Bizarre Beauties – Nature’s Treasures Photo Competition

June 2nd, 2020

This week, the Wildlife Warriors Nature’s Treasures Photo Competition on the theme BIZARRE BEAUTIES received 89 photos from 31 different photographers.

OVERALL WINNER

Tay Belcher for a beautiful photo of a Gerenuk in his natural element feeding on a bush.

We spoke to Tay about her photo.

What do you do for a living? I’m a scuba diver instructor, videographer and I’m currently getting into photography.

Which camera did you use? Canon EOS 60D. It was my first time using this lens since normally I’m an underwater photographer.

What’s the story behind this photo? I took the photo in Rukinga, Voi. We were on a game drive. The gerenuk was standing feeding on the bushes. As he gave us this pose I clicked. This moment lasted for only a few seconds.

What do you like about Nature Photography? To capture the moment of what people don’t normally see and share the beauty of wildlife.

What advice do you have for any upcoming photographers? Wherever you go, always have a camera with you and make sure it’s always on and ready to shoot.

Congratulations Tay. She walks away with Ksh. 1000. Find more of her work on Facebook Tay Belcher Photography and on Instagram as @sea_tays_images.

RUNNER UP #1

Peter Leposo for a well-captured photo of a Stonefish.

The stonefish a bizarre underwater creature that is a deadly venomous fish. Through its dorsal fin spines, the stonefish can inject a venom which it uses to avoid predation and not to capture prey. Stonefish are masters of camouflage and blend in so flawlessly with their surroundings. We spoke to Peter about his photo.

What do you do for a living? I’m a businessman and a commercial diver. By training, I am a scientist. I also take underwater photographs.

Which Camera did you use? Coolpix W300

What is the story behind this photo? I took the photo in Shimoni on March 14^th, 2020. I was working underwater and came across the stonefish.

What do you like about nature photography? It’s a learning experience. It helps me understand the diversity we have, especially underwater, a very huge resource that is untapped.

What advice do you have for any upcoming photographer? The details matter and have patience.

Congratulations Peter who wins Ksh 500. Find more of his work on Instagram @pleposo.

RUNNER UP #2

Ashikoye Okoko for a fascinating photo of a spiny deciduous tree known as  Zanthoxylum chalybeum.

The tree is a popular traditional medicine in East Africa. The bark is used to treat coughs, sore throats, and dizziness. The roots and bark are used as toothbrushes or chewed for toothache. Its leaves when dried are used to make tea.

Ashikoye took this photo in Arabuko Sokoke Forest. This is his 5^th win as a Runner – up. Congratulations Ashikoye who walks away with ksh. 500. Follow his work on Instagram @oashikoye

THE JUNIOR CATEGORY WINNER

Hanain Ayub (15) for a spectacular photo of a Monitor Lizard.

The judges chose this photo for its sharpness and composition. Monitor lizards are large lizards with long necks, powerful tails and claws, and well-developed limbs. We spoke to Hanain about his photo.

What is the story behind this photo? We had gone on a game drive in Tsavo East National Park, mostly to look at birds and on the way, we found this huge monitor lizard in the middle in the road. He was walking across the road towards our vehicle.

This is Hanain’s 2nd win. Have a look at more of Hanain’s work on Instagram @hanain1_. Congratulations Hanain who walks away with Ksh 400.