What stood out this year was not subject matter alone, but the patience and instinct behind so many of the photographs. Some images clearly came from time spent watching and waiting, while others depended on a quick reaction to a fleeting moment. The strongest entries showed an understanding of timing, atmosphere and composition, whether carefully anticipated or captured in an instant.
Judging was, once again, no easy task. Many of the entries carried a clear sense of time spent outdoors, whether through the quiet drama of light across a landscape, the movement of wildlife, or the small details that often define a day in the field. Reducing the selection meant setting aside many photographs that were both accomplished and deeply personal.
Highly Commended
The Westley Richards team reviewed the entries with appreciation for composition, atmosphere, originality and subject matter, but also for the feeling each image conveyed. The highly commended photographs below represent those submissions that stayed with us most strongly.
From such a strong field of entries, choosing the final winners was no simple task. This year’s runners-up will each receive a Westley Richards Aston Card Wallet, made by hand in our Birmingham leather workshop, while the overall winner will receive an Explora Rucksack in our signature dark tan leather.
Both prizes reflect the spirit of the competition: practical, beautifully made pieces designed for travel, field use and everyday carry.
Runners-Up
Simon Boardman-Weston - "The photo was taken by me of a leopard sleeping at the Mala Mala game reserve in South Africa. Title: It's been a hard day."
Michael kjoebek - "The photo is from Namibia when I visited the Himbas people , on a overland trip from Cap Town to Victoria Falls."
Adam Karbowiak - "This Lady is from the Hamar tribe, preparing a hot drink made from coffee shells. This picture was taken in the Southern part of Omo Valley, in April, 2025."
Winner 2026
Philipp Medrow - "During a 10 day safari through Kenya last August, I was lucky to meet Craig, the famous elephant believed to have been one of Africa’s largest male tuskers, just outside of the Amboseli National Park. One of the Masaii rangers protecting Craig led us to him so I could take this photo standing merely 5 meters away. Time stood still and it was truly a moment to remember. Just 4 months later Craig died of old age."
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who submitted work for the 2026 competition. Together, the photographs form a remarkable record of travel, wildlife, sporting life and observation, and a fitting reflection of the spirit of the Explora Club.
