Photography

VE Day in pictures: 14 powerful and evocative images that capture the joy of May 8, 1945

Country Life takes a look back at this day in history, 75 years ago, when the Second World War in Europe came to an end after six long, bloody years.

London has never been this quiet in 2,000 years — here's what it looks like, and what we can learn

In all of its 2,000-year history, it seems unlikely that the City of London has ever stood so silent as it does presently. Can we learn from the quiet, asks Architectural Editor John Goodall, who also took the photographs on this page.

The photographer walking 7,000 miles around the coast of Britain: 'After 450 days of walking I've not been bored once'

Quintin Lake has always loved walking, ever since trekking from Lands End to John O'Groats as a teenager. But his five-year epic journey around the coast of Britain has taken his love for getting out and about to a new level — as well as his love for our beautiful island.

11 breathtaking images of The Gower, the spot so magnificent it inspired the creation of Britain's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Octavia Pollock takes a look at the magnificent Welsh coastal landscape of The Gower Peninsula, whose tales are as eye-opening as its beauty.

10 utterly glorious images from the South Downs National Park photography competition

An image of horses enjoying a peaceful stroll on the South Downs was voted the best picture in the national park's annual photography competition — but the others on the shortlist are just as worthy of celebration.

21 joyous pictures of Britain to raise your spirits on the first day of Spring

There's never been a more important time to get out into the countryside and smell the roses. Or watch the lambs. Or marvel at the views, and dozens of other things.

11 hauntingly beautiful pictures of dogs in cars from one of the most unusual and touching books of the year

A fascination with dogs and cars has prompted photographer Martin Usborne to produce a beautiful, unusual and gently haunting book.

The funny, dramatic and heart-rending stories behind the public's favourite pictures in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition

A pair of mice brawling like drunks outside a pub won the people's choice at the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year award.

16 absolutely stunning images from the 2020 British Photography Awards

Our picture editor Lucy Ford picks out some of the finest from among the 320 shortlisted images entered for the 2020 British Photography Awards.

In Focus: The scandalous child of Empire, the murderous photographer and the woman who fatally brought them together

Eadweard Muybridge was not only the pioneering photographer of motion, but also a murderer. Jason Goodwin relishes this tale of the dashing rogue and adventurer who became his victim.

Country Life's best Instagram posts of 2019: Gorgeous interiors, stately homes and the lamb that broke the internet

One of Country Life's crowning jewels is our carefully-curated Instagram feed, displaying the Best of Britain twice a day, every day.

Country Life's top 10 nature stories of 2019, from mesmerising photographs to the bird that can screech as loud as a fighter jet

Nature, in all its beauty and ferocity, was celebrated in these unforgettable articles.

Six absolutely spectacular images from the Historic Photographer of the Year competition

An ethereal image of Wells Cathedral, a windswept pier on the east coast and castle in Kent were among the pictures praised by judges for the third Historic Photographer of the Year competition.

In Focus: Photography's first-ever selfie, as taken by one of Yorkshire's greatest ever inventors

A Yorkshire scientist by the name of Washington Teasdale took a picture which is generally thought to be the first 'selfie' in the history of photography. Toby Keel takes a closer look.

10 superb pictures from Nature Photographer of the Year 2019

A cheeky duck and a majestic arch of the aurora borealis are among the magnificent photographs honoured by the 2019 Nature Photographer of the Year competition.

The 15 best pictures from the National Trust's photo competition to find a cover for its 2020 member handbook

A beautiful image of a nature reserve on the Isle of Wight has won the honour of being on the cover of the handbook sent out to the National Trust's 5.6 million members.

'No Barry, this is how we are going to do it. Just keep the camera rolling': Queen poses as she never has before

The Queen has been captured in a wholly new light in a book released by Her Majesty’s Personal Adviser and Curator, including a candid portrait and details of her 'modest' living quarters and great sense of humour.

The best winning pictures from the 2019 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition — and the stories behind them

A soaring eagle, a shocked marmot and an underwater garden like you've never seen before are among the finest pictures from the Natural History Museum's 2019 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

Eight of the most amazing nature photographs of the year, from the 2019 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition

The exhibition for the Natural History Museum's 2019 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is about to open. We take a look at some of the finest pictures shortlisted for this year's awards.

10 breathtaking photographs from the 2019 Audubon Photography Awards

Winning photos and honorable mentions were selected from 2,253 entrants from all over the United States, Washington D.C. and 10 Canadian provinces and territories to appreciate the wonder of birds and the places they inhabit. See the favourites below.