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Photographer Paolo Della Rocca spent six hours in freezing conditions to photograph a captivating moment between two snow leopards. The outstanding image (shown below) received top honors at the Nature Photographer of the Year 2024 awards.
Winner, Mammals
“Within northern India exists an area referred to as Spiti Valley, home to one of the rarest wild creatures on the planet—the snow leopard. Since my formative years, this venture has been a dream for me, and the snow leopard has consistently been my favorite wild species. This year, in my quest for this enigmatic feline, I was fortunate to come across a pair of sub-adult siblings and capture various moments of their existence. The highlight of this experience was February 1st. Securing this image was far from straightforward; I endured over six hours on the edge of a canyon while the two siblings rested in a cavern. The bone-chilling cold—plummeting to -25 degrees and compounded by a snowstorm—permeated my very marrow. When tranquility returned, the snow leopards stirred, galloping up the snowy inclines, frolicking in front of my wide-eyed amazement. At that moment, I thought, ‘This can’t be happening; it’s unreal!’ And then, I managed to capture this moment. Even in my most vivid dreams, I never envisioned capturing such a scene. I am incredibly thankful that the NPOTY 2024 jury valued this photograph!”
Credit: Paolo Della Rocca / NPOTY 2024
“This extraordinary image encapsulates what many view as the pinnacle of wildlife photography—not just one, but two snow leopards engaged in a stunning encounter,” NPOTY Chairman Tin Man Lee articulates. “The photograph freezes an awe-inspiring second as these elusive felines stand on their hind legs, their majestic forms distinctly showcased against the wintry backdrop, crafting a tableau of pure strength and natural spectacle. The photograph’s merit extends beyond a mere sighting, reflecting the technical skill needed to capture such dynamic behavior under difficult mountain conditions, supplemented by the artistic quality of a composition that positions these elusive creatures in their breathtaking, high-altitude setting.”
(Click to enlarge images to their full dimensions.)
Highly Commended, Animal Portraits
Credit: Brian Matthews / NPOTY 2024
Runner Up
Credit: Mathijs Frenken / NPOTY 2024
Highly Commended, Mammals
Credit: Charles Janson / NPOTY 2024
Highly Commended, Mammals
Credit: Hannes Lochner / NPOTY 2024 HANNES LOCHNER
Highly Commended, Animal Portraits
Credit: Antonio Liebana Navarro / NPOTY 2024
Winner, Underwater
Judge Tin Man Lee imparts his reflections: “This image brilliantly seizes the untamed vigor and flowing elegance of an octopus in motion, producing a captivating composition that instantly enchants the observer and immerses them into the aquatic realm. The vivid hues of the octopus starkly contrast against the verdant background, while its lively posture and sweeping tentacles form natural guiding lines that lead the gaze through each aspect of this extraordinary instance. The photographer’s adeptness in capturing such an ephemeral underwater spectacle, while preserving impeccable clarity and structure, elevates an already intriguing marine animal into a mesmerizing piece of artistry that encapsulates both the strength and grace of oceanic life.”
Credit: Andrey Shpatak / NPOTY 2024 AShpatak
Highly Commended, Birds
Credit: Francesco Guffanti / NPOTY 2024
Runner Up, Youth
Credit: Ismael Domínguez / NPOTY 2024 Ismael Domiinguez Gutierrez
Highly Commended, Birds
Credit: Levi Fitze / NPOTY 2024
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Highly Commended, Humans and Nature
Credit: Gerard Carbonell / NPOTY 2024 
Winner, Humans and Nature
Jury member Joan de la Malla remarks on the victorious photograph in the Human and Nature category: “This remarkable image depicts the ruler of the jungle lounging on an extravagant sofa. The lavish environment and the…
“`the peculiar behavior of the domestic tiger acts as a vivid reminder of our culture’s anthropocentrism, which places even the most formidable and noble creatures, like the tiger, under human control. Undoubtedly, this striking image invites us to contemplate our position as a species on this planet and promotes a thorough evaluation of our community’s lifestyle.”
Credit: Aaron Gekoski / NPOTY 2024 
Highly Commended, Other Animals
Credit: Pandora Maund / NPOTY 2024 Pandora Maund
Highly Commended, Animal Portraits
Credit: Louis Guillot / NPOTY 2024 
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