen completely at 1/3200th sec utilizing a 180-600mm lens, however the picture may be very dynamic too. The defocussed inexperienced background can also be very sympathetic, and there are not any background distractions to take the viewer’s eye away from the motion. Meanwhile each birds are properly positioned within the body.

Fly Bubble by Roger Mepsted, Carlisle – chosen by Peter Dench, APOY mission supervisor

SONY ILCE-1, 90mm, 1/160sec, f/5, ISO 500

Peter says: I’ve by no means mastered macro or close-up images. I’ve by no means actually tried it, afraid of what I would see. This fly confirms my suspicions. It is each fascinating and completely horrifying. I can’t look away. The element is extraordinary – furry physique, monumental compound eyes, the fragile legs. Most disturbingly for me is that completely spherical bubble ballooning from its mouth. I’m positive there’s a superbly harmless organic rationalization for it, however my mind insists on one thing altogether extra sinister. I blame David Cronenberg’s 1986 body-horror basic The Fly, during which Jeff Goldblum’s scientist regularly merges with a housefly. Roger’s picture captures the extraordinary element that macro images can reveal, whereas making me profoundly grateful that I don’t usually take a look at bugs this carefully. I’m off for a scratch.

Gecko on Leaf by Neil, Truro – chosen by Jessica Miller, deputy on-line editor

SONY ILCE-7M3, 24-70mm at 70mm, 1/125, f/2.8, ISO 2000

Jessica says: When judging APOY, significantly this Animal Kingdom spherical, I’m searching for one thing a bit totally different. That is outdoors of the field and isn’t essentially apparent. This photograph stood out to me for that actual purpose. Rather than {photograph} the gecko instantly, the photographer has created one thing extra creative.The lighting reveals the animal’s form in opposition to the leaf, which is instantly recognisable as a reptile of types, and has created essentially the most hanging a part of this picture: the silhouette. Perfectly framed throughout the inexperienced leaf, the contrasting darkish background isolates the topic much more. Not solely that, however the form of the leaf echoes the form of the gecko’s toes. Which is extremely satisfying to see and exudes the photographer’s capacity to learn and perceive kind. What might have been an earthly picture of a lizard or gecko has remodeled into one thing visually impactful and memorable. It’s an excellent instance of composition, mild and distinction.

Blending In by Jakub Soulak, Carterton – chosen by Amy Davies, options editor

Canon EOS 6D, 500mm (transformed to 700mm), 1/500, f/5.6, ISO 1250

Amy says: This yr’s animal spherical was an extremely sturdy one, so there was so much to select from. Once once more I discover myself drawn to one thing out of the peculiar. I’m selecting this {photograph} of a hare’s ears poking out from behind the grass. I’ve seen lots of of pictures of hares through the years – they’re a standard theme in wildlife and nature competitions. That’s truthful sufficient, they’re very photogenic, elusive and intriguing creatures. But, I don’t suppose I’ve ever seen something like this earlier than – you’ll be able to inform what it’s, despite the fact that 90% of the animal is hidden. The impressionistic colors and contours additionally make it stand out for me too. Beautiful work.

More wonderful images from our shortlist:

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