BANNER IMAGE: JOHN WISEMAN

A fine art photograph with a wild animal as the subject is extremely difficult to achieve. However, this photograph is impeccable on a technical and storytelling level. The bright green of the snake creates a powerful color contrast on the blue background, and its curvy silhouette is flattered by its central position in the frame. The subject is its own leading line, capturing the viewer’s attention and leading it towards the image’s focal point. This snake is full of personality, almost a caricature. It makes for a portait equal parts impressing and amusive. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Viper of the rain forests of Costa Rica.

NATALIE ARBER

This photograph has an impressive focal point that keeps the viewers engaged and raises their heartbeat rate. It’s almost like a spiral is created, leading to the subject’s piercing eye. Using a dramatic black and white aesthetic and portraiture-like composition, the photographer masterfully captures a moment in the chickens’ life but also their personality and attitude. The image tells a story about animals of course, but also about how we treat them. And we can’t always be proud of ourselves. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Drumstick the chicken giving the stink eye out of the coupe…perhaps because he doesn’t appreciate being called Drumstick.

ALEXANDRE BÈS

This image is a powerful reminder of the negative impact our civilization has on the planet. The flamingos, as if they knew they must do something to raise awareness, arranged themselves in the shape of the African continent, allowing the photographer to tell their story. Beautifully constructed, the shot is meaningful and memorable, showing not only technical skills but also care and commitment. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Pink Africa, Kenya, Bogoria.

Flamant nain – Phoeniconaias minor – Lesser Flamingo

The great lakes of the Rift Valley are among the most threatened water systems in the world. Climate change is causing rising water levels, while resource exploitation is destroying forests and biodiversity. Poor land management exacerbates soil erosion and increases the silting of the lakes. At Lake Bogoria, rising water levels and deforestation are endangering the flamingos. Flooding encourages the spread of the invasive plant Prosopis juliflora, whose thorns and branches trap birds in flight. The habitat becomes unsuitable: the rising water levels limit access to algae, the flamingos’ primary food source, and increase pollution. These conditions force the flamingos to relocate, exposing them more to predators.

This photograph, taken during the rainy season in April 2024, captures flamingos arranged in a way that evokes the shape of the African continent, while the water flowing into the lake resembles the arteries of a heart. After several days of observation on site, I witnessed the rapid rise in water levels, mixing soil and sediment, a poignant illustration of the effects of deforestation and climate change. I hope this symbolic image highlights the crucial role of the Rift Valley’s water systems and underscores the urgent need to restore habitats, combat invasive species, and adopt sustainable strategies to protect these unique and fragile ecosystems.

PATRICK NOWOTNY

How well this photograph captures the camouflage of the owl! A nice bokeh effect blurs the background to make the subject stand out and showcase its ability to disguise. The composition does nothing but flatter the subject, from the soft color palette to the diagonal leading line and the central position of this majestic creature. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Western Screech Owl.

FRANCES BRUCHEZ

A simple yet impressive capture of flamingos in flight offers us a glimpse of Africa’s rich biodiversity. Moreover, the photographer emphasizes the delicacy of the ecosystem and raises awareness for responsible photography. The best shot appears only when the photographer has a considerate approach and cares more about the subject’s well-being than the ultimate shot. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Wildlife photography in Kenya offers an unparalleled experience, with its vast savannas, diverse ecosystems, and rich biodiversity. From the iconic Big Five in the Maasai Mara to flamingo-covered lakes in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya provides endless opportunities to capture nature at its most raw and beautiful.

Finding animals to photograph in Kenya is greatly enhanced by the expertise of local guides. Their deep knowledge of the land, animal behavior, and tracking techniques allows photographers to locate elusive wildlife. With the help of local guides’ knowledge, photographers can ensure they do not disturb the wildlife or damage their habitat. Their expertise allows for respectful and responsible photography, maintaining a safe distance while still capturing unforgettable moments. By understanding animal behavior and the environment, guides help photographers achieve memorable images without impacting the delicate balance of nature.

