“Besties.” Classification Animal Portraits Judge Tin Man Lee states: “This captivating picture of 2 young fox brother or sisters– one with shiny black fur and the other reddish-orange– catches a wonderful minute of connection in a dreamy, golden setting. The tender scene where one fox's tail covers adoringly around the other, communicates a deep sense of love and relationship. The professional photographer's timing and structure are perfect, highlighting the contrast in their fur and the heat of their bond. This picture radiates hope and endearment, making it a standout in this classification.”
Credit: Marcia Walters Walters/ NPOTY 2024
Professional Photographer Paolo Della Rocca waited 6 hours in freezing temperature levels to catch a captivating minute in between 2 snow leopards. The resulting image (seen listed below) took leading honors at the Nature Photographer of the Year 2024 awards.
“Games Between Siblings” by Paolo Della Rocca
Winner, Mammals
“In northern India lies an area called Spiti Valley, home to among the most evasive wild animals in the world– the snow leopard. Because youth, this journey has actually been an imagine mine, and the snow leopard has actually constantly been my preferred wild animal. This year, throughout my look for this strange feline, I was fortunate sufficient to come across a set of sub-adult brother or sisters and to catch them at various minutes in their lives. The most unbelievable day of this experience was February 1st. This image was anything however simple to get. I waited over 6 hours at the edge of a canyon as the 2 brother or sisters rested in a cavern. The cold– reaching -25 degrees and magnified by a snowstorm– permeated into my bones. When calm lastly returned, the snow leopards started to move, going after each other up the snowy slopes, playing in front of my astonished eyes. I keep in mind believing, ‘This isn't occurring; it can't be genuine!' And after that, I caught this frame. Not even in my wildest dreams did I envision photographing such a minute. I'm so thankful and grateful that the jury of NPOTY 2024 valued this photo!”
Credit: Paolo Della Rocca/ NPOTY 2024
“In this amazing photo, the professional photographer has actually caught what numerous think about the holy grail of wildlife photography– not simply one, however 2 snow leopards in a remarkable conflict” NPOTY Chairman Tin Man Lee discusses. “The image freezes an awesome minute as these evasive felines rear up on their hind legs, their effective kinds completely separated versus the snowy landscape, producing a scene of raw power and natural drama. What raises this image beyond a simple sighting is the technical quality in recording such explosive habits in difficult mountain conditions, integrated with the creative benefit of a structure that positions these strange felines in their ethereal, high-altitude environment.”
(Click to broaden images to full-size.)
“Puff(in) Daddy” by Brian Matthews
Highly Commended, Animal Portraits
Credit: Brian Matthews/ NPOTY 2024
“Sanderling Siesta” by Mathijs Frenken
Runner Up
Credit: Mathijs Frenken/ NPOTY 2024
“Curious Guanaco” by Charles Janson
Highly Commended, ยป …
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