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Bored Pandareached out toTorie Hilley, the 1st classified winner in the Animals in their Environment category of the 2023 Siena International Photo Awards. We wanted to find out more about the circumstances under which the wildlife photographer was able to take her impressive photo titled: “Lions in Lines.”The winning shot captures a unique moment in the African savanna with a pride of lions walking in two parallel lines. We asked Torie to describe the emotions and thoughts that ran through her mind when she captured this moment. The photographer told us: “Most of the time when we want to encounter wildlife, we often enter their space. When I saw them coming towards me, walking on the tire tracks in seamless formation, and not moving away, I was instantly humbled and amazed. I felt like they were comfortable enough to approach me, which is a remarkable feeling. What I didn’t expect was for the pride to rest right next to my car for about 30 minutes before they continued their movement. I felt like they truly accepted me in that beautiful moment.”
Bored Pandareached out toTorie Hilley, the 1st classified winner in the Animals in their Environment category of the 2023 Siena International Photo Awards. We wanted to find out more about the circumstances under which the wildlife photographer was able to take her impressive photo titled: “Lions in Lines.”
The winning shot captures a unique moment in the African savanna with a pride of lions walking in two parallel lines. We asked Torie to describe the emotions and thoughts that ran through her mind when she captured this moment. The photographer told us: “Most of the time when we want to encounter wildlife, we often enter their space. When I saw them coming towards me, walking on the tire tracks in seamless formation, and not moving away, I was instantly humbled and amazed. I felt like they were comfortable enough to approach me, which is a remarkable feeling. What I didn’t expect was for the pride to rest right next to my car for about 30 minutes before they continued their movement. I felt like they truly accepted me in that beautiful moment.”
In the African savanna, as the dry season approaches and the grass turns yellow, lions become even more elusive, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. As Torie was tracking their footprints on the ground, she was suddenly presented with a stroke of luck: a pride of lions appeared in front of her, walking in a line and following the tire tracks.
Jose had been following and observing this stoat for several days, when he suddenly showed unusual behavior, making jumps and strange expressions. According to scientists, these displays are interpreted as a distraction technique in the face of a potential prey.
The photo “Lions in Lines” beautifully showcases the wild cats blending into their surroundings. We were curious how the photographer approached capturing this camouflage effect in her composition. We learned that: “It is true that this image shows how well lions can camouflage in their environment. When I took the image, it was in May, which is just the beginning of the winter season in Zambia. The grass was still tall, but dying off, allowing the lions to blend into their environment. There was also a dust storm that day from Angola that casted a beautiful diffused warm glow onto the scene. I still pinch myself that I was there to witness this moment.”
The Nenets’ way of life during winter mainly involves staying inside their traditional tent, the Chum. The tent is constructed using a conical frame made of long poles and is covered with a double layer of reindeer skins. In order to preserve the internal heat, the opening of the tent is kept as small as possible and should only be opened when necessary. However, children’s curiosity goes beyond all rules and habits.
An unusual dawn on a beach in Grand Cayman. The intensity of the dramatic stormy sky, unexpectedly tumultuous, in deep shades of purple provides a stark contrast to the calm turquoise waters flowing over the sandbank, and the serene stingray gliding past beneath.
We asked Torie how winning the 1st prize in one of the Siena International Photo Award categories impacted her perspective on wildlife photography. She shared with us: “I officially switched to wildlife photography in 2020. I believe wildlife conservation research is important, but I have seen the power of photography, especially after this image won a prestigious award. I have been inspired and now want to start diving into conservation photo storytelling. I always believed in this image, and now that it has received incredible recognition, I feel like I can now give a voice to conservation projects that need more attention on the incredible work that they do.”
An elephant in the African savanna tries to camouflage itself behind a bush that is too small compared to its size, in a humorous attempt to hide from the park visitors’ gaze. When it finally realized it had been discovered, it calmly walked away.
Lastly, we wanted to find out if the wildlife photographer has any upcoming projects or goals in this field. Torie said: “Future projects that I would like to work on first would be local ones around my home in Ventura, California. For example, the Channel Island National Park, which has a unique ecosystem unlike anywhere in the world, has so many conservation stories that need to be told. But my heart lies with the African painted dog, the second most endangered carnivore in Africa. When I studied them in South Africa for my master’s degree research in animal behavior, I realized how little people knew about them and the threats they face. A big project that I want to do is to spread more awareness of the conservation behind this incredible, highly intelligent, and social species all around Africa.”
A leopard catches a small impala and does the unexpected - it starts playing and cuddling with it. The scene is filled with tenderness as the leopard lovingly embraces and licks the impala before eventually dragging it up a tree to rest beside it. This remarkable story reminds us of the unpredictable and surprising moments that nature can offer.
A pair of orange-bellied flowerpeckers is captured in a moment of intimate feeding on the fruits of an Indonesian bay laurel tree. The composition, lighting, and frozen movement of the birds make the image truly unique.
