A stunning photograph capturing a polar bear peacefully sleeping on an iceberg has taken the top spot in the People’s Choice category of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition held by the National History Museum in the UK. This prestigious competition drew over 50,000 submissions from photographers around the world, with only 100 being selected as finalists by the judges.
The overall winner of the competition was Laurent Ballesta, whose photograph showcased a horseshoe crab with three golden trevally fish swimming above it. However, it was Nima Sarikhani’s photo, titled “Ice Bed,” that captured the hearts of the public and earned the People’s Choice award. Sarikhani captured the magnificent image while on an expedition vessel in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago.
The photographer described the journey of capturing the photo, explaining, “Having spent three days searching for polar bears through thick fog, the expedition vessel I was on decided to change course. It turned and headed to where there was still some sea ice. Here we encountered a younger and an older male and watched the pair over the following eight hours. Just before midnight, the young male clambered onto a small iceberg and, using his strong paws, clawed away at it to carve out a bed for himself.”
Sarikhani expressed his gratitude for being named the public’s favorite and highlighted the emotions evoked by his photo. “I love that this image stirs so much emotion in people. Some find it happy and peaceful, and some find it somehow melancholic or ominous,” he said. Sarikhani also shared his hope that the photograph would inspire hope and raise awareness about the urgency of addressing climate change.
In addition to the winning photograph, four other images received highly commended prizes. These included images of lions in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, a Balkan pond turtle and a northern banded groundling dragonfly in Israel’s Jezreel Valley, moon jellyfish illuminated by the aurora borealis in Norway, and starlings in the sky over Rome, Italy.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition not only showcases breathtaking images of wildlife but also serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our natural world. These photographs have the power to inspire and drive change, urging us to appreciate and protect the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the People’s Choice category of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition?
The People’s Choice category is a part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition held by the National History Museum in the UK. It is an award that is chosen by the public.
2. Who won the People’s Choice award in the competition?
Nima Sarikhani won the People’s Choice award with his photograph titled “Ice Bed.” The photograph captured a polar bear peacefully sleeping on an iceberg.
3. Who was the overall winner of the competition?
The overall winner of the competition was Laurent Ballesta, whose photograph showcased a horseshoe crab with three golden trevally fish swimming above it.
4. How many submissions were received for the competition?
Over 50,000 submissions were received from photographers around the world for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
5. How many finalists were selected by the judges?
Only 100 finalists were selected by the judges from the 50,000 submissions.
6. Where was Nima Sarikhani’s photograph taken?
Nima Sarikhani captured the winning photograph, “Ice Bed,” in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago while on an expedition vessel.
7. How did Sarikhani capture the photograph?
Sarikhani spent three days searching for polar bears through thick fog before the expedition vessel changed course. The photograph was taken after encountering a younger and older male polar bear, with the young male making a bed for itself on a small iceberg.
8. What emotions does Sarikhani hope the photograph evokes?
Sarikhani hopes that the photograph evokes emotions such as happiness, peace, melancholy, and a sense of urgency in addressing climate change.
9. What is the purpose of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition?
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition aims to showcase breathtaking images of wildlife and raise awareness about the beauty and fragility of our natural world.
10. Are there any other awarded photographs mentioned in the article?
Yes, in addition to the winning photograph, four other images received highly commended prizes. These include images of lions in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, a Balkan pond turtle, a northern banded groundling dragonfly in Israel’s Jezreel Valley, moon jellyfish illuminated by the aurora borealis in Norway, and starlings in the sky over Rome, Italy.
Related Links:
– National History Museum website
– Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition