Results: Wildife Photographer of the Year

by adamhanlon Thursday, October 18th, 2012

The results of the 2012 Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year have been announced by the National History Museum. Paul Nicklen took first place overall and won the Underwater Worlds category with his stunning image of Emperor Penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) exiting the water in a cloud of bubbles. He also took runner-up in the underwater category. Commended photographers in the category include, Claudio Gazzaroli, Thomas P Peschak, David Hall and Jordi Chias. In other categories, Jean Tresfon was awarded a Commended in the birds category, Lucio Candisani won the Cold-Blooded animal behavior, and Steve Kovacs achieved a Commended.

Many congratulations to all those who achieved a placing.

Paul Nicklen's image is one of those that gets better and better as it is rendered in higher quality. It is a depiction of spectacular behaviour, too. I think that a degree of "insider knowledge" concerning that behaviour contributed to its success. That said, I've now heard Lucio describe how his image was taken, and the location and the circumstances in which it was taken also enhance its quality. In terms of drama, technical quality and composition, Paul Nicklin's image of a single Emperor penguin in the underwater category is, in my opinion, a stronger image. My point? It's not just the image, but the context, that creates a winner.
Posted by tdpriest on 2012-10-22 08:26:13 And I happen to think that Lucio's photo although good, was a poor copy of Marcelo Krauses cayman shot a few years back. Just goes to show how subjective these competitions are. I would like to say that there are some brilliant images there and a well deserved kudos to all the winners!
Posted by EspenRekdal on 2012-10-19 07:15:02 Amazing images in the Underwater cat this year, also good to see some young photographers like Jordi Chias and Thomas Peschak competing and being nominated year after year, together with the Nat Geo "stars" (Nicklen and Skerry that is ;-)
Posted by Photonunosa on 2012-10-19 07:09:01 More proof that I don't think like anyone else: I thought Paul Niklin's winning image was a pale reflection of some of the penguin sequences braodcast by the BBC in recent years. I also though that Lucio Candisani's Cayman was a masterpiece...
Posted by tdpriest on 2012-10-18 09:09:41 Paul Nicklen's images are fantastic. Wonderful.
Posted by Alex Mustard on 2012-10-18 03:18:08 Who of us would think to use these settings underwater? 1/1000 sec at f7.1; ISO 500 Sheesh. That is why Paul is a master of his craft. Bloody brilliant shot. Totally deserving winner. Cheers, Marli
Posted by scubamarli on 2012-10-18 02:31:29