The winners of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024 have been revealed, with Italian photographer Milko Marchetti taking the top prize for his fabulous image ‘Stuck Squirrel.’ His perfectly timed shot shows a red squirrel in a hilariously awkward position as it clings to a tree, legs at right angles, just moments before disappearing into its nest.
Reflecting on the winning moment, Milko shared, ‘Nature photography has been my passion, ever since I was a boy, and I’ve always put all my free time and energy into it. I think that nature offers so much beauty and variety, and with a camera, the photographer has this ability, this superpower to freeze a moment and make it last forever in the form of a photograph. The emotion I experience at the moment when I click the camera button is pure adrenaline, and my hope is always to be able to convey at least one natural emotion through my photography. It seems it really worked this time!‘ His image clearly resonated with the judges, earning him the title of Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
This year’s competition saw over 9,000 entries from professional and amateur photographers worldwide, the highest number in the contest’s ten-year history. The judging panel had the difficult task of selecting the funniest and most captivating shots, narrowing the list down to around 45 finalists before choosing the winners.
As the overall winner, Milko receives a safari adventure in Kenya’s Masai Mara with Alex Walker’s Serian, a custom-made trophy from Wonder Workshop in Tanzania, and a premium Think Tank camera bag.
Speaking about the moment he heard the news, he said, ‘When I received the email that I had a photo in the Finalists, I couldn’t believe it. But when I found out I had won, Tom, who called me and gave me the brilliant news, can confirm that I shouted Wow, Wow, Wow quite a few times whilst also jumping for joy.’
The competition also celebrated emerging talent, including 16-year-old Sarthak Ranganadhan, who won the Nikon Junior Award with a heartwarming shot of two owlets sharing a kiss. In the U25 Nikon Young Photographer category, Kingston Tam from Australia charmed judges with his close-up of a smiling frog. Meanwhile, 10-year-old Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb from Southampton scooped the Portfolio Award with a set of four playful ‘Rock Star Squirrel’ images.
Portfolio Award: Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb (UK, aged 10) – Rock Star Squirrel (A collection of four humorous squirrel images)
The judges also recognised 10 photographers with Highly Commended awards. Their outstanding submissions showcased nature’s funny side through perfectly timed moments.
The winners were announced on 10th December at an awards event at London’s Gallery@Oxo. The venue will host an exhibition featuring all the 2024 finalists from 11-15th December, offering a free opportunity for everyone to enjoy these spectacular images up close.
For details on upcoming Comedy Wildlife exhibitions, visit the competition’s official website.
