The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are back, showcasing the hilarious and heartwarming side of wildlife. The 2024 edition has brought together some of the most amusing moments caught on camera by wildlife photographers from across the globe. These images offer a fresh perspective on the animal kingdom, capturing not just the majestic, but the downright funny. With 40 finalists announced, the competition continues its tradition of blending laughter with conservation awareness. This year’s entries range from playful penguins to mischievous monkeys, and everything in between.
Photographers from around the globe were invited to participate, with the opportunity to submit up to three images across nine categories, which include mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects. From an astounding 9,000 entries submitted by talented photographers from 98 countries, a panel of experts carefully selected the shortlist.
The competition not only highlights the beauty and diversity of wildlife but also offers an exciting incentive: the top prize is a one-week safari experience with Alex Walker's Serian in the breathtaking Masai Mara, Kenya.
Here’s a closer look at some of the finalists and their photos that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, along with insights into how wildlife photography can be a rewarding career choice, especially for the younger generation.
What are the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards?
Founded in 2015 by professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam, the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards aim to showcase the lighter side of the natural world while promoting wildlife conservation. This competition highlights the importance of preserving the earth’s biodiversity in a fun, engaging way. The goal is to use humor to connect people with wildlife, helping them see animals not just as creatures to admire, but as relatable beings with personalities, quirks, and emotions.
The competition also works closely with the Born Free Foundation, supporting initiatives that protect endangered species and their habitats. By raising awareness through these joyful images, the awards inspire people to take action to safeguard the animals that make us laugh.
Meet the 2024 Finalists: Real Photographers and Their Funniest Shots
The 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards feature 40 finalists from various parts of the world. Let’s dive into some of the standout photos and the talented photographers behind them:
1. "Nagging Is a Universal Concept" by Scott Frier
In this photo, a lion and lioness at the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Scott Frier took this photo on a safari in the National Park in Tanzania. "I have this image printed and hung on a wall of my home, and everybody who sees it laughs at it," Scott wrote.
2. "Holding On for a Ride" by Alex Fine
In this photo, a mother bear and her cubs after a nap at the Lake Clark National Park and Reserve in Alaska. Alexander Fine took this stunning picture and named it "Holding On for a Ride".
3. "Are You Kidding" by Marti Phillips
In this image, two cape fur seals having a laugh at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve in Namibia. This hilarious picture taken by Marti Phillips.
4. "Wait… Which Zebra Is In Front?" by Sarosh Lodhi
A photograph that creates an optical illusion, making it challenging for viewers to determine which zebra is in front, was captured in Kenya by Sarosh Lodhi from India who says: “I stayed focused on these two as they started coming towards each other. I was expecting them to interact, nozzle or maybe fight, but they coincidentally got aligned in a way to cause this beautiful optical illusion.”
5. "Easy Fellas — Hajime!" by Philippe Ricordel
"'Hajime!' This is the term used by the referee in judo to invite opponents to start fighting," Philippe wrote. "Here, the standing bear seems to be saying this to the other two, adopting the gesture that referees use when they say this word."
6. "Unexpected Role Swap" by Przemysław Jakubczyk
A bald eagle and bream in Szczecin Lagoon, Poland. "Every annoyed and overtired fish needs to destress by hunting for a bald eagle," Jakubczyk said.
7. "The Rock Star" by Sanjay Patil
"Here is a female lizard standing upright to escape the summer heat in Maharashtra, India," Sanjay Patil said.
8. "Hide and Seek" by Leslie McLeod
Leslie McLeod describes what led to her humorous photo of a cheetah hiding behind a tree from her prey: “We were on safari in Kenya and happened upon this beautiful female who was looking for a mate. A group of topi were also keeping a pretty close eye her as she left messages for a potential partner on various trees. This shot makes me think that the cheetah is just about to shout out, "ready or not, here I come!"