Grant Holloway of the USA team leading the field whilst competing in the men’s 60m hurdles semi-finals during day three of the World Indoor Athletics Championships at the Stark Arena in Belgrade. He completed the run in 7.29 seconds, equalling his existing world record, and went on to win the final.
In the dry season, a leopard sneaks past two elephants in an attempt to get a drink of water. The big cat is framed between the two giants, while one of them senses its presence. Surprisingly, the animals remain unperturbed and let the predator drink in peace just a few meters away.
On November 11, 2022, Ukrainian forces liberated Kherson from Russian occupation. In a crowded square, the crowd falls silent as President Zelensky delivers a speech. Glib, a 13-year-old boy, listens attentively in the front row: after months of fear and uncertainty, for the first time since the beginning of the war, he can finally leave his house.
Quannah Chasinghorse, a groundbreaking Indigenous model, stands tall and confident, her gaze piercing through the lens to remind viewers “whose land you’re living on”. Using her fame to support activism, Chasinghorse’s assertive presence speaks to her dedication to creating positive change and elevating the voices of marginalized communities.
In a remote atoll in French Polynesia, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a large school of surgeonfish reproduced in shallow waters just before sunset drawing in a group of sharks, present in high quantities in this area. Thanks to rigid legal protections, the marine ecosystem is teeming with life.
A brown bear climbs and relaxes on a tree branch in the depths of Yosemite Valley. Its brown silhouette stands out amidst the lush green vegetation. Its ears are perked up as if awaiting prey or an enemy.
This shot captures a poignant moment, serving as a wake-up call to remind us of the power of Nature that we’ve ignored in the name of development for too long. The feathered subject in the foreground acts as the focal point, attracting the attention of the background characters.
A young boy working in an informal coal mine in Chinarak stands outside the entrance. Hundreds of miners, including children as young as 10 and men over 60, toil every day for a few pennies. Tunnel collapses pose a constant threat to their safety.
In Umm al Quwain, every winter camel handlers take their camels into the sea for a bath. The saltwater is believed to have medicinal properties that help rid the camels of ticks, fleas, and other parasites. Despite being an age-old Arab tradition, this practice is becoming less frequent in the region due to the development of new hotels and resorts along the coastline.
Two monkeys engaged in an intimate moment caught the attention of a local family. The father is the only one not turning around, too busy taking a selfie. The candid hilariousness of the moment convinced the author to capture it.
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To capture the perfect shot of a great horned owl, Nichole had to overcome several challenges. She had to wake up at 3:00 a.m., reach the destination before dawn to take advantage of the best lighting, and also deal with the seasonal tick alert.
A group of young boys enjoy a colorful flash mob on the beach along the Adriatic Sea, celebrating the joy of rebirth and experiencing the feeling of freedom after the lifting of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
A close-up of the volcanic cone at night during the eruption of Cumbre Vieja. The pyroclastic material resembles fireworks exploding in the sky. The long exposure technique adds to the drama of the scene, freezing the rapid movements of the debris in a single instant.
This photograph captures a captivating scene of two women carrying aluminum baskets on their heads on their way to the market, walking past a wall covered in vibrant paintings. One of the women is carrying a bundle of tubers, while the other appears to be carrying one of the painted fish on the wall behind her.
A humpback whale is trapped in a buoy, unable to move and facing a slow and painful death. It’s a tragic consequence of human selfishness and our failure to recognize the impact of our actions and our responsibility to protect the planet.
A spotted genet silently approaches a small pond, where a group of large carps is swimming. With an empty stomach and a need for sustenance, the genet must hunt silently to avoid startling its prey. The photographer’s aim is to capture the contrasting worlds that exist above and below the water’s surface.
Hundreds of athletes at the 2022 Europe Triathlon Multisport Championships swim in the Bilbao estuary, resembling fish as they splash and move their arms in perfect coordination. The colorful swimming caps add to the already fascinating scene.
In a seaside resort town in France, a gas station is suddenly transformed into a spectacular diving board, from which some boys jump into the sea with daring and breathtaking acrobatics, creating a surprising and stunning scene.
In the Dhaka University area of Bangladesh on December 1, 2022, people gather to watch the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match between Argentina and Poland on a big screen in the street. As Argentina scores a goal, the crowd’s faces light up with excitement and amazement.
The UNODC recently identified Nigeria as potentially the world’s largest center for the illegal pangolin trade, with massive shipments of pangolin scales being illegally exported from the country. The illicit market is worth hundreds of millions of dollars in Nigeria alone.
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Everyday life offers surprising and magnificent dramas like this one. The scene is ambiguous as the boy seems to be diving into a surreal reflection. Observers wonder if the elderly lady is seeing the same thing they are, and if the boy is noticing the beautiful play his body is creating.
Amanullah, 4 months old, is hospitalized in the EMERGENCY surgical center for war victims in Lashkar-Gah. In his posthumous book “One person at a time” Gino Strada wrote: “In many years spent in Afghanistan I have always seen the same victims of different wars […] The time will also come for the war of all against all”.
