100 years of nature photography


From the earliest 'photogenic drawings' of the 1830s to the colour images of today, photography has had a profound impact on our understanding and appreciation of the natural world. 

Take a spectacular journey through the history of nature photography with the V&A collection. Discover the pioneers – the scientists, inventors and artists – whose experiments advanced photographic techniques, bringing us closer to the wonders of nature and helping to foster a deeper visual connection between humanity and the environment.

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Header image:
Leaping frog, photograph, by Stephen Dalton, about 1980s. Museum no. RPS.958-2024. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London