9. "Laughing Out Loud" by Ingo Hamann
This newborn seal seems to be laughing at a good joke in Helgoland, Germany. This photograph was nicely taken by Ingo Hamann.
10. "I Am Coming" by Inés Godínez
A Razorbill attempting a very wobbly landing at Saltee Islands in Ireland. Photographed by Inés Godínez.
How Wildlife Photography Can Turn into a Fulfilling Career
For many aspiring photographers, wildlife photography offers a pathway to combining a love for nature with creativity and storytelling. The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards provide a great platform to not only show off your work but also make an impact by raising awareness for wildlife conservation.
If you’re interested in turning your passion for photography into a career, here’s how you can start:
- Master the Technical Skills: Begin by learning the basics of photography—focus on mastering your camera, understanding lighting, and experimenting with different settings like shutter speed and aperture. You don’t need the most expensive gear; even entry-level cameras or smartphones can produce amazing wildlife shots with practice.
- Study Wildlife Behavior: To capture those unique, comedic moments, you’ll need to observe animals closely and learn their behavior. Understanding when an animal might display certain actions (like yawning, jumping, or interacting with others) can help you anticipate the right moment for the perfect shot.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Wildlife photography, especially the comedic kind, often requires hours of waiting for the right moment. Animals don’t pose or perform on command, so patience is key. Many photographers wait in the wild for days just to capture a single shot. Persistence will pay off when you finally catch that funny or majestic moment.
- Enter Competitions and Build a Portfolio: Contests like the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are fantastic ways to showcase your talent. Start small with local or online photography contests, build a portfolio, and eventually aim for international competitions. This exposure could lead to professional opportunities, partnerships, or even photojournalism work.
- Consider Conservation Photography: Many wildlife photographers also work with conservation organizations, documenting endangered species and threatened ecosystems. This kind of photography can be both fulfilling and impactful, as it helps spread awareness about critical environmental issues.
- Promote Your Work Online: Social media is a powerful tool for wildlife photographers. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube allow you to share your photos, behind-the-scenes stories, and build a following. Many photographers use these platforms to connect with a global audience and establish themselves as professionals.
Wildlife Photography: A Rewarding Career with a Purpose
Wildlife photography, especially when combined with humor, offers a unique opportunity to connect with people in a way that is both entertaining and educational. Competitions like the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards demonstrate how powerful imagery can make people care about animals and conservation. As a career, wildlife photography is rewarding not only for the potential adventures and travel but also for the chance to make a difference in preserving the natural world.
For young photographers, this field is full of possibilities. With the right training, a love for animals, and a dash of creativity, you can carve out a successful career that combines your passions with purpose.
Conclusion
The 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards remind us that wildlife isn’t just majestic and awe-inspiring—it’s also funny, relatable, and full of surprises. These finalists have captured moments that make us laugh while also connecting us to the animals that share our world. For photographers, this competition offers more than just an opportunity to showcase talent—it’s a chance to promote conservation and inspire future generations.
Whether you’re an aspiring wildlife photographer or simply a fan of animals, these photos prove that laughter is a powerful way to bring people together and remind us of the importance of protecting wildlife.
FAQs
- Who are the founders of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards? The competition was founded by Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam to raise awareness about wildlife conservation through humor.
- How can I participate in the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards? Photographers from all over the world can submit their photos via the official website during the submission period, typically in mid-year.
- What is the main purpose of these awards? The competition aims to raise awareness about wildlife conservation while providing entertainment through funny wildlife photographs.
- Can I view the finalist photos online? Yes, the finalist photos are available on the official website of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards and various media outlets.
- How do I become a wildlife photographer? Start by learning photography basics, understanding animal behavior, and practicing in natural settings. Enter competitions, build a portfolio, and explore opportunities with conservation organizations.
- What is the role of humor in wildlife photography? Humor helps connect people emotionally to animals, making wildlife conservation more relatable and encouraging people to care about the natural world.
