Finnish Photographers Shine in Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
This year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are showcasing the playful side of nature, with a delightful image of a grinning bear and a whimsical shot of a red-throated diver’s landing representing Finland.
Valtteri Mulkahainen, hailing from the picturesque Sotkamo in Finland’s Kainuu region, has once again secured a spot on the illustrious shortlist. His previous work, which captured a bear joyfully sniffing a flower, received international acclaim, and his 2013 photograph of “dancing bears” also caught the eye of prominent media outlets. This time, Mulkahainen presents a charming entry titled “Smile, You’re Being Photographed,” featuring a cheeky one-year-old cub who seemed to know just how to work the camera.
“This little fellow spotted me and flashed a grin, perhaps recalling the experience of posing for photographers before,” Mulkahainen reflected on his encounter.
Competing alongside him is Erkka Badermann from Kirkkonummi in southern Finland. His submission, an image taken during a chilly spring day by a nearby pond, captures the comical landing style of the red-throated diver.
“The red-throated diver is notorious for its clumsy landings,” Badermann explained. “When it finally sets down, it stretches its legs behind it, landing belly-first to slide across the water’s surface. I like to think of it as using the water as its runway.” His photograph is aptly titled “Landing Gears Down.”
The shortlist consists of 40 stunning entries, with winners to be revealed at a ceremony in London on December 9. This annual competition, launched in 2015, invites nature photographers of every skill level to celebrate the beauty and quirks of wildlife while raising awareness of conservation issues.
Below, we share a selection of images that have already captured the attention of audiences worldwide.