From Digital Camera World · · 1m 10s
Polar Bear's Nightmare Wins Wildlife Photography Award
Norwegian photographer captures polar bear from seal's perspective for major wildlife award.
In brief
Norwegian photographer captures polar bear from seal's perspective for major wildlife award. Norwegian photographer Audun Rikardsen won Image of the Year at Our Nature Photo & Video Award 2026 with a polar bear image taken from a seal's perspective. Originally reported by Digital Camera World.
Seal's Perspective Image
Norwegian photographer Audun Rikardsen captured a polar bear from a seal's perspective using a Canon EOS 6D DSLR beneath Arctic drift ice.
Nightmarish Polar Bear Scene
The image shows a hungry polar bear poking its head through ice after waiting nine hours for the seal to emerge.
Award Recognition
Rikardsen's image won Image of the Year at the Our Nature Photo & Video Award 2026 for its unique perspective.
Photographer's Experience
Rikardsen rigged the camera beneath a seal's breathing hole with a motion sensor to capture the polar bear's appearance.
Award Details
The contest required waiting nine hours for the polar bear to nap on the ice before retrieving the camera.
Photographer's Statement
Rikardsen said he knew he had captured the polar bear photograph he had dreamed of for years when he saw the image.
What it means
Norwegian photographer Audun Rikardsen won Image of the Year at Our Nature Photo & Video Award 2026 with a polar bear image taken from a seal's perspective.