The Chirolophis japonicus is a territorial and solitary animal with a body shape similar to that of an eel. It can reach a length of 44 cm and has numerous leathery appendages on its head, which is also covered in scales. Although a male and a female may live close to each other, they still have strictly individual shelters.
The Biswa Ijtema, a significant event for Muslims, is held on the banks of Tongi Turag river in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The event has drawn millions of people, both locals and foreigners, resulting in a crowded Ijtema field filled with colorful tents and devoted individuals.
Keirin, a track cycling competition that originated in Japan, has become an Olympic event since the Sydney 2000 Olympics. With a top speed of 70 km/h, it is a thrilling spectacle. The rain-soaked track shines under the light, creating a mystical atmosphere. However, it is also a challenging condition for the riders due to the risk of slipping.
Before a game of buzkashi, a traditional Central Asian sport primarily played in Afghanistan, an Afghan jockey rests beside his horse. The game involves horse-mounted players attempting to place a goat carcass-shaped bag in a goal.
The wildebeest cross the Masai Mara at sunset, braving the lurking crocodiles, leopards, and hippopotamuses in the water. This annual event is a crucial part of their migration and journey. Humans from around the world travel to witness this intense spectacle, waiting patiently for hours in their jeeps for the moment to unfold
Aliyana Stokes, 10, and her brother Bryson Stokes, 5, participate in a gun safety class for children alongside other attendees at Choppa Community, a gun range in rural Maryland. It is a place for African American gun owners and others to assemble to learn gun safety, self-defense and have a place to target practice.
Female Northern spectacled salamanders, also known as Savi’s salamanders, lay their eggs on submerged branches in cold waters of an Apennine stream in Italy’s Foreste Casentinesi National Park.
A child is having fun taking a bath in the streets during summer. Washing himself under the reserve water source brings him moments of pleasure. He laughs while washing his face and covering it with his hands.
At the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase heats witnessed a dramatic fall from Germany’s Lea Meyer. As she ran up to the water obstacle her worst fears came true as she clipped the hurdle and splashed face first into the water.
Keshav Maharaj of South Africa leaps and misses a chance to catch Alex Lees of England’s shot during the fourth day of the third cricket round between England and South Africa at The Kia Oval in September 2022.
A flock of flamingos flying over the saline basins of Lake Magadi and Lake Natron. These birds love to feed on the algae that thrive on the lake’s surface, and it is the chemical composition of the algae that produces extraordinary colors as they react to the different levels of alkaline content of the lakes.
Life in the mountainous villages of Eastern Anatolia is quite difficult. The rate of girls going to school is extremely low. However, as we can see in this picture, the seasoned family elders support their grandchildren regardless of their gender. They always watch and protect them.
Bhandar Loot is a unique ritual ceremony which takes place in Guptipara, West Bengal, and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath Dev. The overhead view provides a fascinating perspective of the sweaty crowd, highlighting the pure faith of the participants and the profound spiritual power of the ceremony.
A group of 30-40 male white-tip reef sharks compete for the chance to mate with a female, writhing and stirring up sand in a wild and epic scene. After mating, the exhausted and bloodied female seeks refuge in a crevice in the rock. However, the males show no mercy and drag her out to continue reproducing.
The FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) often attract various sea creatures, including sharks, for hunting or seeking refuge. Among these sharks, there were thousands of thimble jellyfish, drifting along with the current. Despite their presence, the sharks appeared unperturbed, swimming amongst the jellyfish with ease.
A protester tries to shield a fellow demonstrator during a clash between police and protesters at an anti-government demonstration against the Indian government’s alleged atrocities on working-class people.
Enigmatic and unsettling, the scene is set on the streets of a big city. The back of a car with its trunk open, a frightened female figure, the shadows of two dinosaurs – a play between fiction and reality that triggers a circuit of associations.
Under UV light, in the La Jolla tide pools, a colony of aggregating anemones (Anthopleura elegantissima) emits a fluorescent glow. Each patch of these anemones is a genetically identical colony of clones, all derived asexually from a single individual, making them a fascinating study in colony genetics and behavior.
On a beautiful August morning, a man and his two sons are waiting along the road for the commemoration of the liberation of Nice, which occurred in 1944. Their outfits and the military car from the 1940s create a strong contrast with the modern surroundings, yet the image still conveys a sense of harmony.
Ultra orthodox Jewish men from Mea Shearim neighborhood drinking wine and celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim in their own neighborhood in Jerusalem. The men’s poses, along with the lights and colors of the picture, remind of the Ancient Rome banquets.
During the 2022 Bon Odori festival, held on July 16 in Shah Alam, Selangor, Japanese residents in Malaysia and the local population come together in a unique and immersive atmosphere to perform the traditional Japanese cultural dance called Bon Odori, while wearing traditional festival attire.
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