1ST PRIZE – GEORGI GEORGIEV

“I am enamoured with the ambience of this miniature world, complete with a charming snail. The shallow depth of field and the interplay of dappled light work in harmony to emphasize the image’s aesthetic beauty. The composition is truly captivating, and the attention to detail is impeccable. The overall effect is a stunning visual experience that transports the viewer to a magical realm.” – TIM FLACH

“To consider the theme ‘Animal Kingdom’ in this perspective is wonderful but also vital, as truly understanding how the smallest of creatures contribute to the wider ecosystem is crucial. A thoughtful title, immediately evoking a sense of wonder, equally matched by the image which is full of charm and warmth – it’s an enchanting scene, and one at a scale that we can only ever really appreciate through the power of photography.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – The magical world of snails.

2ND PRIZE – ILIAS ISLAM

“For me, this image of the gorilla captures the sense of the barrier between ‘us’ and ‘them’. Symbolically, the hands serve as a reminder of the challenges that our children will encounter in the future with regards to the natural world. As we move forward, it is crucial to recognise the importance of preserving our environment and the impact it has on our future generations. The hands represent the responsibility we have to protect and nurture our planet, ensuring that it remains a healthy and sustainable place for our children to thrive. Let us work together to create a brighter future for all.” – TIM FLACH

“The title of this image is fittting, implying there is a forced separation of one species from another, intentionally limiting the freedom of one to the advantage of another. For an opportunistic photograph, there are plenty of symbolic features at play within the scene – the gorilla’s face obscured by human hands, and the hands seemingly being those of children – representing aspects of identity, power and hierarchy, as well as the direction in which the world is headed. The photographer’s snapshot is truly a portrait of captivity.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Segregation Of Species. While wandering the Zurich Zoo I came across this scenario and had to ask myself, who is the feral Primate in this case.

SAMUEL CLUTTERBUCK

“Even though we’re told this elephant has been rescued, a sense of sadness still hangs in the air, weighted by the soft tones and low light that wash across the scene. Possibly sadness for what was lost and how the illegal capturing of wild elephants for human gain is still practiced. The photographer makes sure to balance their subjects with a wide scope of the surrounding forest landscape, possibly a symbol of hope and peace for these remarkable giants.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A man and his elephant. This image was taken in Thailand of a rescued elephant in an elephant sanctuary. Showcasing a mutual friendship between a rescued elephant and it’s career as they peacefully look over the hillscape.

HELGA MADAJOVA

“From a purely aesthetic perspective this image is a triumph – a visually-pleasing scene of soft tones and texture, imitating a state of pure serenity. On a deeper level, it raises an interesting point on ‘how and why’ we connect with animals. The photograph almost portrays how these connections we build appear to benefit us on many levels – soulful, practical and psychological – enabling us to build respect and understanding of one another.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Connection. The photo shows pure and strong connection between horse and its owner.

ALEXANDRE BÈS

“An awe-inspiring scene greets the viewer, as if lost between dreams and reality, the image pulls you in to inspect every layer. The photographer cautiously captures this majestic view from a perspective that can only champion the wonder of this area rather than minimize it in any way. Accompanying the extraordinary photograph, they enlightens us with the fascinating facts that surround this landscape and elevate this lake to a unique natural wonder. Beautifully done.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Lake “Magadi” which means “soda” in Swahili bears its name very well, since it contains a unique concentration of caustic soda, produced naturally by the transformation of sediments in contact with runoff water and molten lava under the lake. In this salty water, millions of lesser flamingos come to feed on microalgae, shrimp, and other crustaceans. The soda concentration is so high and the depth of the lake so shallow that a crust of soda crystals partly covers it. Seen from the sky, everything suddenly seems unreal… 19 October 2022, Kenya. Lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor).

