This exhibition is always worth a visit – even if it does cost £10 to get in.
And nature looks as good as ever!
There are some constant favourites – more polar bears and other bears, tigers and foxes, whales and penguins – all deserving of their places as they were striking images.
But there was a lone hare in a field which reminded me of seeing them once near Vienna airport (and I discovered that the photograph was from Austria) and a mass of grey knot which reminded me of Snettisham (and the photograph was taken at Snettisham).
In a way, my favourite was the image of a raven looking cute and cuddly – great PR for the black killers of the uplands.
I’d like to see more ‘every day’ images in here – a few more to remind us of the beauty on our doorstep. Go see for yourself the pasque flower and the jays and the black-headed gull and the mosquito.
Which is your favourite?
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I always stop and wonder just how many patient hours go into each of these stunning images. Full of admiration for the photographer !
Ian – agreed! Or maybe, sometimes, just occasionally – they just are lucky.
Mark, I think this is a case of making their own luck. The more you practice the luckier you get.
Bob – I’m sure youa re right. Looking forward to ‘clink!’ing with you later this week.
Some beautiful images from the online link – my favourite is the squirrel on the rusty car, such lovely colours! I think the online version is the only one I will get to see – the exhibition does tour around the country but doesn’t seem to go anywhere near me…
“I think the online version is the only one I will get to see”
Me too. Fortunately, vicarious enjoyment is still legal and thousands of outstanding nature photographs in numerous interest groups can be found on Flickr.
Been looking at these images for a while. My favourite is the Golden Eagle chasing the Red Fox, pure class. As a stictly amateuer ‘togger I can vouch sometimes luck plays a heavy part eg right place,right time and wildlife being wildlife you have to hope your subject matter does what you want it to do. You can improve your luck, knowing your subject matter a bit of research, and in the case with some species having a plentiful supply of birds increases your chances, if your favoured species is trapped/poisoned/shot/stolen your chances go down….
Douglas – your status may be amateur but your photographs are definitely not.
Winning image is breathtaking, but beyond the reach of most of us as a potential wildlife subject. I think squabbling jays is perhaps my favourite… although I still can’t believe it was taken by a 9-year-old.
calvin – welcome and thank you for your comment.
I am lucky enough to have had a little success in a couple of wildlife photography competitions, but have never entered this one – the big NHM “environnement” (yes thats spelled correctly) comp). I’m just not good enough. But I love seeing the results of those who are!
Having a family member work in the bowels of the NHM gives me another excuse for popping down to south Ken each year to see the images – I’ve been doing so for more years than I care to remember…
My favourite image for some time was shot by Jan Vermeer in 2004….
http://www.janvermeer.nl/cms/index.php/en_US/2003-2
I have been after a similar shot with our local wrens for 8 years after seeing that image and almost managed it this spring….
My two favourite images this year are that lone hare you described Mark – what a wonderful stark image which I think I’ll buy a canvas of if my wife says thats ok!:
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/photo.do?photo=2867&category=49&group=1
And also this year Sandra Bartocha’s jaw-dropping “light show”:
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/photo.do?photo=2873&category=50&group=1
I do love this competition (but am nowhere near good enough to enter I am realistic enough to admit!) but do occasionally tire of cheetahs and polar bears (or for that matter, young photographers taking photos with kit worth thyzands of pynds).
I guess that is why the BWPA competition is more interesting for some of us Brits – where photos of slugs and bees can take top prizes rather than (no more interesting) penguins and snow leopards….