Rachel Bigsby's Award-Winning Photography Exhibited at 10 Downing Street

Award-winning wildlife photographer Rachel Bigsby has been invited to exhibit her work at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister, as part of a special exhibition celebrating the 60th anniversary of Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Rachel's photograph, The Art of Courtship, was one of just ten images selected for the exhibition, recognising six decades of exceptional wildlife photography through the internationally renowned competition, developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. The selection marks another significant milestone for the self-taught British photographer, whose distinctive fine-art approach has earned international recognition and brought the extraordinary lives of seabirds to audiences around the world.

Rachel's invitation to 10 Downing Street follows a remarkable period of international recognition, with her photography exhibited at the Natural History Museum, Royal Geographical Society and National Museum of Scotland, alongside international exhibitions associated with Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Entirely self-taught, Rachel began pursuing wildlife photography as a young teenager, independently developing the fieldcraft, technical knowledge and artistic identity that would eventually establish her professional career.

Her selection for the anniversary exhibition represents another extraordinary chapter in a journey shaped by perseverance, creative independence and a lifelong fascination with the natural world.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Rachel acknowledged the role of the Natural History Museum and Wildlife Photographer of the Year in helping her develop her career:

“I owe a heartfelt thank you to the Natural History Museum, London, for their unwavering support. Wildlife Photographer of the Year has been nothing short of transformative—opening doors I could have only dreamt of, giving me the credibility to pursue new opportunities.”

The Art of Courtship

Winner of the Natural Artistry category at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023, The Art of Courtship captures an intimate moment between two Northern Gannets, transforming a delicate courtship display into an elegant study of form, behaviour and connection.

The photograph exemplifies Rachel's artistic philosophy, in which patient observation and an intimate understanding of wildlife are brought together with a considered approach to composition, light and storytelling.

Northern Gannets have long occupied a central place in Rachel's life and career. Having spent more than a decade photographing and advocating for these remarkable seabirds, their inclusion in such a prestigious exhibition carries particular personal significance.