Last years Wildlife Photographer of the Year winner kind of polarised opinion ranging from ‘challenging’ to just plain controversial. This years overall winner looks set to do the same. Personally I like it but think technically, it’s quite flawed. Could be my eyes but it seems barely in focus too. The colour, crop and composition are quite striking though – anyone else have any thoughts on it?

Uhhh...that's it?? I couldn't even tell what it was at first!! We ain't got to many them big fellas walkin' around here. Guess I should've entered as I know I'd have taken it with NOOOO problemo!!

The color / tonal ranges seem very nice, yes!! I don't care for the other two C's...and I'm a closer, closer kinda guy!!

~rubs shoulders with with Uncle Phil~

How you doin'??

*~)

Well it's certainly different... I imagine that they must get a huge number of really excellent bird/animal/insect close ups that this simply stood out among the rest. I do like the sense of motion... personally I wouldn't hang it on my wall but I guess photography isn't all about beauty.

It's nice but I certainly would not call it a winner.

As far as the technical goes… I don't think it's the focus that was the problem, but the shutter speed. Looking through the spray of water, I can clearly see the elephant itself in focus. Other than that, I like the dynamics of the shot - as you said the crop and composition are fairly striking making you stop to actually notice what it is you're looking at.

I like it ,
The sense of action , color and crop . It is quite original ( not an easy feat these days ) and the fact that he stood / lay close to a elephant trashing around for his craft . I mean 135 mm thats CLOSE .

It has a great sense of motion, otherwise I find it very ordinary. It’s better than last years winner though.

I don't care for it at all. If it came across in the VB it wouldn't do well with my vote.

It's all very subjective then. I don't think it's something I'd want to look at for long no matter what lens he used or how close he got.

Edit: I went back to that site to look around and this photo is growing on me. It seemed the best one in its category. But, I saw that there was a photo by Jan Vermeer, which picques my curiosity, since I'm a Vermeer fan and I liked his post of Emperor Penguins HERE. These people have some very high powered photo equipment! I wish I could spend three weeks in Botswana waiting for the wildlife! lol

This is crazy. I really dislike the shot as well. I find it aesthetically displeasing. If a room full of accomplished photographers all dislike this shot, then why did it get chosen? Is it "avant-guard"?

I just had another look and I’m still not impressed by the judge’s decision. I think that “Head in the clouds” by Adam Butler is a much better image in that category.