WPOTY People’s Choice Award Open for Voting
Online voting is now open for the LUMIX People’s Choice Award, as part of the Natural History Museum’s world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, which is now in it’s 55th year.
This annual award recognises exceptional competition entries as voted for by members of the public and voting is open now, until 14:00pm (GMT) on Tuesday 4 February 2020 on the NHM website.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the Natural History Museum’s highly acclaimed, annual showcase of the world’s best nature photography and wildlife photojournalism on one global platform. The awarded images are seen by millions of people all over the world, and shine a spotlight on nature photography as an art form, whilst challenging us to address the big questions facing our planet.
Each year, it sparks curiosity and wonder in millions of people, using the unique power of photography to sway both hearts and minds. The awarded images remind us of the impact of human activity and emphasise the urgent need to protect the planet and the species we share it with.
Fans of wildlife photography from around the world can choose their favourite for the LUMIX People’s Choice Award from 25 images, pre-selected by the Natural History Museum from over 48,000 image entries from 100 countries.
The shortlisted images are currently on display at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London, until voting ends on 4 February 2020. The winner will then be showcased until the exhibition closes on the 31st May 2020.
The top five LUMIX People’s Choice Award images will also be displayed online at www.wildlifephotographeroftheyear.com, joining the 100-strong winning portfolio chosen by the esteemed panel of judges.
“The LUMIX People’s Choice images capture the essence of the competition; they all ignite a reaction about the natural world and make you see it differently,” said Tim Littlewood, Executive Director of Science at the Natural History Museum. “Showcasing breath-taking beauty, compassion and cruelty, it is impossible not to be moved by them–I think everyone who votes has a tough decision to make!”
Here are a few of the selected 25 images up for winning the 2019 Award:
Sam discovered the best way to photograph the mice inhabiting London’s Underground was to lie on the platform and wait. He only saw them fight over scraps of food dropped by passengers a few times, possibly because it is so abundant. This fight lasted a split second, before one grabbed a crumb and they went their separate ways.
Wayne spotted this male humpback calf and its mother while diving off the Vava’u Island group in the Kingdom of Tonga. The calf kept a curious eye on Wayne as it twisted and turned before returning to its mother periodically to suckle. She was relaxed and motionless 20 metres (65 feet) below.
Over several months, Salvador watched different species of bird use the dead flower spike of the agave in Valencia, Spain as a perch before descending to a small pond to drink. A pair of common kestrels were frequent visitors though each time they came magpies would hassle them.
In Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, Clement spent time observing this beautiful leopard as she soaked up the last warm rays of the setting sun. Clement is mindful to remember to take pleasure in life’s simple moments – being all too aware that sometimes, as a wildlife photographer, you can miss the exceptional while looking for the unusual.
Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in the state of Yucatán is home to Mexico’s largest flock of Caribbean flamingos. This chick is less than five days old – it will stay in its nest less than a week before it joins a crèche of other youngsters who wander around the colony searching for food.
From a hide on the coast of northern Norway, it took Audun three years of planning to capture this majestic bird of prey in its coastal environment. After some time, the golden eagle became curious of the camera and seemed to like being in the spotlight.
Be sure to get your vote in by 14:00pm (GMT) on Tuesday 4 February and share your favourite by tagging @NHM_WPY on Twitter and using the hashtag #WPYPeoplesChoice. More information on the NHM website.
