World’s finest wildlife and environmental photographers in London to explore the power of nature photography

The world’s top wildlife and environmental photographers are in London this week for WildPhotos 2011 – the UK’s largest nature photography symposium, being held at the Royal Geographical Society on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 October.

Compèred by two award-winning wildlife photographers, Chris Packham and Mark Carwardine; the event brings together over 20 speakers from across the world. With Pulitzer Prize-winning landscape photographer, Jack Dykinga (USA), who focuses on environmental issues, the keynote speaker.

Dykinga’s image ‘Stone Canyon’ was selected as one of the 40 best nature photographs of all time by the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP), and he received the 2011 Outstanding Photographer of the Year Award from the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA).

Every year WildPhotos draws an outstanding line-up of speakers from the world of wildlife and environmental photography – including winners from the prestigious Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife magazine.

Now in its sixth year, WildPhotos looks at how photographers are showcasing the beauty of planet Earth and communicating some of the most pressing messages of the 21st century.

Wildscreen, the UK based conservation charity behind WildPhotos, uses the power of wildlife photographs and films to promote a greater understanding of the natural world and the need for its conservation.

“With over half the human race crowded into the world’s cities, it can be hard for many to see beyond the confines of concrete jungles,” says Wildscreen Chief Executive Richard Edwards. “Wildlife and environmental photography therefore plays a vital role in telling the story behind the wonders of life on Earth and, at times, showing the tragic consequences human impact can have on it. This imagery knows no barriers, crossing cultures to reconnect people with nature and help motivate them to safeguard the world’s species and their habitats.”

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Contact: Helen Shrimpton, Communications & Marketing Manager
Telephone: 0117 328 5952
Email: helen.shrimpton@wildscreen.org.uk