LONDON — An image of a napping polar bear curled up on an iceberg has captured the hearts of voters to become the winner of this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award.

British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani called it an honor to win the award for the dreamy scene “Ice Bed,” captured off Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, saying that the image “stirred strong emotions,” such as hope, in those who saw it.

“Whilst climate change is the biggest challenge we face, I hope that this photograph also inspires hope; there is still time to fix the mess we have caused,” Sarikhani added in a press release.

Organizers said more than 75,000 people voted in the competition – a record number.

“Ice Bed” was chosen from a shortlist of 25 images, which was previously narrowed down from around 50,000 entries. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, described the winning shot as “poignant” and “breathtaking.”

The “thought-provoking image is a stark reminder of the integral bond between an animal and its habitat and serves as a visual representation of the detrimental impacts of climate warming and habitat loss,” Gurr said in the release.

As well as the winner, there were four highly commended finalists. All five images will be exhibited at the Natural History Museum in London until June 30.

(The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)

Written by Danielle Finch

As spring contests emerge (including the Walsworth Photo Contest, considering your strategy for photography within your staff is key. This training video, hosted by Mike Taylor, CJE, Sabrina Schmitz, CJE and Jim Jordan offers some key photography insights from Mark Murray that can elevate and inspire your team to dig deeper with their photography storytelling. 

About Mark Murray 

In the realm of scholastic journalism instruction, Mark Murray stands as a luminary. A seasoned professional in the field, he has significantly impacted the lives of budding photographers. 

Murray now enjoys retirement in Santa Fe, capturing breathtaking moments in places like Monument Valley. His journey includes founding the Association of Texas Photography Instructors (ATPI) over 30 years ago, an organization that transcends traditional boundaries, embracing various curriculum areas. Mark Murray’s contribution to photography education echoes through the lens of countless students and teachers nationwide, making him a true trailblazer in the field.

What’s Covered in This Resource 

1. Tips for Editing Photos – Mark and the team explore key photography essentials tailored for yearbook advisers and staff.  From mastering the art of correcting horizon lines to refining your narrative through effective cropping techniques, this video session delves into the nuances of adjusting exposure, contrast and color balance. Beyond the confines of Photoshop, discover the native applications in Online Design – Yearbook 360 that can enhance your editing prowess. 
2. How To Shoot an Event – Transform your approach to event photography by breaking free from tradition. Embrace innovation, explore diverse angles and leverage your resources to breathe life into your storytelling. Develop a comprehensive shot list focusing on candid interactions, emotional moments and behind-the-scenes glimpses, tailoring it to convey the event’s unique narrative. As the observer, seek out hidden gems and nuances that may have eluded the audience amidst the commotion of a game or performance. 
3. Capturing Actions and Reactions – The team focuses on storytelling by placing a spotlight on capturing both action and reaction moments. Recognizing that reactions often narrate the story more vividly, the team emphasizes the significance of assigning photographers to specific roles—one dedicated to action and another to reaction. By ensuring yearbook spreads showcase a dynamic variety of moments, from the pulse-pounding action to the heartfelt reactions, empower photographers to craft narratives that transcend the conventional. 

Preparing for Spring Photo Contests – Participating in yearbook contests goes beyond seeking recognition; it serves as a catalyst for growth and improvement. By entering, you challenge yourself to push creative boundaries, refine skills and gain valuable feedback, showcasing your commitment to excellence. Elevate your yearbook with the transformative journey of contest participation. Don’t forget to register for the Walsworth Photo Contest to inspire your staff to dig deeper in their storytelling.

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