Wildlife Photographer of the Year: 54th winner is pair of golden monkeys

The Golden Couple © Marsel van Oosten Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018, Grand title winner
(Image credit: © Marsel van Oosten - Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

The Golden Couple © Marsel van Oosten
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018, Grand title winner

Dutch photographer Marsel van Oosten has won the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018 title for his extraordinary image, The Golden Couple, which frames a pair of golden snub-nosed monkeys in the temperate forest of China’s Qinling Mountains, the only habitat for these endangered primates. Winners of the 54th annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition were revealed tonight at a ceremony at the Natural History Museum, London.

In a world which is in thrall to special effects, this image celebrates the majestic and otherworldly presence of nature, and reminds us of our crucial role in protecting it.

Sir Michael Dixon, NHM director

The winning portrait captures a glimpse of some of the extraordinary, yet relatable beings we share our planet with. 

Chair of the judging panel, Roz Kidman Cox, says, ‘This image is in one sense traditional – a portrait. But what a striking one, and what magical animals. It is a symbolic reminder of the beauty of nature and how impoverished we are becoming as nature is diminished. It is an artwork worthy of hanging in any gallery in the world.’

Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018

Sixteen-year-old Skye Meaker took the award for Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018 with his charming portrait of a leopard waking from sleep in Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana. Skye has wanted to be a nature photographer since receiving his first pocket camera at the age of seven.

‘With precisely executed timing and composition, we get a coveted glimpse into the inner world of one of the most frequently photographed, yet rarely truly seen, animals,’ says competition judge and previous competition winner Alexander Badyaev.

 Lounging Leopard © Skye Meaker

Category winners

The two grand title winners were selected from 19 category winners, depicting the incredible diversity of life on our planet, from displays of rarely seen animal behaviour to hidden underwater worlds.

Images from professional and amateur photographers are selected by a panel of industry-recognised professionals for their originality, creativity and technical excellence.

Where is the exhibition?

Beating over 45,000 entries from 95 countries, Marsel and Skye’s images will be on show in stunning lightbox displays with 98 other spectacular photographs at the Natural History Museum.


The exhibition opens on 19 October 2018 before touring across the UK and internationally to locations including Canada, Spain, the USA, Australia and Germany. 

Read more:
£30,000 in prizes: Digital Camera Photographer of the Year 2019

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Lauren Scott
Managing Editor

Lauren is the Managing Editor of Digital Camera World, having previously served as Editor of Digital Photographer magazine, a practical-focused publication that inspires hobbyists and seasoned pros alike to take truly phenomenal shots and get the best results from their kit. 


An experienced photography journalist who has been covering the industry for over eight years, she has also served as technique editor for both PhotoPlus: The Canon MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine and DCW's sister publication, Digital Camera Magazine


In addition to techniques and tutorials that enable you to achieve great results from your cameras, lenses, tripods and other photography equipment, Lauren can regularly be found interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry, sharing tips and guides on subjects like landscape and wildlife photography, and raising awareness for subjects such as mental health and women in photography.