Thousands of photographs were considered and analysed but finally the wait is over. A shortlist of the final entries which will help make up the showcase for one of the most prestigious awards in Wildlife Photography has been revealed.
The award for Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a long running recognition of some of the finest photographs in the history of Wildlife photography. The award which has been running since 1964 has made some of the world’s greatest Wildlife Photography well known to millions. Year after year winning images have demonstrated great depth and character as well as beautiful art
Two of the images for this year‘s showcase, which were released by the National History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine include ‘Oil Beetle’ by Juan Gonzalez Ahumada and ‘Backs in, fronts’ by Esa Malkonen. Both images show a high quality of exceptional photography of different levels. Juan Gonzalez Ahumada’s photograph which captures a black oil beetle clinging to a sprig of gorse on a cold spring morning, is ranked highly in the Animal Portraits category. Portraying the comings and goings of chinstrap penguins in Antarctica, Esa Malkonen’s shot stands strongly in the category of Nature in Black and White.
Each year, more than a million wildlife and photography lovers are granted access to the great pieces as the lucky finalists which consist of the winner, runners up and other commending images are collectively formed together for an exhibition at London’s Natural History Museum before touring around the world.
Mark Carwardine, Chairman of the judging panel said, “It plays a crucial role in raising the profile of wildlife photography and stimulating an awareness of nature conservation as the pictures are seen by millions of people around the world.”
All overall winning images for both Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the year and Veolia Environnement Young Wildlife Photographer of the year will be announced on 21st October. Meanwhile, all ticket information for the exhibition at the Natural History Museum can be found at www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto/exhibition from August 19.
Aleena Iftikhar
Images: Royal Headgear © Sam Rowley, 2009 (main), Oil Beetle Pose © Juan Jesus Gonzalez Ahumada, 2010 (body)
Tags: natural history museum, photos
