From rare encounters between species to peaceful natural scenes, wildlife photography captures the captivating moments that unfold in the animal kingdom. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest, held annually by the Natural History Museum in London, celebrates these extraordinary moments. This year, the 59th edition of the contest received nearly 50,000 submissions from 95 countries, culminating in a selection of 25 top-notch images for the shortlist.
The shortlisted images offer a diverse range of captivating moments, showcasing the beauty, tenderness, and tension experienced by animals across the globe. Among the contenders for the People’s Choice Award, which will be determined by popular vote, are some truly breathtaking photographs.
One of the shortlisted images features two mountain hares in Scotland, captured by photographer Andy Parkinson. The photograph shows a rare display of tenderness as the hares touch noses during a delicate encounter. Likewise, photographer Tzahi Finkelstein’s image captures a turtle appearing to smile as a dragonfly lands on its nose, showcasing a harmonious moment in nature.
In addition, the collection includes a photograph by Nima Sarikhani, showcasing a polar bear napping on an iceberg off Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. The serene moment was witnessed after a three-day search, and the polar bear created a makeshift bed on the iceberg’s small peak.
Furthermore, Karim Iliya’s photograph captures a breathtaking sight of a humpback whale calf swimming next to a wisp of its mother’s milk. This unique image showcases the delicate process of nursing in whales, as they occasionally miss sips of milk, with the lost drops dispersing in the water.
These stunning images highlight the diverse and awe-inspiring moments that occur in the animal kingdom. From rare encounters to peaceful scenes, wildlife photography allows us to appreciate the wonders of nature and the intricate connections between different species. As the competition’s voting period continues, it is up to the public to choose the image that will be crowned the People’s Choice and celebrated as a testament to the fascinating world of wildlife photography.
FAQs:
Q: What is the Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest?
A: The Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest is an annual contest organized by the Natural History Museum in London to celebrate captivating moments captured in wildlife photography.
Q: How many submissions were received for this year’s contest?
A: This year, the contest received nearly 50,000 submissions from 95 countries.
Q: How many images were selected for the shortlist?
A: A selection of 25 top-notch images were chosen for the shortlist.
Q: How is the winner of the People’s Choice Award determined?
A: The winner of the People’s Choice Award is determined by popular vote.
Q: Can you provide some examples of the shortlisted images?
A: One example is a photograph of two mountain hares in Scotland captured by Andy Parkinson, showing a rare display of tenderness. Another example is Tzahi Finkelstein’s image of a turtle appearing to smile as a dragonfly lands on its nose.
Q: What is the significance of Nima Sarikhani’s photograph?
A: Nima Sarikhani’s photograph showcases a polar bear napping on an iceberg off Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, capturing a serene moment after a three-day search.
Q: What unique moment is captured in Karim Iliya’s photograph?
A: Karim Iliya’s photograph captures a humpback whale calf swimming next to a wisp of its mother’s milk, showcasing the delicate process of nursing in whales.
Definitions:
1. Wildlife Photography: The photography genre that focuses on capturing animals and their natural habitats.
2. Shortlisted: Refers to the images selected for the final list of contenders in the competition.
3. People’s Choice Award: A prize given to the image that receives the most votes from the public.
4. Mountain Hares: Large hare species found in mountainous areas.
5. Dragonfly: Insect characterized by long wings and slender bodies.
6. Polar Bear: A large carnivorous bear species native to the Arctic regions.
7. Svalbard Archipelago: A group of islands located in the Arctic Ocean, belonging to Norway.
Related Links:
– Natural History Museum
– Wildlife Photographer of the Year