A captivating photograph capturing the intense battle between two gannets vying for a fish off the coast of Scotland’s Shetland Islands has claimed the top prize at this year’s World Nature Photography Awards. The winning image, taken by Tracey Lund from the United Kingdom, was chosen from a pool of thousands of submissions to receive a $1,000 prize.
Lund managed to capture this incredible shot while on holiday, using a DSLR camera housed in waterproof casing, which she lowered into the water from a boat. Reflecting on the cherished moment, Lund expressed her awe, saying, “Thousands of gannets were in the sky above us and then started to dive into the sea after locally caught fish. An unbelievable spectacle to witness, let alone photograph.” Despite taking 1,800 images that day, she was only able to select two for submission.
Aside from the winning photograph, the World Nature Photography Awards also celebrated other categories, including animal portraits, plants and fungi, and various animal behaviors. One standout image, captured by Ivan Pedretti from Italy, secured the first place in the Planet Earth’s landscapes and environments category. Pedretti’s mesmerizing photo depicted the winter scenery of Stokksnes, Iceland, showcasing the striking contrast between the white mountains and the black sand dunes adorned with yellow grass.
Established in 2020, the World Nature Photography Awards aims to promote photography while serving a greater purpose for the planet. For every entry received, a tree is planted as a part of the organization’s commitment to environmental conservation. Recognizing the power of photography to shift perspectives and inspire change, the organizers of the awards are continuously impressed by the exceptional quality of entries submitted each year.
The World Nature Photography Awards not only honors outstanding photographers but also encourages individuals to see the world through a different lens and make positive changes for the well-being of our planet. These captivating images remind us of the astounding beauty and diversity that exists within the natural world, urging us to appreciate and protect it for generations to come.
An FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
Q: Who won the top prize at this year’s World Nature Photography Awards?
A: Tracey Lund from the United Kingdom won the top prize with her photograph capturing the intense battle between two gannets.
Q: How was the winning photograph taken?
A: Lund used a DSLR camera housed in waterproof casing, which she lowered into the water from a boat to capture the shot.
Q: Were there any other categories celebrated at the World Nature Photography Awards?
A: Yes, there were other categories including animal portraits, plants and fungi, and various animal behaviors.
Q: Who won in the Planet Earth’s landscapes and environments category?
A: Ivan Pedretti from Italy secured the first place in this category with his mesmerizing photo depicting the winter scenery of Stokksnes, Iceland.
Q: What is the purpose of the World Nature Photography Awards?
A: The purpose is to promote photography while serving a greater purpose for the planet. For every entry received, a tree is planted as a part of the organization’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Definitions for key terms or jargon used within the article:
– Gannets: Large seabirds known for their spectacular diving abilities.
– DSLR camera: Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera, a type of camera that uses a mirror system to allow the photographer to see the image through the lens.
– Waterproof casing: A protective cover or housing that prevents water from damaging the camera.
– Planet Earth’s landscapes and environments: A category in the World Nature Photography Awards that focuses on capturing the natural beauty of the Earth’s landscapes and environments.
– Environmental conservation: The practice of protecting and preserving the natural environment and its resources.
Suggested related links to the main domain:
– World Nature Photography Awards website: Provides information about the awards, past winners, and categories.
– Submit entries: Allows photographers to submit their entries to the World Nature Photography Awards.
– Conservation efforts: Highlights the organization’s commitment to environmental conservation and the planting of trees for each entry received.