12/11/2023
Nature Talks presents the results of the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐤 from Canada is the Nature Photographer of the Year 2023!
Jacquie Matechuk, a nature photographer from Canada, is the winner of the prestigious Nature Photographer of the Year 2023 competition and may call herself “Nature Photographer of the Year 2023”. The Nature Photographer of the Year competition is an initiative of Nature Talks, the organization is also responsible for the Nature Talks Photo Festival which takes this weekend in Ede, the Netherlands
Winner Jacquie Matechuk captured the Spectacled Bear in a stunning photo chosen by the jury for its three-dimensionality and the profound connection it portrays between the bear, its habitat, and Spanish moss-draped surroundings. Chairman Marco Gaiotti commends the perfect pose of the bear in the textured photograph.
Matechuk, a certified bear guide, discovered the unique Spectacled Bear during an 8,000km journey across the Andean Mountain range in Ecuador. The rich biodiversity of the region fascinated her, leading to 11 days of observing these bears in their natural habitat. The local farmer/guide, a tireless advocate for the endangered species, facilitated this intimate experience.
The image features Tony, a large male spectacled bear, seeking refuge in a century-old fig tree from the midday sun. The Spanish moss-covered tree, set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, captures the bear's tranquility and connection to its environment. Matechuk's narrative emphasizes the bears' acceptance of human presence, allowing for close observations of their natural behavior, from nursing to playing. The image titled 'He Looks to the Heavens' beautifully encapsulates a fleeting moment of the bear embracing the cool moisture of a gentle rain, bathed in muted sunlight. Congratulations to Jacquie Matechuk for this outstanding photograph.
𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭í𝐧𝐞𝐳 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐫 - 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫.
The judges had to choose from 21.474 images, coming from over 96 different countries. A new record for this competition! Photos could be entered in 12 different categories and also for the Fred Hazelhoff portfolio award. This award was won by the Mexican photographer Fernando Constantino Martínez Belmar. He created a very interesting and powerful photo project of jaguars.
𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝟏𝟎-𝟏𝟕 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 - 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥 - Ő𝐫𝐬𝐢 Á𝐤𝐨𝐬 (𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐲)
Judge Marco Gaiotti is telling what he likes about the winning image in the Category Youth: “An uncluttered image, featuring only the essential elements for a minimal composition, often proves highly effective in terms of visual impact. The judging panel particularly valued this photograph due to its ability to convey a profound sense of artistic maturity, especially when considering the age of the photographer - a young boy. It's a testament to the remarkable artistic talent demonstrated by someone of his age.”
We congratulate every winner and want to thank everybody who entered, our sponsors and special thanks to our judges! Due to your submitted photos, we will donate €750,- to Photographers Against Wildlife Crime.
Next NPOTY contest 2023 starts on the 20th of December!
Let Nature Talk!🐻🦋🐾🍄💥
Check the results here >> https://naturephotographeroftheyear.com/previous-editions/npoty-2023-results/
Nature Photographer of the Year contest is for every nature photographer worldwide. Join our competition and help nature projects and win fantastic prizes.
