America’s Next Top Model was a beloved reality competition show in the 2000s and 2010s. In the 2020s, the Tyra Banks-fronted show came under renewed scrutiny as viewers rediscovered some of the problematic photo shoots that were done on the show.
One of the most infamous photo shoots in Top Model history took place during its fourth season in 2005. The models were tasked with creating their own “Got Milk?” ads and posing with children. But the shoot had a twist: the contestants would each be transformed by the hair and makeup team into different races.
The result was some of the white models posing as Black women, Black models as Asian women, and Black models as white women. Naturally, in the decades since then, fans have come to realize the problematic nature of changing races for a photo shoot and putting white models in blackface.
Cycle 7’s model stereotypes shoot
Cycle 7 of America’s Next Top Model kicked off with a photo shoot centered around model stereotypes. Among those were the model who throws their phone at their assistant, inspired by Naomi Campbell, and a model who won’t get out of bed for less than $10,000, inspired by Linda Evangelista’s famous quote saying she does the same.
Among the stereotypes, however, were those of an anorexic model and a bulimic model, each portrayed by twins Amanda and Michelle. Contestant Megg, meanwhile, played a drug-addicted model. The glamorization of these images hasn’t sat right with fans since then.
Cycle 8’s murder shoot
The following season, the contestants participated in a photo shoot where they each had to portray a woman who was brutally murdered. Among the methods of “killing” were being shot, strangled, and gutted. It seemingly made light of violent deaths that women often face, frequently at the hands of partners.
Cycle 13’s ‘hapa’ shoot
Cycle 13 of America’s Next Top Model featured a lineup of petit models standing at 5’7″ and shorter. When the final six were in Hawai’i, they were tasked with portraying various “hapa” women, a term used to describe people who are Native Hawaiian mixed with other races. Among those portrayed were Black and Japanese women who were part Native Hawaiian. Similarly to cycle 4’s race-changing shoot, it hasn’t exactly aged well.
‘All Stars’ Michael Jackson shoot
Cycle 17 of Top Model was a massive moment for the series, as fan-favorite contestants from previous seasons came back for the ultimate chance at redemption. In one episode, the models paid homage to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, throughout his various eras in his life and career, from The Jackson 5 to his days as a solo superstar. When portraying his younger years, some of the models’ skin was darkened, harkening back to the blackface resemblance of previous race-switching shoots.
What Tyra Banks has said about the problematic photo shoots
In the spring of 2020, as people around the world were locked down at home at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people began watching or rewatching old seasons of America’s Next Top Model. Upon discovery of these outdated photo shoots, fans on Twitter blasted host and creator Tyra Banks for endorsing such creative decisions.
The Dancing With the Stars host took to Twitter to address the backlash. “Been seeing the posts about the insensitivity of some past ANTM moments and I agree with you,” she said. “Looking back, those were some really off choices. Appreciate your honest feedback and am sending so much love and virtual hugs.”
Read the original article from Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Submit your nature-inspired snapshot online through April 10; the first-place winner will receive $500
Where do you “escape to nature” around Southern California?
There might be a particularly gorgeous beach you call upon as frequently as you can, or an oak tree in the Santa Monica Mountains you like to sit beneath as a hiking respite, or a favorite canyon that is filled with bewitching shadows just before the sun sets.
Wherever that place is for you, you can definitely say you have a special connection, a lasting bond with your glorious go-to spot.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is honoring our “connections with nature” this spring by holding a 25th Anniversary Photo Contest, a snapshot-cool showdown that will have a few different dimensions.
Something especially awesome? The “top ten” of the submitted bunch will go on display at the Long Beach aquatic destination on May 26, and they’ll remain on view for the remainder of 2023 (a good long while, indeed).
And oh yes: There are prizes for the top three winners, starting at $500 for first place. The winner in the second slot will be awarded $250, and the third-place winner will enjoy $100.
There are a few good tips and rules to know before you head out with your camera. Most importantly? You’ll be able to submit one photo by April 10, and you’ll do so online.
Checking the sizes and specifications before you press “Submit” is also a must; start here.
Knowing that the aquarium, a famously watery realm filled with otters, sharks, crustaceans, and kelp, is behind this might suggest that only splashy snaps, the kind captured at the shoreline, will be accepted, but that isn’t the case.
This contest is very much about the nature around us here in Southern California, and we can experience that nature in many places, from local parks to our yards and, yes, the beach.
Read up on what the contest is all about, how to send your best picture, and all the details you’ll need and want.
Happy 25th, Aquarium of the Pacific! It’s a sea-lebration we’re ready to dive into, all year long.
