Breathtaking nature images showcased in new book

'Catch of the Day' taken by Thomas Mangelsen in Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park, Alaska. Credit: Thomas Mangelsen

Breathtaking images captured by some of the world's greatest nature photographers feature in a new book published by the Natural History Museum.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year: The Masters of Nature Photography features portfolios showcasing pioneering underwater photography, ground-breaking viewpoints and gems of wild behaviour caught on camera.

Some of the images took weeks to capture, others just seconds and some are described by the photographers as "lucky accidents". See some of the images below and explanations from the photographers about how they came to be.

'Malui and the butterflies' taken by Anup Shah in Dzanga-Sangha Dense Forest Special Reserve, Central African Republic. Credit: Anup Shah
'Perfect Trawl' taken by Chris Ziegler in Barro Colorado, Panama. Credit: Chris Ziegler
'Catch of the Day' taken by Thomas Mangelsen in Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park, Alaska. Credit: Thomas Mangelsen
'Horse Spirit' taken by Jim Brandenburg in Oostvaardersplassen Preserve, the Netherlands. Credit: Jim Brandenburg
'Twilight of the Giants' taken by Frans Lanting in Chobe National Park, Botswana. Credit: Frans Lanting
'Penguins, Ice and Light' taken by David Doubilet at Danko Island, Antarctica. Credit: David Doubilet