Overall winner Ben Osbourne has captured the sense of freedom and enjoyment perfectly. © Ben Osbourne / Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007
Narelle Doe let nature fill her senses at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007 exhibition, running until April 27 2008.
The display of images at the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007 would be perfect brochure material to advertise Planet Earth. The sheer beauty of nature, even in some of the most desolate places in the world, is simply breathtaking.
From the Arctic poles, to the African plain or the depths of the ocean, the competition has rounded up spectacular images from around the globe. We are treated to close-ups of leathery elephant wrinkles, intricate feathers and curling tails, all set against a range of scenic visions.
There are, however, also pictures which could just as easily have been taken from people’s back gardens; fox cubs playing or garden birds feeding. It brings the message home that wildlife is all around us whether we live in the city or in the country.
Philippe Toussaint, Belgium. Bouquet of butterflies. © Philippe Toussaint / Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007
It is all too easy to overlook nature on our very doorsteps, and these images remind us that you don’t have to travel to far-flung corners of the earth to take good wildlife photography.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year accolade was this year awarded to Ben Osborne, from the UK. Ben’s image, Elephant Creation, features a bull elephant indulging in a muddy bath in Chobe National Park, Botswana.
A slow shutter speed was used to capture the light of the sprayed water to marvellous effect but as the photographer himself said: “Apart from anything else, it looks like pretty good fun too.”
Ari Tervo, Finland. Stoat Sandwich. © Ari Tervo / Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007
There are many different categories to choose from, such as Animal Behaviour, The Underwater World or Urban and Garden Wildlife. There are also categories for younger budding photographers and the skill of these entries bodes well for the future.
The exhibition sparks a range of emotions, from deep respect for our wildlife to amusement. Many of the photos display humour, a particular example would be Stoat Sandwich by Ari Tervo which catches a stoat caught in the act of sinking his teeth into a piece of bread left on the snowy ground.
Highlighting current concerns over conservation and global warming, the Endangered Wildlife Award helps raise awareness of creatures facing extinction and more than one photograph takes the melting icecaps as their theme, with heart-rending images of polar bears struggling on the disappearing glaciers.
Arne Naevra, Norway. Polar meltdown. © Arne Naevra / Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007
Polar Meltdown by Arne Naevra is particularly devastating and powerful imagery like this plays an important role in educating society about climate change. It certainly gives you something to think about.
Another section, the One Earth Award, highlights the interaction between the natural world and human beings. The winner, Csaba Karai, captured a poignant image of an aeroplane passing across the moon in the dead of night.
Csaba admits that the image was a happy accident, as he had originally been experimenting with capturing images of the moon. Without knowing it, he had taken ‘an image of our times’ - symbolising man’s advances in technology and the landings on the moon.
The judges considered it to be particularly relevant in our current social climate with concerns over carbon footprints; a trail of pollution can clearly be seen from the aeroplane, raising questions about our role on this planet and our increasing responsibilities.
David Maitland, UK, A meal of a worm. © David Maitland / Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007
Robert Knight from the USA, winner of the Wild Places Award, was particularly pleased, having never entered a photography competition before. Struck by the beauty of the Antarctic and the vast colony of king penguins, his photograph, Ice Creation, focuses solely on the impressive sculpture of the icecaps and the chilling waves beneath.
Runner-up Robert Sinclair, also from America, impressed the judges with his image Midnight Eruption. Robert used special photographic lighting to capture a geyser at night, something invisible to the naked eye. He explained how he liked to use these techniques to show people sights they wouldn’t normally be able to see.
Educational information runs alongside the visual enjoyment of each photograph, explaining the subject and geographical area. Visitors can leave their own comments on the exhibition using an interactive display board or watch a slideshow of previous winning entries of the last 20 years.
Elaine Argaet, Australia, A confusion of corellas. © Elaine Argaet / Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007
It was obvious that these photographers have a real sense of respect for the environment and the creatures inhabiting it. They don’t chase or hound their subjects, neither do they see them as trophies.
Using a combination of skill and patience they have managed to produce award-winning imagery by quietly setting up their equipment and respectfully waiting without intrusion.
The exhibition inspires a sense of wonder for the earth we so often take for granted. It is also a timely reminder that we cannot claim to own the planet. Showing the continuing bond between man and nature, it highlights just how lucky we are to have such an array of wildlife and therefore how important the role of conservation is.