The Pakistan Museum for Natural History (PMNH) has envisaged an initiative to impart photography and videography skills among school-going children to capture and film the beauty of nature.
“The students will be imparted photography and video-making skills under the newly conceived project titled, “Media Project for Conservation of Environment and Nature”, PMNH Director General Dr Saima Huma Tanveer said.
“These students will be trained on capturing different aspects of environment and nature including flowers, birds, mountains, rivers etc”, she said.
“The use of social media platforms among students of all ages is at its peak who seem to be interested to create their own Youtube channels, TikTok and Facebook accounts for the sake of fun and money making. However, they seem to be clueless about what should they portray or project on these platforms. app
Published in The Express Tribune, March 20th, 2023.
A picture of a crocodile swimming through the mud at the Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe has been selected as the grand prize winner of the 2022 World Nature Photography Awards (WNPA), which honoured the most evocative shots from thousands of entries in a variety of categories.
Titled ‘Danger in the Mud’, the picture, which also claimed gold in the ‘Animal Portraits’ category, shows a cleverly disguised crocodile in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park.
The German photographer learned of his win while on location in Botswana and said he was thrilled about his victory.
From a satellite phone, he shared a bit about the story behind the winning photograph.
“This photograph is the result of my staking out the largest pool in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, at a time when an extended drought had reduced the pool to rapidly drying mud. I had to be very careful not to disturb the crocodile, even though it was buried in dry mud. They will launch themselves with tremendous speed and power at any animal foolish enough to come too close.”
Cullmann also explained why the hot temperatures cause the crocodile to cover itself in mud.
“During the dry season, temperatures can reach 45 degrees Celsius and crocodiles will attempt to reduce their body temperature by burying themselves in mud. A giant crocodile such as this one could survive submerged for months without eating, by living off its fat reserves. This is a process known as aestivation.”
The competition has 14 categories that explore wildlife and the natural world.
The 2023 awards are now open for entry to all photographers who think they have what it takes to be the best.
The annual World Nature Photography Awards (WNPAs) was founded on the belief that ‘photography can influence people to see the world from a different perspective and change their own habits for the good of the planet’.
The 2022 edition of the contest saw thousands of entries flood in from 45 countries across six continents, but one picture proved the clear winner for the judges, earning German photographer Jens Cullmann the title of World Nature Photographer of the Year and the £834 ($1,000) grand prize.
In addition Cullmann’s ‘striking’ winning photograph, other prize-winning photographs include a shot of an elephant attempting to hide behind a tree in South Africa, a powerful picture of a storm-cloud swirling over Iowa and a mesmerising image of the night sky taken from inside an Icelandic glacier.
Adrian Dinsdale, the co-founder of the WNPAs, said: “We congratulate all our winners and offer our deepest thanks for capturing such spectacular images of our precious planet. Once again, we hope it provides great motivation to us all to do everything we can to protect the Earth for future generations.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Japanese macaques, Awaji Island, Japan, Gold winner, Behavior mammals category: These monkeys form … [+] huddles consisting of up to many individuals. It begins with a mother and baby cuddling. Other females and young males then join in, as well as other cuddling groups. Here, a rare moment during the lactation season when three pairs of monkeys formed a huddle after grooming. Most Awaji monkeys are non-aggressive and when they are raising their babies, mothers create individual communities that have no social hierarchies.
Photo: Hidetoshi Ogata, Japan – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
From the furry to the tender and the scary, the images of nature that won this year’s World Nature Photography Awards (WNPA) capture spectacular moment of life on our precious and endangered planet.
A mud-caked crocodile surveying his surroundings with a piercing yellow eye at Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe by German photographer Jens Cullmann won the top $1,000 prize.
Crocodile, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Gold winner, animal portraits and grand prize winner.
Photo: Jens Cullmann, Germany – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
“This photograph is the result of my staking out the largest pool in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, at a time when an extended drought had reduced the pool to rapidly-drying mud,” Jens Cullmann explains.
“I had to be very careful not to disturb the crocodile, even though it was buried in dry mud. They will launch themselves with tremendous speed and power at any animal foolish enough to come too close.”
During the dry season, temperatures can reach 45 degrees Celsius and crocodiles will attempt to reduce their body temperature by burying themselves in mud. A giant crocodile such as this one could survive submerged for a month without eating by living off its fat reserves. This is a process known as aestivation.
MORE FROM FORBESWorld Nature Photography Awards: 20 Stunning Winning ImagesBy Cecilia Rodriguez
The overall winner and the gold, silver and bronze winners of the various categories were chosen from thousands of entries submitted from 45 countries across six continents.
“When great science and great art combine, amazing things can be achieved,” the organizers said.
