SILVER IN THE WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS
World Nature Photography Awards: Celebrating award winning wildlife photography
Whilst I was recently in Kenya on safari, I received some wonderful news. One of my images “She Who Dares” won Silver in this years World Nature Photography Awards in the Behaviour-Reptiles category.
Winning Silver at the World Nature Photography Awards is another amilestone in my career as a full-time wildlife photographer. I was truly thrilled that the judges recognised the powerful storytelling and rare behaviour captured in this award-winning image.
What Are the World Nature Photography Awards?
Now in its sixth year, the World Nature Photography Awards (WNPA) is a prestigious global competition celebrating the best in nature and wildlife photography. Its mission is to highlight the beauty of the natural world and inspire action to protect it for future generations. The WNPA brings together photographers who capture extraordinary wildlife moments, raising awareness and appreciation for the planet’s most vulnerable species.
Award Winning Wildlife Photography: ‘She Who Dares’
My image titled ‘She Who Dares’ won acclaim at the World Nature Photography Awards 2024. I took it in the Serengeti while observing a resting male lion. To my amazement, a brave female agama lizard approached and made contact with the lion’s nose while attempting to snatch a fly from his face. Luckily the lion didn't react, but I was amazed at the chutzpah in what I had witnessed.
This split-second interaction was a unique moment of courage and behaviour rarely seen—making it a perfect example of award winning wildlife photography.
Anticipating a repeat, I added a 2x extender to my 400mm lens. Sure enough, the agama returned and was inches away from the sleeping Lion King’s face but found no prey this time and scampered off. Still, witnessing her fearless behaviour was unforgettable. It might not have been the image that I was originally looking for but arguably this is a more striking image of one of the Kings of the Serengeti & the brave lizard.
Behind the lens: Fieldcraft in the Serengeti
I think it also shows how important it is to remain observant whilst in the field especially in those moments when you are waiting for something to happen - something more interesting may present itself & adapting quickly was essential to get this image.
I was on a photography tour with Federico Veronesi when I took this image & his advice on the editing was incredibly helpful to ensure the storytelling in the image was clear.
Past WNPA Success: ‘The Blessing’
My journey with the World Nature Photography Awards began in 2022 when I won Bronze in the Black & White category for a powerful image titled “The Blessing.”
Captured in Savute, Botswana while filming "Savage Kingdom" for Nat Geo Wild, the award winning image features a trio of elephants in a waterhole. Elephants have been acknowledged as sentient beings & there is something powerful in the connection that I witnessed amongst these three elephants. This connection—both gentle and commanding—felt spiritual. Converting the image to black and white added a dramatic, almost biblical feel, enhancing the emotional impact
Unique Wildlife Wall Art: Limited Edition Prints
Both ‘She Who Dares’ and ‘The Blessing’ are available as Limited Edition Fine Art Prints—perfect if you're looking for unique wildlife wall art with a story to tell. Each piece is printed to gallery standards, offering collectors a chance to own a moment of nature’s unscripted drama.
Explore my Print Store to browse these and other emotionally resonant works of wildlife art.
FINAL THANKS
Thank you again to the World Nature Photography Awards and its judges for recognising these moments. Congratulations to all the other winners—especially mentors and friends Paul Goldstein and Tom Way.
INTERNATIONAL PRESS COVERAGE
It’s also been great to see all the press coverage for the competition & the winners, so with the competition for next year now open I’m putting together my shortlist of images to enter again.