FRANCESCO PERGOLESI

“This theatrical photograph aims to give gravitas to the position of pets within the family dynamic, and does so with glamour and exactness. The cinematic style elevates the dog’s role, bringing into question how domestic animals perceive our lifestyles – if at all. The photographer has considered each detail and realized the piece with a sense of admiration and humor.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – La Stanza Dei Giochi. From Pompeii to the present day, the relationship between man and the “canis lupus familiaris” has radically changed. By making each other useful, men and dogs, they have had a parallel evolution. The dog, once an indispensable companion for hunting, has become a faithful inseparable friend, passing from the cold kennel in the courtyard to the comfortable sofa next to the fireplace. The photographic works of the Cave Canem series are the result of a long creative process that connects the traditional genre painting, with the places and dynamics of contemporary daily life. Dogs are the protagonists of the scene, appropriating the domestic spaces of their owners. Thomas Mann in Herr und Hund describes the relationship with his dog Baschan as a “mutual understanding in which neither of them betrays their own nature but a “communion of equal dignity is established”.

TOMMASO CARRARA

“This dramatic, almost dystopian scene is full of perspective from a visual and metaphorical view point. The position of the monkeys above the cityscape alludes to a sense of dominance, while the angled lines of the trees and harbor in the background bring the gaze out across the sea leaving the viewer with a feeling of the unknown. The complimenting earthy tones enhance an apprehensive atmosphere.” – LIFE FRAMER

NEIL PORTER

“This portrait of a half-submerged reptile is both strange and familiar, the glass-like reflection annunciating the prehistoric features. The vague rocky backdrop resembling the animal’s head shape is an effective framing device, and the use of cold tones throughout the image acts to mirror its cold blood and our relationship with it of fear and unknowing -for may of us at least. It’s clear this photographer has a healthy understanding of the environment they are shooting in, complete with a strong skill base to achieve imagery such as this.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Reflections.

THOMMY MARDO

“This image serves up a severe dose of reality for us all. As we take in the life of this bird, camouflaged amongst trash and chaos, we can no longer deny the devastation thrust upon the Animal Kingdom by years of human greed and waste. This image could easily be overwhelmed with detail, however the photographers careful composition ensures the message is stark and poignant. A distressing but critical photograph.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A picture that tells the story of wild animals and people in this world. A stork in the midst of the garbage we generate. He has adapted and is trying to survive here. He is dirty because the garbage is dirty, but he finds food. We don’t care about him, but we destroy his natural habitat.

SOPHIE GAMAND

“What a powerful photograph for a dog that has suffered so much, bringing Totopo from enslaved and abused to celebrated and respected. The dog’s back story appears as key to the series as the god-like character depicted, showcasing the photographer’s care and attention to detail. A well constructed image full of creativity and personality.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Totopo was rescued in Mexico. His owner kept him tied outside, day in and day out, on a chain so short Totopo couldn’t lay down. His skin was bleeding from really bad infections. He was later adopted by a loving family. This portrait is part of a series which explores the place dogs occupy in our mythology and religion. In stories of the Old World, before monotheist religions taught us that dogs are unworthy and inferior, dogs were often described as fierce guardians of the Afterlife, and/or guides to the human souls. They could refuse passage to the deceased – especially to those who weren’t good to dogs in life. They would carry the souls across dangerous obstacles. I am fascinated by exploring these stories from a time when humans respected and listened to the lessons Nature can teach us.

SASKIA COULSON AND COLIN TENNANT (COULSON & TENNANT)

“‘Poetry in motion’ comes to mind as this image presents itself. The evasive narwhal was once the inspiration for the mythical unicorn, and here it’s clear to see why with the rare mammal almost indistinguishable against the vast seascape. There’s a mystical quality both captured and created by this talented photographer, enabling the true beauty of this annual passage to be displayed and shared.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A Blessing. We had been looking for the elusive narwhal for days on our journey through the North West Passage in the Canadian Arctic. Whenever we would catch a glimpse of them as they surfaced and then quickly disappeared again. It was when we were in Croker Bay, Devon Island when we saw their shallow blows spurting on the water’s surface. Through our binoculars we spotted movements near the face of the glacier at front of a delta that was bringing silt into the bay. With each movement of their fluke as the pod of swam through the silt, they would gently weave patterns in the brown water to reveal the deep navy-blue colour of the water below. These ghost-like markings were transient and followed the blessing of narwhal as they glided through the bay.

