HUMANS HELPING NATURE WINNERS – NATURE’S TREASURES PHOTO COMPETITION 

October 15th, 2020

The fifth theme in the Wildlife Warriors Nature’s Treasures Photo Competition HUMANS HELPING NATURE received 19 images from 9 different photographers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. We would like to thank all the photographers who took part in the photo competition.

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY

Winner

Munezero Deo Pascal

Munezero Deo Pascal from Rwanda wins on the theme Humans Helping Nature for a remarkable image of a guide with a Northern White Rhino at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

The judges were impressed by the striking image which captured a poignant moment between one of our most ancient land dwellers and some of our bravest wildlife protectors. We spoke to Pascal about his image.

• What do you do for a living?

I am a Civil Engineer by profession and a self-taught photographer. I do it as a hobby in my free time or sometimes at work which can be in a natural environment.

• Which camera did you use?

Canon 5D Mark III

• What is the story behind the image? i.e what were you doing when taking the photo?

I was fascinated by the stories of Ol Pejeta Conservancy and its conservation efforts. I included it on my to-do list as there are only two Northern White Rhinos remaining in the World. I had to visit them. Our guide, the gentleman (ranger) in the picture, took some food for them and when he stepped out of the car, they came running to him to get some food. They are so used to them as they care and guard them 24/7. It was an emotional moment for me. I was in the van and did not hesitate to capture the moment.

• What top tips would you offer any upcoming young person interested in nature photography?

Nature is all around us. It is important to practice consistently and keep learning about animal behaviors and habitats. It will become handy while anticipating the image you would like to capture. Learn to tell stories of the moments you captured. Last but not least, learn from the best of the best. Follow them and learn some of the techniques they use. Try them and find your angle. Remember it’s not about the camera, it’s about you.

• What advice have you been given about nature photography?

Learn about animal behavior, respect them, and keep the distance to avoid confrontations.

• What do you love most about nature photography?

I love its beauty, diversity, and unpredictability. I love the fact that there is a lot to learn about nature and the similarities we have with animals. Nature doesn’t need us but we need it, therefore, we must protect and conserve it. To be lucky to travel and to witness nature, it is amazing and automatically makes you its ambassador.

Congratulations Pascal who wins Ksh 5000.  Follow his work on Twitter; @DeoPaskhal and Instagram; @munezero.wildlife.

Runner – Up

Tay Belcher

Tay Belcher from Kenya is the Runner – Up on the theme Humans Helping Nature for a thought-provoking image of a Ghost Net removal activity.  The photographer captioned the image as ‘Delicately disentangling’.

The judges were moved by the image which showcased a really important issue. Fishing gear represents 10 percent of ocean plastic, overall, making up a much larger proportion of large plastic pollution. We spoke to Tay about her image.

• What is the story behind the image? 

The Marine Education Centre, based at Nomads, Kenya, received a phone call that there was a Ghost Net that needed to be removed before it caused any more damage. The team gathered a few divers from ‘Diving The Crab’ and asked for me to come along to take photographs and videos. I was there to help spread awareness and show how Ghost Nets harm our environment

Congratulations Tay, who wins Ksh 3000. This is her second win. Follow her work on Facebook; Tay Belcher Photography, and Instagram; @sea_tays_images.

AMATEUR CATEGORY

Winner

Peter Leposo

Peter Leposo from Kenya wins on the theme Humans Helping Nature for an image showing coral restoration. The image was captioned by the photographer as ‘Diver performing maintenance of coral restoration site.’

The judges were fascinated by the image which captured a great moment. You can see the diver’s face, a fascinating subject with the important coral nursery, and the lines which make for a really interesting composition.

• What do you do for a living?

I work as a commercial diver.

• Which camera did you use?

Nikon W300

• What is the story behind the image? i.e what were you doing when taking the photo?

During my free time, I volunteered for a coral reef restoration project run by the REEFolution Foundation in Shimoni, Kenya. I took this photo during a routine coral tree nursery management dive, where we attach young coral fragments to nursery trees underwater. My dive buddy was assessing the newly attached coral fragments, the visibility was good and it was a wonderful opportunity to record the moment.

