Big Picture

Celebrate our remarkable Earth with California Academy of Sciences’s BigPicture: Natural World Photography. This annual photography competition brings together astounding images from around the world, provoking questions, creating connections, and inspiring action to regenerate the natural world.

Now in its 11th year, BigPicture presents a juried selection of photographs that capture our surprising and beautiful world, telling unexpected stories that open doors to curiosity.

Through insights provided by scientists and photographers, audiences explore new landscapes and cultures from multiple angles, building understanding of our role in the natural world and how we can care for it.

• 48 spectacular images from 25 countries in eight categories: Aquatic Life, Winged Life, Human/Nature, Terrestrial Wildlife, Landscapes, Waterscapes and Flora, Art of Nature, and Photo Story.
• A world-renowned jury of photographers and photo editors select images from over 7,000 submissions based on artistic, scientific, and ethical standards.
• A new interactive game invites visitors to explore what makes a photo memorable, matching photos from the inaugural People’s Choice Award.
• Customizable, flexible design for small or large, indoor or outdoor presentations.
• Digitally-delivered, translation ready graphic and marketing files.