One mesmerising moment from the fascinating tradition of wildlife photography has triumphed and cemented itself as the winning picture of the prestigious Natural History Museum competition for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023. Laurent Ballesta, a well-known French underwater photographer and marine researcher, is the sole owner of this remarkable accomplishment. His breathtaking image of a golden horseshoe crab, accompanied by three golden trevallies, was taken in the Philippines and perfectly catches the essence of this mysterious and ancient creature. Among the over 50,000 submissions, this amazing image stood out as a real monument to Ballesta’s exceptional talent and devotion to the natural environment.
The photograph encapsulates the unique beauty of the tri-spine horseshoe crab, a species that has an incredible lineage dating back a staggering 100 million years. It is a living relic of Earth’s ancient past, safeguarded by its robust shell. However, despite its longevity, this species is now on the brink of peril, facing imminent threats from habitat destruction and overfishing.
To reach the safe seas around Pangatalan Island in the Philippines, Laurent Ballesta set out on a difficult expedition. He painstakingly captured not just the physical splendour of these magnificent creatures but also their relevance in the delicate ecosystem there. This is his second triumph in the 59-year history of the competition, and it is just reward for his commitment and skill that he received the coveted title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year. This exceptional accomplishment highlights Ballesta’s unmatched talent and his unwavering dedication to using his camera to capture the beauty of the natural world.
The golden horseshoe crab and its buddies, the golden trevallies, transform into more than just picture-perfect subjects; they serve as ambassadors for the glories of the aquatic world and draw attention to the critical need for their preservation. The winning photograph by Ballesta serves as a potent reminder of the necessity of safeguarding these extinct species and the habitats they depend on.
There will be a new special prize and some significant rule modifications for the 60th edition of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, according to participants. Over the course of its lengthy existence, the competition has changed to reflect the shifting world of wildlife photography. The Natural History Museum’s website has all the information needed for participation for aspiring photographers and environmentalists. Entry deadline for this historic edition is December 7, 2023.
