The 2019 comedy wildlife photography awards have just announced their finalists

The 2019 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards: Celebrating the Fun and Quirky Side of Nature

 

The world of wildlife photography is often dominated by stunning, awe-inspiring images that showcase the beauty and majesty of animals in their natural habitats. These photographs capture powerful moments of grace, vulnerability, and survival, evoking admiration and respect for the creatures that roam our planet. However, every so often, photographers turn their lenses towards the lighter, more humorous side of the animal kingdom, revealing a different perspective that not only entertains but also fosters a deeper connection to the natural world.

 

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, founded in 2015 by photographers Tom Sullam and Paul Joynson-Hicks, were created with this exact intention — to shine a light on the amusing and often hilarious moments that occur in nature, while also promoting conservation. The awards aim to celebrate the lighter side of wildlife and bring attention to the often-overlooked, funny, and quirky behaviors exhibited by animals. Now in their fourth year, the 2019 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have just announced their finalists, and the images they’ve chosen are as captivating and laugh-out-loud funny as ever.

 

In this article, we will take a closer look at the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards and explore some of the standout finalists of the 2019 competition, highlighting the stories behind the images and the incredible creativity that went into capturing these memorable moments. We will also examine the awards’ impact on wildlife conservation and why humor in wildlife photography is essential to the ongoing effort to protect our planet’s biodiversity.

 

The Origins of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

 

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards were founded by two professional photographers, Tom Sullam and Paul Joynson-Hicks, who shared a passion for wildlife photography and a sense of humor. The idea for the awards came about after they noticed how many photos of animals had a funny, unexpected, or quirky quality to them — moments that made them smile, laugh, and see wildlife in a new light. Inspired by these amusing images, they decided to create a platform that would celebrate the humor in nature, while also encouraging conservation efforts.

 

At the heart of the awards is the goal to inspire people to care about wildlife conservation. By using humor to engage audiences, the organizers hoped to foster a sense of connection with nature, which in turn would lead to greater interest in protecting it. As the awards grew in popularity, it became clear that the initiative had succeeded in its mission. The competition now attracts photographers from around the world, and the images entered into the contest provide a fresh and lighthearted perspective on the animal kingdom.

 

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are open to amateur and professional photographers alike, and the contest is judged in several categories, including “Best Photo,” “Underwater,” “Nature in the Environment,” and more. Along with the prestigious title of Comedy Wildlife Photographer of the Year, winners also receive a trophy and a variety of prizes, including a trip to an African safari to photograph wildlife in the wild.

 

In addition to providing a platform for celebrating humorous wildlife photography, the awards are also closely tied to conservation efforts. Since its inception, the competition has supported numerous charitable organizations that focus on environmental issues and the protection of endangered species. A portion of the proceeds from the awards goes to conservation projects, with a particular focus on the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and The Born Free Foundation. This focus on wildlife conservation ensures that the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards not only entertain but also contribute to meaningful change.

 

The 2019 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards: The Finalists

 

The 2019 edition of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards attracted thousands of entries from photographers worldwide, each competing for a chance to be recognized for their ability to capture the hilarious and unexpected moments that occur in nature. The finalists, which were announced in September 2019, represent a diverse range of species, habitats, and situations, showcasing the delightful quirks of the animal kingdom.

 

Here are some of the standout finalists from the 2019 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards:

 

1. “Caught in the Act” by Martin Kyu

 

In this photograph, a seagull is captured mid-flight with an expression of absolute surprise, as if caught red-handed in the act of stealing food from an unsuspecting passerby. The gull’s wide eyes and open beak give the image a comical, almost guilty appearance, making it one of the most popular finalists of the competition. The timing and composition of the shot perfectly capture the essence of the seagull’s cheeky behavior, a characteristic that is well-known among coastal-dwelling birds.

 

2. “Cheeky Monkey” by Daniel Trim

 

This photo features a barbary macaque, which is caught in a playful pose with its hand over its mouth, seemingly laughing at something. The macaque’s expression is almost human-like in its amusement, and its body language suggests it is fully aware of the photographer’s presence. Known for their mischievous behavior, barbary macaques are often seen engaging in playful antics, and this image beautifully conveys their cheeky, curious nature.

 

3. “The Ostrich That Forgot How to Fly” by Joel Sartore

 

In this hilarious photograph, an ostrich is captured mid-motion with its wings flapping awkwardly, as if trying to take flight. Of course, ostriches are flightless birds, and this image humorously emphasizes the bird’s futile attempts to soar. The ostrich’s exaggerated posture and the timing of the shot make it appear as though the bird is having a moment of confusion, which adds to the comedic effect. Sartore’s expertise as a National Geographic photographer shines through in this perfectly timed, lighthearted image.

 

4. “A Flamingo’s Bad Day” by Alex Walters

 

This photograph shows a flamingo balancing precariously on one leg, but instead of looking elegant, the bird’s awkward posture creates a comical scene. Its head is tilted in an almost exasperated manner, as if it’s contemplating its unfortunate predicament. Flamingos are known for their striking appearance and graceful movements, but this image captures a more relatable, imperfect moment, reminding viewers that even the most graceful animals have their clumsy moments.