Photographer Paolo Della Rocca waited six hours in freezing temperatures to capture the same time between two snow leopards. The resulting image (seen below) took top honors at the Nature Photograph of the Year 2024 awards.
Winner, Diamusi
“In the north of India there is a place called Spiti Valley, home to one of the rarest wild animals on Earth—the snow leopard. Since childhood, this trip has been my dream, and the snow leopard has always been my favorite wild animal. This year, during my search for this amazing animal, I was lucky enough to meet the sons of adults and hold them at different times in their lives. The most amazing day of this experience was February 1st. This image was easy to find. I waited for more than six hours at the edge of the canyon while the two brothers rested in the cave. The cold—up to 25 degrees and intensified by a blizzard—seeped into my bones. When silence finally returned, the snow leopards began to move, chasing each other on the snowy slopes, playing before my astonished eyes. I remember thinking, ‘This is not happening; it can’t be real!’ And then, I captured this frame. Not even in my wildest dreams did I think of taking a photo of such a moment. I am happy and grateful that the NPOTY 2024 jury has recognized this photo!
Credit: Paolo Della Rocca / NPOTY 2024
In this rare image, a photographer has captured what many consider the holy grail of wildlife photography—not just one, but two snow leopards in a spectacular encounter” Chairman- NPOTY chair Tin Man Lee explains. “This photo captures the incredible moment when these invisible cats stand on their hind legs, their powerful forms perfectly set against the snow, and create a of power and drama of nature. What elevates this image beyond mere spectacle is the technical excellence of capturing such dangerous behavior in challenging mountain conditions, combined with the artistic merit of the designer who places these amazing cats in their place. nature, which is on high.”
(Click to enlarge images to full size.)
Congratulations, Animal Pictures
Credit: Brian Matthews / NPOTY 2024
Runner up
Credit: Mathijs Frenken / NPOTY 2024
Congratulations, Mammals
Credit: Charles Janson / NPOTY 2024
Congratulations, Mammals
Credit: Hannes Lochner / NPOTY 2024 HANNES LOCHNER
Congratulations, Animal Pictures
Credit: Antonio Liebana Navarro / NPOTY 2024
Winner, underwater
Judge Tin Man Lee comments: “This photograph masterfully captures the raw energy and fluidity of the octopus as it moves, creating a dramatic form that immediately draws the viewer into the world beneath. water. The bright colors of the octopus contrast wonderfully against the emerald background, while its strong appearance and sweeping tentacles create natural guiding lines that guide the eye to every detail of this extraordinary moment. The photographer’s technical ability to capture the momentary underwater scene, while still vivid and well-crafted, transforms an already fascinating marine life into a work of art. an artistic marvel that captures the power and beauty of marine life.”
Credit: Andrey Shpatak / NPOTY 2024 Ashpatak
Congratulations, Birds
Credit: Francesco Guffanti / NPOTY
Runner Up, Juniors
Credit: Ismael Domínguez / NPOTY 2024 Ismael Dominguez Gutierrez
Congratulations, Birds
Credit: Levi Fitze / NPOTY 2024
Much Praise, People and Nature
Credit: Gerard Carbonell / NPOTY 2024
Resource, People and Nature
Jury member Joan de la Malla comments on the winning image in the Man and Nature category: “This amazing photo shows a king of the jungle sitting on a luxurious sofa. The pleasant environment and clarity of the domesticated tiger is a clear reminder of our society’s behavior, which controls even powerful and dignified animals, such as the tiger, in human designs. Without a doubt, this unforgettable image invites us to think about our role as creatures on this planet and encourages us to carefully analyze the way our society lives.”
Credit: Aaron Gekoski / NPOTY 2024
They Are Highly Sensitive Animals
Credit: Pandora Maund / NPOTY 2024 Pandora Maund
Congratulations, Animal Pictures
Credit: Louis Guillot / NPOTY 2024
Enjoy the Holidays with PopSci Gift Ideas
#Amazing #Pictures #Nature
