In an incredible display of photographic mastery, Canadian photojournalist Shane Gross has been named Wildlife Photographer of the Year for 2024 for his enchanting underwater shot called “The Swarm of Life.” The image shows a swirling mass of western toad tadpoles. Of 59,228 entries-a record-breaking number that brings to light the growing interest in the hobby of wildlife photography, this was one of them.
A magical underwater scene, “The Swarm of Life,” ends up in the winning position in Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 courtesy of Canadian photojournalist Shane Gross.
Gross was photographed while snorkeling in the peaceful waters of Cedar Lake on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. For hours he was able to push through an overarching blanket of lily pads and not even skim his layers of silt and algae on the bottom of the lake for the perfect shot, thereby dedicating himself to the least amount of impact on the surroundings that consequently produced a magical scenario of the tiny creatures.
For instance, the western toad tadpoles are one of the species endangered through habitat destruction and predation. Gross’s magnificent photograph of their life at such an early stage captures how they start on their way to becoming toads. Less than 1 percent, however, will make it to adulthood through these natural threats. Gross’s image draws attention to the vulnerability of this near-threatened species to impress the seriousness of the protection of their habitat.
Shane Gross’s photograph captivates with its energy and the sense of connection created between the tadpoles and their surroundings,” says Moran, former deputy director of photography at National Geographic. “This is a glorious example of light and life in nature captured through the lens of a camera.” The judging panel praised the combination of light and movement with the interaction between the environment and tadpoles.
The Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year announced, was Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, and he won for his composite photo “Life Under Dead Wood.” He took the photo in fantastic detail by combining 36 images of slime mold and a teeny-tiny springtail arthropod. Well, MacDonald thought this was a huge effort and had captured the shot that used macro photography to open the doors to the hidden forest floor in many instances unseen and unheard.
There were 18 winners of categories, from which these two grand winners of titles were chosen, showing some breathtaking diversity of the natural world. These included photographs of a hawk devouring a squirrel, a lynx bathing in sunlight, and a falcon chasing a butterfly. Each photograph told a unique story, influencing the viewer to reflect on the wonder of wildlife and how important it is to protect them.
Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum in London which is organizing this competition referred to the marvel of submissions for this year. “We are excited to share this remarkable set of photographs that not only provoke wonder and awe but also a greater commitment to wildlife conservation,” declared Gurr. “These photographs are great advocates for our planet encouraging all of us to take action for its protection.”
From 15 April, an exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London will showcase some of the outstanding images of the recent competition – and convey a sense of excitement and awe that these images are meant to provoke.
The exhibition will celebrate the beauty of nature and celebrate the talent of photographers who use their skills as a tool to bring attention to pressing environmental problems.
Shane Gross described his accomplishment in part with his enthusiasm for wildlife photography. “For me, the greatest joy is discovering something new and capturing it in the most meaningful way possible,” he said. “I didn’t feel like I was accomplishing anything until I saw the pictures at home,” Gross said. “When I finally saw the image, I thought, ‘Wow, this is pretty cool.’ It was a moment of pure satisfaction.”
Kathy Moran summed up by calling the Gross picture “a perfect example of a dynamic and visually storytelling photograph.” She said, “This photograph not only showcases a beautiful scene but also speaks to the depth of life that might otherwise go unnoticed in water environments. It’s a potent reminder of why we must continue to protect these delicate ecosystems.”
It has been a year since the world witnessed the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, which now has Gross’s work as a great testimony to the true magic of the natural world and the visual story it tries to tell as inspiration for the cause of conservation all over the world.
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