ANDREAS BAUER

“New and old both clash and compliment each other in one frame. The photographer attempts to convey two ways of life, reflecting the changing generations but displaying how both are still significant – most notably, the role of the horse, still essential in agricultural communities. A balance of both worlds is displayed within the juxtaposition of shiny metals and dilapidated walls. It’s a deceptively clever image.” – LIFE FRAMER

ALEXANDRU MǍCIUCǍ

“Through this image of strong color and structure, the photographer brings us into a world of deep respect and understanding, creating a portrait of mutual devotion. This is a world where Heidi and Silvia live in harmony, building a friendship type of connection. Placing the two main subjects at opposing corners of the image amplifies the unusual relationship without undermining it. An enjoyable scene and story that rewards the viewer’s attention.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Heidi (the crow) and Silvia at the end of the day. At Sepale, near Timisoara, Romania, December, 2022. The Magic at Sepale was shot in December 2022 near Timisoara, Romania. Sepale is a Sanctuary for Birds, but it has other animals there as well. The founders are Alin and Silvia. I wanted to Document their lives and activity because the Magic and Love that is present there is unreal. Their main objective is to offer a safe place for birds to heal, recover and to bring awareness to people regarding animal rights through different educational and artistic activities. Silvia’s story and her entire being is what made me want to do this. She is the person that all her life had a deep connection with animals. Even growing up she couldn’t form meaningful bonds with other children, but animals were the ones that made her Heart sing. She dropped everything just to dedicate her life fully to a Purpose bigger than her. The project is ongoing, and I would like to return there when Spring comes.

INES GODINEZ

“An image that blurs the lines of both wildlife and fine art photography. The use of negative space reinforces the power of the magnetic surrounding and impending storm. This photographer has looked beyond the iconic scenes on offer in this environment and sought out the stories that celebrate the organic relationships between animals and land. The result is a safari shot that feels artistic and unexpected.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Cotton candy. Storm coming in the Massai Mara created this incredible backdrop and contrast.

SUSAN RICHMAN

“The concept of an ‘Environmental Memento Mori’ is an astute and arresting approach to highlighting a critical issue. The photographer undertakes their unique vision with considered detail, carefully curating beauty, destruction and pain within one scene. The juxtaposition of the dead bird almost camouflaged amongst blooming flowers, reflects the ignorance shown towards the climate crisis and its effect on animals. It’s a timely and fitting creation.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – My photographs were created to bring awareness to the alarming decrease of birds and insects, particularly pollinators and to be a catalyst for change. Inspired by Victorian Memento Mori, photos that exquisitely pose a deceased family member in their finest clothes and surrounded by their favorite objects. I too pose my subjects in an imagined environment. With each photo I explore the juxtaposition between permanence and impermanence and the clash between beauty and the precarious state of our world. I created my Environmental Memento Mori images to honor my subjects whose troubling decline makes their recognition important and poignant. The images are produced by layering my subject, botanical materials, and dyes on multiple sheets of glass separated by blocks. The assemblage is photographed as one image through the glass layers simultaneously creating a fantasy environment that once captured allows the subject to live on forever.

JOSE LUIS GONZALEZ GUERRA

“Energy bursts from each corner of this scene, the patterns drawing the eye right into minute details and across each distant shadowy shape. Layered in blues and silvers, the photographer exhibits their experience and well-honed skills while inviting the viewer to enjoy this underwater spectacle along with them. A beautiful display of nature, carefully captured.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Explosion of life in Baja, California. This place is protected from fishing and it is reflected in the amount of life there.

