Fort Bard hosts the 59th edition of Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the most important award dedicated to nature photography promoted by the Natural History Museum in London. The winners of the 19 categories were picked from a total of 49,957 images hailing from 95 countries. They were judged anonymously by an international judging panel of experts, based on originality, narrative, technical excellence and ethical practice.
The exhibition displays the award-winning shots in a new and unprecedented setting that of the Cannon Rooms in Fort Bard. The photos are presented in light panels, making them even more beautiful and exciting.
This year's competition saw 49,957 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels from 95 countries. The images were anonymously judged by an international jury of experts on originality, storytelling, technical excellence and ethical practice.
Winning the title of nature photographer of the year was the French marine biologist and photographer Laurent Ballesta, already winner in 2021, thanks to the image The golden horseshoe, which portrays a horseshoe crab with its golden protective carapace, while moves slowly across the mud in the protected waters of Pangatalan Island in the Philippines, flanked by three small golden trevally. «Seeing a specimen of limulidae living in its natural habitat in all its splendor is an amazing experience. It is an ancient species and at high risk of extinction, but also fundamental for human health" states Kathy Moran, President of the jury.
The Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 was awarded to the Israeli Carmel Bechler with the image Owls' road house which immortalises some barn owls inside an abandoned building near a busy road. The author made the most of natural light and used long exposure times to capture the light trails of passing traffic. Kathy Moran, editor and president of the jury highlights the different levels of content and composition: «The eye travels across the road, in traffic before spotting the owls. At the same time it shouts about habitat destruction and adaptation, raising the question: if wildlife can adapt to our environment, why can't we respect theirs?
Among the winners also the Italians Alessandro Falco (special mention in the Photojournalism section), Barbara Dall'Angelo (special mention in the Wetlands section), Bruno D'Amicis (special mention in the Natural Talent category), Ekaterina Bee (winner in the 11- 14 years old), Pietro Formis (special mention in the Animal Portraits section).
