Wildlife Photographer of the Year Portfolio 22

Presenting the year's very best wildlife images, this powerful collection of pictures represents the work of 80 international photographers, both professionals and amateurs. It comprises all the winning and commended photographs from the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2012 competition, the most prestigious event of its kind in the world. The pictures were selected from more than 48,000 entries, representing 98 countries. The photographs were chosen by an international jury for their artistic merit and originality, from categories that together represent a diversity of natural subjects. The range of styles is also diverse, as is the genre of photography, whether action, macro, underwater, landscape or environmental reportage. Together this outstanding collection is a reminder of the splendour, drama and variety of life on Earth. Each stunning photograph is accompanied by an extended caption and there is an introduction by Jim Brandenburg, one of the world's most respected nature photographers.