ANNIE TONG

“An image that conflicts with the story it is part of; as the cow rests calmly amongst its human owners there is no sense of the impending sacrifice. The photograph is full of life, with humans and animals sharing these temporary living spaces, the men seemingly at ease with the camera – a peaceful scene set against a jarring concept of mass slaughter in honour of faith and sharing. The photographer has an eye for storytelling with detailed images that maintain a sense of visual order.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From the series Festival of Sacrifice in Bangladesh. The Eid-ul-Azha ceremony in Bangladesh and throughout the Muslim world is marked by the sacrifice of cows, goats, sheep, or camel in remembrance and celebration of the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as a show of faith to Allah.

The sacrifice of Eid-ul-Azha is more than a show of faith to Allah by sacrificing something you love; it is also about showing kindness and equality by sharing the meat from the sacrifice with others. The household that purchased and slaughtered the cows will keep only one third of the meat that comes from the butchered animal. One third of the animal will be shared with friends and other family members, and, most importantly, the remaining third of the butchered meat will be shared with the less fortunate who are unable to afford to buy meat for themselves.

Every effort is made to ensure that there is enough meat to be distributed to everyone in need. This celebration of Eid-ul-Azha is intended to ensure that even the poorest people in the nation who cannot afford to buy meat on their own, can enjoy plenty of it at least once a year. Sharing is an essential part of Islamic belief, and because of this the poor can accept this gift of meat with dignity. Receiving gifts of meat or money is thought of as helping the giver fulfil his or her obligations to God.

Cattle Markets in the Dhaka City Streets. In the days leading up to the Eid celebration in Bangladesh, selected streets throughout the cities are transformed into temporary cattle markets where ranchers bring their cows and goats directly to the public for purchase. Ranchers will build shelters like this one where they will live with their animals for the three days leading up to Eid. In 2020, the Festival of Sacrifice fell directly in the middle of the Monsoon rain season –a blessing and a curse: the rain will help wash the streets clean but creates challenges for the ranchers as they try to stay comfortable in their make-shift shelters. – Dhaka, Bangladesh.

DENIS VEJAS

“This is a somber, painful scene to absorb – from subjects to setting, lighting to tones, the photographer is considerate with their approach. The pain of war is felt throughout this photograph, the torment not only depicted across the destroyed apartment walls but also etched into the facial expressions of both woman and dog. The effect of human actions on animals seems unavoidable, another painful, less obvious reality of conflict zones.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – These images are part from the series Animals in the War Zone – an ongoing project exploring how war in Ukraine is playing out in animal’s lives. Tatiana hosts abandoned animals in her apartment in Chernihiv. The block house, that she is living in, is hit by a Russian artillery strike. There is no water, no gas, and no heating. However, she refuses to evacuate, as she cannot leave her animals behind. There are 7 dogs and 20 cats she is looking after. In the photograph – Tatiana and Zhuchka, a dog that she rescued from a burning apartment.

STEFAN KONKOLY

“A captivating image full of repetitive colour, natural tones and linear patterns. Initially, the photograph appears to generate more questions about life in this far eastern wilderness rather than depict reality – however, as each element comes into play the lifestyle is depicted clearly. The relationship between human and animal is key to survival in these remote areas and we’re excited to see how that plays out in the wider series.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Life in Yakutia, Russia.

EDMAR PINEDA

“The conflicting imagery of this construction emerging awkwardly from the watery landscape may feel alien, however its new function as a home for marine life is now a vital one. It’s fascinating to think how, across the globe, man-made structures – sunken ships, lost containers, abandoned submarines – have become unintended reefs and places of refuge for wildlife, both above and under the water. An interesting photograph with an important narrative of how animals are adapting to a world dominated by humans.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A shipwreck has become home to different wildlife species near the coast of Ballestas Island in Paracas, Peru.