LAURA JEAN ZITO

An amazing cinematic view that seems taken out of a movie, this photograph displays technical and storytelling skills. The color contrast specific to the desert is amplified by the dark frames, the two subjects are well placed within the space, and the textures of the sandstorm are accurately captured. One can almost feel the heat coming out of the image. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – “Give Me Shelter” expresses the stress of climate change, the struggle for survival and the need for shelter and the comfort of others all in one image. The eerie tones of turquoise and ochre heighten the pitch of the sandstorm the Bedouin boy and his camel seek refuge from in the palm frond hoosha.

This day Msallim convinced me to go to Ras abu Galoom with him and two Danish tourists despite my protest that I had no film or cash with me. The Danish girl gave me five Egyptian pounds ($1.00 at best) and Msallim said we’d stop and buy some on the way, but that didn’t happen. When I saw the sandstorm, as we arrived after a bumpy drive in the jeep through the mountains, I was distraught. Such a visual feast and no film!!!

I saw in the fog of dust a lone ice cream seller struggling down the beach with his cooler. I ran down to him with the 5 pounds the Dane had given me and asked if he had “feellum”. He said “La” (no). Not to be diswayed, I grabbed the cooler, shifted all the ice creams out of the way, and lo and behold, there on the bottom of the cooler was the gold I needed! One roll of precious film! Kodak Gold Color Negative Film!

That’s how I got this shot, which I called “Give Me Shelter” so as not to invite conflict from Rolling Stones copyright police. As we waited in this shelter and I saw the boy approach, I knew my moment had arrived to express what we all seek, and what the Bedouin have been great at for centuries, safety and security in the company of others. Ironically, later in life the negative got damaged in a flood, like melted ice cream dripping on it, but luckily I had had a high res scan made already… True north may be the way west, to the mountains beyond, but challenges will inevitably draw us back together to approach their solution as community.

JANE CANSECO

The symmetry is striking and a good reinforcement of the lovely relationship between the two horses. It takes a lot of attention and care to capture such an emotional moment in the Animal Kingdom. The high-key composition is ethereal and suits both the subject and the message behind the photograph. In this case, less is definitely more. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Collin and Lexi are brother and sister born of my mare, Pepsi. This image was taken in 2016 when they were both turned out in our arena for some exercise. In the moment they approached each other, I captured this lovely shot. Using Photoshop, I erased the unattractive foilage and rail behind them, blurred the empty space with a white swirl, and cropped the photo to create this portrait.

JONATHAN ALLEN

People arrogantly believe they are the only ones who watch. That’s not true. Animals are as curious as us, maybe even more so in their innocence and playfulness. This close-up of a whale is not just an impressive shot but a reminder we are in this world together, equally sharing space and resources. The photographer’s dedication and kindness are to be commended because this shot would have been impossible without them. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Deep Window. Looking into the eyes of whales and experiencing them looking right back at me, in moments of silent mutual recognition will forever be my most profound ocean memories. I have always been deeply drawn to cetaceans because of their innate curiosity that mirrors ours underwater.

While aware of the inquisitive nature of young whales, I never expected to have such a meaningful and powerful interaction with wildlife underwater as this one. This is the moment a young sperm whale calf shadowed me with his gaze, coming in so close he filled my entire frame with his inquiring eye and it left me speechless. Along with this curiosity, there also was an unmistakable sense of joy and playfulness in the look we shared.

JOSEPHINE GOTZES

What a photographic treat to get to see polar bears swimming underwater! This playful image captures unique details, beautiful light, and an impressive subject matter that almost poses at the camera. Natural colors and a relaxed composition bring everything together effortlessly. It’s a photo that manages to put a smile on our faces, and that’s a big accomplishment. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A family of three majestic polar bears float underwater: the animals move with impressive agility as small air bubbles rise up from their thick fur. Their gaze is focused, their mighty paws stretched out – practiced as they reach for their prey. The sunlight breaks through the surface of the water and bathes the scene in a mysterious shade of blue-green.