The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has reached an exciting stage, with only 100 photographs remaining from a record-breaking 59,228 entries. The winners will be announced on October 8th and celebrated in a special exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London. This year is particularly significant, marking the competition's 60th anniversary—its Diamond Jubilee—and introducing a new Impact Award to highlight conservation successes and stories of hope. Exploring the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition This week’s assembly poster features a striking image of a manatee and its calf drifting through the waters of Hunter Springs, Florida—a result of the local community’s successful restoration of the animals' damaged habitat. This highly commended photograph underscores the wider aims of the competition: to showcase the beauty of the natural world and encourage greater conservation efforts. Discussion Ideas for the Classroom Consider examining the current gallery of photo finalists. Reflect on questions such as: Would you like to visit the exhibition? What benefits does this international competition provide? As you discuss, consider the impact these images may have—not only showcasing environments and animals, but also raising awareness and hope for conservation. Learning from Photographers In this week’s featured video, a previous award winner discusses his powerful photographs taken at a chimpanzee sanctuary in Congo. Think about the potential for these images to influence the world. Can photography really inspire people, help protect wildlife, or spark meaningful conversations about conservation? Photography in Our Lives Photography is a part of everyday life. Many people enjoy capturing memories at home, at school, or in nature using digital cameras, tablets, or phones. Photos are displayed in classrooms or at home, stored on devices, or shared with family and friends. What kinds of things do you enjoy taking photos of? Where do your favourite photos live, and what makes them important to you? The Value of Photographs Think about why people take photos. Common reasons include capturing special moments, advertising, learning about history, or simply decorating living spaces. Compared to 100 years ago, photography has become much more immediate and accessible. While older photos might be treasured family heirlooms, today’s digital images are shared instantly across social media. How do these changes affect the way we view and value photographs? Photography Over Time Reflect on how technology has changed photography. In the past, painting and drawing were the main ways to record important events or moments. With cameras, moments can be documented accurately and quickly. Now, digital devices make it easy to review, edit, and share images almost instantly. Has this made recording and remembering the past easier and more accurate? The Influence of Social Media Social media has transformed how we use and share photos. While sharing is easier than ever, not all images necessarily reflect reality. Consider whether you believe all photographs are accurate representations of a moment in time. How does the way we share images today influence how we see events and each other? Classroom Activities and Reflections Take a tour of your school or classroom to see what photographs are displayed. Think about why these photos are there and what they mean to you and your classmates. Are they important, and if so, why? Look at your own photos at home—when were they taken, who took them, and what makes them special? Analysing Famous Photographs Examine wildlife photographs online or in school resources, and consider these questions: What catches your attention first? What is the subject of the photo? Where is your eye drawn? How does framing, light, and colour affect the image? What do you think the photograph is trying to say? How does it make you feel? Which photo is your favourite, and why? Class polling can reveal which photograph is the most popular—and encourage students to think about their own reasons for choosing a favourite. The Power of Photography Photography can teach us about the world and its history—capturing rare animals, special places, and unique moments. Famous photos can shape opinions and inspire action. Consider why these images might have such wide impact, and what special qualities help them stand out. Do you think photography continues to have the power to shape our understanding of the world today? Reflection Prompts Photographs capture and preserve moments in unique ways. They help us record history and can even change our perspective. As you reflect, consider the following: How has photography changed over time? What are some of the most famous photographs from history? How can photos shape the way people see the world? Photography’s role is always evolving, influenced by advancing technology and social trends. It will likely continue to change in the future, keeping its special place in documenting our world. Follow-Up Activities For KS2 (Key Stage 2) Research photography from the past by reading online, interviewing adults, or looking at old family photos. Discuss similarities and differences with today’s photography. Create photo puzzles using prints of famous photos. Working in pairs, piece them together and discuss what you see. Visit websites with wildlife photographs. Analyse images together and try taking your own photographs on a wildlife theme. Host a class poll to find the favourite photograph. For KS1 (Key Stage 1) Be a photographer for a day, capturing the environment at home, school, or outside. Name your favourite photos and share them with classmates in a mini photo exhibition. Use online resources to view wildlife photographs. Ask guided questions about what you notice, how the photos make you feel, and which are your favourites. Key Vocabulary Annual: Something that happens once every year. Categories: Groups of similar things used for judgement or selection. Conservation: Protection of wildlife and the environment. Exhibition: A public display of artwork or other items. Prestigious: Highly respected or admired. Shortlist: A small group selected as the best or most suitable. Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training
