When a bitterly cold wind is tearing through the streets of our beautiful city, there is no greater pleasure than diving into a doorway and emerging somewhere warmer and more exotic. This is precisely what twelve Snappers (members of the Photographic Group of Bristol 1904 Arts) and one brave guest did on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, when they launched their photographic year with a visit to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, hosted by Bristol Museum for the 61st time.

Through the lenses — and rather more talented eyes — standing before the 100 stunning photographs, the Snappers  found themselves momentarily wandering the African savannah, the jungles of Asia, the Florida swamps, tropical seas, and a bewildering array of other extraordinary places.

As usual, the exhibition left the group caught between amazement and mild despair. Inspired by the images, yet simultaneously convinced they would never produce anything remotely close to that standard — including several photographs taken by 10-year-olds — morale took a predictable hit!

Following a highly scientific straw poll, the group eventually agreed that the standout image was the one depicting fish hunting fish, who were, in turn, being hunted by a seabird. Proof, if any were needed, that in nature, someone is always having a worse day than you.

Taken from the Bristol Museum website:

Step into the breathtaking beauty and raw power of nature with Wildlife Photographer of the Year – the world’s most prestigious photography exhibition, now celebrating its sixty-first year.

This globally acclaimed showcase features 100 awe-inspiring images that reveal the hidden stories of our planet’s wildlife and comes to Bristol from the Natural History Museum in London.

Selected from over 60,000 entries submitted by photographers of all ages and backgrounds from 113 countries and territories, these photographs are more than just stunning visuals – they are windows into the complex, fragile, and magnificent ecosystems we share. From intimate glimpses of rarely seen animal behaviour to sweeping landscapes that stir the soul, each image invites you to reflect on your connection to the natural world.