Experience the wonder
Visit an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.
We're open daily! View holiday hours
BigPicture 2014
Featuring the work of award-winning photographers from around the world—and the perspectives of Academy scientists—BigPicture puts a visual lens on our mission to explore, explain, and sustain life.
BigPicture—the Academy’s first major photography exhibit—illustrates, and celebrates, the incredible diversity of life on Earth through 45 stunning works from professional-level nature and conservation photographers. Representing 12 different countries, images were chosen from among more than 6,300 entries in our BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition.
To move BigPicture beyond a conventional gallery show, perspectives from Academy scientists were woven into the exhibit’s design, offering scientific insight into the striking moments captured by photographers—and how vital such powerful images are to efforts to protect our planet. BigPicture runs through November 2, 2014.
Behind the Lens
Learn more about the winning photographers—and the moments they captured—with a closer look at the stories behind BigPicture's prize-wining images.
0
2014 BigPicture Judges
Entries in our BigPicture Competition were judged by a panel of some of the most highly esteemed nature photographers and photo editors in the world.
0
Lectures & Workshops
Feeling inspired? Learn more about your camera—and about photography's power to effect protection of the natural world—by signing up for one of our many photography workshops or lectures.
0
2014 Honorable Mentions
The photography talent was incredibly deep in our 2014 entries—see just how hard our judges' jobs were by exploring the gallery of images that earned Honorable Mentions.
0
BigPicture Competition
Our annual BigPicture: Natural World Photography Competition seeks to inspire environmental stewardship through the power of imagery. Professional-level photographers are encouraged to submit work that celebrates and illustrates the diversity of life on Earth.
About IBSS
The mission of the Academy's Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability (IBSS) is to gather new knowledge about life's diversity and the process of evolution—and to rapidly apply that understanding to our efforts to regenerate life on Earth.
-
Blue
Pictured: One of our baby reindeer sizes up our photographer, Nicole.
What do reindeer eat in the wild?
Reindeer are veggie connoisseurs, feasting on lichens, mosses, herbs, and more. With a keen sense of smell, they can even find food hidden beneath snow!
-
Blue
Pictured: One of our baby camels shows off her striking blue eyes.
Do camels keep water in their hump?
Camels stash their fat reserves in those iconic humps, like natural backpacks. When food and water are scarce, they tap into this supply, breaking it down for nutrition and hydration.
-
Blue
Pictured: One of our baby yaks sporting a signature shaggy coat.
What’s special about yak milk?
Yak milk is super rich, packed with high protein, lactose, and fat—up to 9%! Far more concentrated than cow's milk, this gives yak calves the essential fuel to thrive in harsh mountain environments.
-
Blue
Pictured: Our two baby reindeer make for an adorable duo.
Do baby reindeer have antlers?
Yes, baby reindeer already have tiny antlers that begin growing when they are just a few weeks old—a preview of the majestic antlers they'll have later in life!
-
Blue
Pictured: One of our baby camels moves in for a closer look.
Do camels spit?
Though a common belief, it's actually quite rare. Spitting is a defense move they save for when they're threatened or really annoyed.
-
Blue
Pictured: Another yak serves as a handy chin rest for one of our baby yaks.
How quickly can baby yaks walk after birth?
Baby yaks are natural hikers! They can walk and climb rugged terrain just hours after being born, sticking close to their herd.
Ravens and crows are demonstrating that brain size isn't everything when it comes to intelligence.
Archaeopteryx's brain may be further evidence of its not-so-special place between dinosaurs and birds.
Cockroaches can survive anything, except the emerald jewel wasp.
Tracking pangolin crimes, animal brain size could lead to endangerment, and tracking beluga whales’ dives.
