Day 124

I’ve never really appreciated wildlife photography. Cute cuddly animals or “awe-inspiring” rock formations have just never been my thing...at all. However I have to say, there were some absolutely amazing photos at the exhibit I saw today at the National History Museum. There were different categories throughout the exhibit and the winner and runner-ups photos were displayed in each one. I really liked the category composed of images of animals in urban settings. The photo below by Igor Shpilenok won first place.


I think it's such a great photo because he was able to capture a unique and unexpected moment.

There were some amazing photos in the category relating to conservation issues. Each photo had to encourage respect or concern for our natural world and it was amazing how all the artists were able to clearly tell a story or send a message through their photographs. I thought that Johnathan Clay's photo Last of the Tuna was such an amazing image because it sends a very clear message.
I also loveddd this photo-the moment Robert Friel was able to capture says so much. He sums it up by saying: "It's a quirky moment, but it's also a reminder that, however brief and well-managed our visits, our presence leaves a mark."


There were also categories for young photographers and a wall dedicated to seventeen year old Fergus Gill (he's adorable, definitely have a little crush on him) who won the Young Wildlife Photographer Award for the photo below.

This is the third (!!) year in a row he's come in first place. I teared up (all this teary eyed business is getting a bit tiring) when I read his biography and how many awards he had won- it was amazing to see someone have so many talented photographs and win first prize so many times at such a young age.

I was definitely enjoyed the exhibit much more than I thought I would. Because wildlife photography is something so foreign to me and in a totally different world of photography that I’m used to, this show did make me appreciate it a lot more; all of the photos made me realize how much skill is actually needed in capturing wildlife. What was so impressive about each and every photo was the photographers ability to capture moments that many people will never have the privilege of witnessing in their lifetime.