Environmental Photographer 2010 award winners

The Environmental Photographer of the Year is an international showcase for the very best in environmental photography, honouring amateur and professional photographers who use their ability to raise awareness of environmental and social issues. The categories are Mott MacDonald's Changing Climates; The Natural World; Quality of Life; Innovation in the Environment (New for 2010); The Underwater World (New for 2010); A View From the Western World (New for 2010); and the Young Environmental Photographer of the Year (Under 16 & Under 21).

The Underwater World (New Category for 2010)

Three-quarters of the world's surface is water and almost half of the world's population lives on or close to a coastline, but to many the wonders of the underwater world are virtually unknown. This category allowed photographers to share the incredible secrets the oceans, lakes and even ponds hold, as well as highlight the vital role they play in our world's survival.

Environmental Photographer of the Year Overall Winner: Flight of the Rays Florian by Schulz

Florian Schulz - Flight of the Rays

An amazing picture of thousands of rays swimming through the ocean in a colossal school has scooped top prize in the CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year 2010 awards. The group of Munkiana Devil Rays were spotted in Baja California Sur, Mexico, by German conservation photographer Florian Schulz. He described how he was able to take his winning image, Flight of the Rays:

"During an aerial expedition over the coast of Baja California Sur, I came across something I had never seen before. Not even my pilot, who has surveyed this area for 20 years, had seen anything like it. As we glided high above over the water looking for whales, a large dark spot caught our attention. As we got closer we started to discover its nature: an unprecedented congregation of rays. The group was as thick as it was wide, all heading towards the same direction. I have asked around why this took place but no one has been able to explain it to me. After such a unique sighting, I realise there are so many marvels in the oceans that we are yet to understand. Our knowledge of the oceans is so limited; I just hope that we are in time to rescue it before it collapses from pollution and over fishing."

"I was thrilled to receive the fantastic news about being awarded the "Environmental Photographer of the Year 2010! This is just wonderful! Throughout my career as a nature photographer I have closely tied my photography with conservation efforts, so to be recognised by CIWEM is a great honour."

Runner Up: Three Green Turtles by Troy Leslie William Mayne

Troy Leslie William Mayne - Three Green Turtles 

Highly Commended: Birthplace by Bela Nasfay

Bela Nasfay - Birthplace 

In one of the small spring-fed lakes of an Hungarian mountain, the European Common Brown Frogs have already laid their eggs on the bottom by April. The tadpoles are waiting for the moment of their birth.

Highly Commended: Hide and Seek by Kaido Haagen

Kaido Haagen - Hide and Seek

A Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) at 2 meter depth near the island of Vilsandi, Estonia.

CIWEM's Young Environmental Photographer of the Year: Under 21

This year the Young Environmental Photographer of the Year was separated into two groups, allowing budding photographers a greater chance to compete with their contemporaries. Although this section had no thematic boundaries, entries highlighted issues important to this generation.

Winner: The Fortune Teller by Radoslav Radoslavov ValkovValkov

Radoslav Radoslavov Valkov - The Fortune Teller 

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The Young Environmental Photographer of the Year title was taken by Radoslav Radoslavov Valkov. Amateur Radoslav, 20, created his stunning macro image of a fly drinking from a dew drop on a blade of grass in his back garden in Bulgaria. On hearing the news, Radoslav said:

"At first I was astonished to know that I was even shortlisted and later absolutely delighted to realise that I have received my first serious international artistic recognition. CIWEM has made a dream come true, as my work has never been so highly valued. This award almost coincided with my birthday, so what a present!"

Highly Commended: Hide and Seek by Kaido Haagen

Tiffany Zau Okinawa Churaumi - Aquarium

CIWEM's Young Environmental Photographer of the Year: Under 16

Young Environmental Photographer of the Year 2010 & Under 16 Winner: The Time Has Stopped by Sazonova Ksenia

Sazonova Ksenia - The Time Has Stopped

Runner Up: Three Green Turtles by Troy Leslie William Mayne

Alex Marttunen - Home Sweet Home

Finalist in the Under 16 group: Alex Marttunen’s picture titled ‘Home Sweet Home’ which shows a Hermit crab using a bottle top in place of a shell.

Highly Commended: Epiphany by Doroshenko Veronika 

Doroshenko Veronika - Epiphany

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Winner of Natural World group: Bence Mate’s picture of a hummingbird attacking a green pit viper.

Winner of the Innovation group: Rowan E Bestmann’s picture of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. In an effort to improve the city’s grey water runoff, the government of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia developed an innovative way to purify the water through a series of channels and causeways.

Finalist in the Changing Climate group: Sue Floods’ picture of the North Pole sign in melting ice and meltwater.

Finalist in the View of The Western World group: Peter Swan’s picture ‘Car Graveyard’. Crushed cars piled up ready to be sold as scrap metal, Inverkeithing Harbour, Scotland.

Finalist for the Natural World Group: Julienne Bowser’s picture of a wave at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Finalist for the Natural World group: Sandor Zsila’s picture titled ‘Argument’ which shows three Collared Aracari birds on a branch.

Winning photographers will have their images showcased in a free international exhibition, which launches at The Air Gallery, Dover Street, London from 25th to 30thOctober. Limited edition prints of some of the winning and highly commended entries will be available for sale for a limited period only.

Source: ciwem.org

via: telegraph.co.uk