These actions bring nutrient and oxygen-rich water to these mostly stationary creatures. Those living in rock pools are greatly dependent on tidal and wave action for their survival. “Sandy anemones are native to the very shallow waters around the coasts of southern Africa. Photographer and photo details – read more This image helps us cross the divide hopefully, enough of us will listen when we are told that our future depends on healthy oceans. The ocean’s creatures are largely hidden from us, so otherworldly. The explosion of colour against the restless energy of the waves, with backlighting courtesy of the sun, combine with the photographer’s patience and technical skills to create an exceptional capture. But when their pools are full of water, a bright festival of colour ensues. When there is not enough ‘fresh’ water, the anemones close up. Instagram: no specific order) Sandy anemones ( Aulactinia reynaudi), found in shallow coastal waters around southern Africa, are dependent on tidal and wave action to bring oxygen and nutrients. For Alex, it is a thrill to photograph his observations of animals, birds, landscapes, jungles, deserts and oceans. Through further travels in Asia, Belarus, Finland, and again South America, he began to hone his craft, travelling to film and take photos of wildlife. He started to pursue nature photography in 2010 while travelling in South and Central America. I will remember those last seconds for the rest of my life.” About photographer Alex BrackxĪlex Brackx is a wildlife photographer who teaches languages in Belgium. In those seconds, I took this picture of the mother zebra launching a last attempt to push her foal away from the attacking cheetah. One cheetah ran towards us, clinging onto a foal. Seconds later, the cheetahs burst into a small group of zebras. When, five hours later, our Maasai guide whispered, ‘they are going for the zebras,’ I was convinced they would attack the topis or gazelles dotted across the valley. We passed herds of topis, gazelles, and zebras. “That morning, we decided to follow four cheetahs on the hunt. Lastly, we offer thanks and gratitude to our sponsors, Hemmersbach Rhino Force and Natural Selection, whose epic prizes are the most fitting reward for the endeavours of these excellent photographers. Thank you to everyone who fearlessly laid the wares of your efforts and skill bare so that we may experience Africa as you have. They have evoked emotion, told explicit tales and captured true Africa with artistic and considerate skill. But our chosen winners are right where they belong. I gush over these enlightening experiences as it bears repeating that the selection process was tough. All of our entrants found themselves in precisely the right place at the right time, and through their skill and creativity, they have brought this magic right to us – and for that, we thank every one of you. From victorious wins to desperate losses, from new life to untimely death, we’ve realised that the great continent will never cease to surprise us. We’ve been transported by visceral images of intimate human rites and rituals, and our understanding of the natural world has been tested and enlightened, igniting introspection and inspiration. We’ve witnessed wondrous wildlife caught in junctures between survival and demise and in moments of calm and affection. We’ve been granted rare otherworldly glimpses into the ocean’s depths and onto the peaks of the continent’s tallest mountains, into rare species, ethereal treescapes, and some uncanny creatures in compromising positions. Over the past few months, we’ve witnessed authentic Africa come to life. We’ve narrowed these wondrous images down to 14 highly commended, two runners-up, and one ultimate winner. What a feat – we have reached the summit of Photographer of the Year 2022 – after traversing 7,389 glorious entries, which rendered 344 images selected in our weekly galleries. Photographer of the Year is Proudly brought to you by Hemmersbach Rhino Force and Natural Selection. The winner and two runners-up will share the princely sum of US$10,000 and join their partners and our CEO Simon Espley and his wife Lizz on the ultimate private safari in Botswana, where they’ll take more wonderful snaps of our wildlife, landscapes and people. Announcing… ? the winners of Photographer of the Year 2022 ?! We’ve waited on this moment with bated breath, and the results do not disappoint.
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