Exceptional photographs elicit emotion without motion and speak volumes without making a sound. BigPicture is a visual symphony about life on Earth—sometimes harmonious, sometimes dissonant, always sublime.

Science explains our world. Photography illustrates it. BigPicture brings them together.

From the rarely seen riot of a cactus bee mating ball to the somber tableau of a sea lion’s sea-star-studded corpse, each of the winning images in the BigPicture: Natural World Photography exhibition enshrines a fleeting moment that might otherwise escape our attention. Embark on an artistic odyssey that criss-crosses the globe, where the triumphs, tragedies, and textures of our planet’s exquisite, at-risk ecosystems are on dazzling display.

Don't miss your shot at seeing BigPicture—the exhibition closes April 23!

BigPicture 2022 aquatic life finalist by Jens Cullman of a mud-caked crocodile with yellow eye

Winners and finalists

This year’s 49 winning photographs were selected from more than 7,000 submissions from 65 countries. Head to the BigPicture website to view the winning images from all seven competition categories, learn about our Women in Wildlife Photography initiative, and subscribe to BigPicture news.

Above: Danger in the Mud by Jens Cullman (Aquatic Life finalist)

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Photographer Suzi Eszterhas

Eyes on the prize

Chaired by world-renowned wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas, BigPicture's esteemed panel of seven judges includes international photo editor Sophie Stafford and award-winning nature and conservation photographers Jaymi Heimbuch, Gab Mejia, Jamie Rojo, Camille Seaman, and Christian Ziegler.

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BigPicture 2022 terrestrial wildlife finalist by Jose Grandio showing a stoat in midair over snow

Biological backstories

Visit bioGraphic, the Academy’s online magazine about nature, conservation, and regeneration, for a showcase of 12 winning images paired with captivating context about the science behind the scenes.

Above: The Stoat's Game by Jose Grandio (Terrestrial Wildlife finalist)

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A hardback copy of Wonders

Print matters

Experience the exhibition at home: Wonders, a photography book of more than 100 remarkable images from past BigPicture competitions, is on sale at Chronicle Books and other fine booksellers.

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Hours & location

BigPicture: Natural World Photography is open daily through April 23. Find it in the Piazza on the Main Floor.

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