• What top tips would you offer any upcoming young person interested in nature photography?

Be patient and have fun in the process.

• What advice have you been given about nature photography?

Always be patient, don’t get too close, and have fun.

• What do you love most about nature photography?

Nature photography is always interesting and calming. I also get to notice tiny details that are only available when reviewing the photos.

Congratulations to Peter who wins Ksh 3500. Follow his work on Instagram @pleposo.

Runner – up

Mary Mbugua

Mary Mbugua from Kenya is the Runner Up on the theme for Humans Helping Nature with a photo of people pouring water into a water pan captioned ‘Putting water for wildlife during the drought season. ‘

The judges were captivated by the moment captured by the photographer taken in a straight horizon. It is inspiring to see teamwork combatting the effects of climate change, helping wildlife together. We spoke to Mary about her image.

• What do you do for a living?

I Am a tour guide by profession at Tsavo East National park.

• Which camera did you use?

Nikon D3200

• What is the story behind the image? i.e what were you doing when taking the photo?

The photo was taken during World Elephant Day, and International Youth Day when youths came together to raise funds to supply water for wildlife in the park. We managed to fill four water pans at Tsavo East National Park.

• What top tips would you offer any upcoming young person interested in nature photography?

Any time you see something interesting or at an event take out your camera and capture the moment. Even though you might not have the best camera, moments don’t repeat themselves easily. Each day has something new that will happen. Just snap it and keep it.

• What advice have you been given about nature photography?

You don’t need a fancy camera to shoot the moment you use what you have. Patience is always key. You can’t get great shots on the first go but practice will help (never give up). Lastly, have fun in whatever you do.

• What do you love most about nature photography?

The wow moments. When I upload them on different sites, and they make a great impact on people not just in my region but also around the world creating awareness.

Congratulations to Mary who wins Ksh 2000. Follow her work on Instagram @mary.nyambura.1806

JUNIOR CATEGORY

Winner and Runner – Up

Shiru Ndegwa

Shiru Ndegwa from Kenya wins on the theme Humans Helping Nature with these beautiful photos of children during a tree planting activity.

The judges were intrigued by the photo, which captured these beautiful moments of children learning how to grow trees. We spoke to Shiru about her image.

• How old are you?

14 years

• Which camera did you use?

Canon EOS 4000D

• What is the story behind the image? i.e what were you doing when taking the photo?

I took these images during a tree planting activity with Kijani World. It was really fun teaching these children about not only planting trees but taking care of them too. Most of the children have never planted trees before, so it was really fun being their first time.

• What top tips would you offer any upcoming young person interested in nature photography?

Always carry a camera or phone around everywhere you go. You never know when there’s going to be a photo opportunity, and it feels great when you capture it.

• What advice have you been given about nature photography?

When it comes to taking photos of animals, it’s really important to be patient and also experiment with different angles and lighting.

• What do you love most about nature photography?

Since my whole family and I love wildlife, it’s really fun traveling together to different places and seeing beautiful animals and moments in real life, then after to look back on them in the photos.

Congratulations Wanjiru! She wins Ksh 3000. Follow her on Instagram @Shiru.photography and @KijaniWorld.

A big thank you to our partners African People and Wildlife from Tanzania who is supporting the Amateur Category – Winner, OGO – LAW who is supporting the Amateur Category – Runner Up, Diana Kisinga who will be supporting the Junior Category – Winner, Tony Wild who is supporting the Junior Category – Runner Up, Conservation Through Public Health, Gorilla Conservation Coffee, and Wildlife Clubs of Kenya.

We are also grateful for the judges; Usha Harish, Callie Broaddus, and Ananth Krishnamurthy who have been generous in giving their time to review and select winners during this period.

We continue to encourage photographers across all countries of East Africa – Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, to share the beauty of nature and wildlife in their country every week through bit.ly/WildlifeWarriorsEA.