“We congratulate all our winners and offer our deepest thanks for capturing such spectacular images of our precious planet,” said Adrian Dinsdale, co-founder of WNPA. “Once again, we hope it provides great motivation to us all to do everything we can to protect the Earth for future generations.”
Upon announcing the winners, WNPA officially opened the call for entries for this year.
The World Nature Photography Awards were founded in the belief that we can all make small efforts to shape the future of our world in a positive way and that photography can influence people to see the world from a different perspective and change their own habits for the good of the planet.
From landscape photography to animals in their habitats, photojournalism and humans’ interaction with nature, there are 14 categories in the contest that is free to enter.
See all the winning images here.
Animal portraits
Bison, Canyon Junction, Yellowstone National Park, Montana, USA, Silver winner. Portraits category.
Photo: Mike Darter, U.S – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Seaweed blenny, Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach, Florida, Bronze winner Portraits category.
Phoro: Andre Johnsom U.S – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Behavior: Mammals
African Savannah Elephant, Marakele National Park, Limpopo, South Africa, Bronze winner, Behavior: … [+] Mammals category.
Staffan Widstrand, Sweden – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
An African Savannah Elephant, Loxodonta africana, camouflaging itself behind a too-small bush at Marataba Private Reserve, Marakele National Park in Limpopo, South Africa.
The elephant stepped in behind the bush in an apparent attempt to hide itself from Widstrand’s car. The car stopped so the passengers could watch and the animals seemed to realize its cover had been blown. It walked calmly away.
These elephants are endangered, according to the IUCN Red List.
Behavior: Amphibians and reptiles
Ride on you, Japanese stream toad, Owase Mountains, Mie, Japan, Gold winner, Behavior: Amphibians … [+] and reptiles category.
Photo: Norihiro Ikuma, Japan – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
The Japanese stream toad lives deep in the mountains of Owase in Mie, Japan, and only comes down from the mountains to the river when it is time to spawn.
Behavior: Birds
I’m Coming for You, Male Hooded Merganser, Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, Virginia, Gold winner, … [+] Behavior: Birds category
Photo: Charles Schmidt, U.S – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
A male Hooded Merganser takes flight, heading directly at the photographer. “I had been watching a pair of Hooded Mergansers in anticipation of them taking off,” Charles Schmidt recalled. “Ducks will often begin swimming more quickly when they are preparing to fly.”
Photo: Tamas Aranyossy, Hungary – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Behavior: Invertebrates
The ghost of the rocks, Red crab, La Gomera Island, Spain, Gold winner, Behavior: Invertebrates … [+] category
Photo: Javier Herranz Casellas, Spain, WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
A red crab in La Gomera Island, Spain, appears surrounded by a thin curtain of water produced by the waves of the sea when it hits the rocks where it searches for the small crustaceans and plants it feeds on.
Black and White
Thankfulness, Lesser Antillean Iguana, Grenada Island, West Indies, Gold winner, Black and white … [+] category
Photo: Alain Enoult, France – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
The blessing, Elephants in Savuti, Botswana, Bronze winner, Black and white category
Photo: Jules Oldroyd, UK – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Nature art
Underwater colorful snowstorm, Spawning coral Red Sea, Gold winner, Nature art category
Photo: Tom Shlesinger, Israel – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Corals are animals and this is how they reproduce to create new generations of baby corals.
Usually, at the exact same time, thousands of corals of a given species along hundreds of kilometers of the reef reproduce by spawning egg-and-sperm bundles together into the open sea. These bundles will be carried away by the currents, mixing in the water until they finally encounter a match. A sperm will fertilize an egg and new life will be created.
Yet, catching coral spawning is tricky business as it usually happens only once a year, in a certain month on a specific night of the month and at a certain hour of the night for a very short window of only a few minutes.
In this photo, a close up of a branching coral spawn pinkish egg-and-sperm bundles.
Red spider mites, Cooch Behar, India, Silver winner, Nature art category
Photo: Anirban Dutta, India – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
This is a unique presentation of Red Spider mites. “I found these mites in my backyard during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown period,” said Anirban Dutta. “These are very tiny in size, approximately 1-2 millimeters, and make a silky web net to escape from predators.
As macro photographer, I have always tried to search and show the unique and unseen small world. This is a multiple exposure shot. I have taken fuve shots in different angles and merged them into one.”
On their way to Mars, Flamingos Lake Magadi, Kenya, Bronze winner, Nature art category
Photo: Silke Hullman, Germany – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Underwater
Harlequin shrimps Hymanocer, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia, Gold winner, Underwater category
Adriano Morettin, Italy – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
A couple of Harlequin shrimps, Hymanocera picta, photographed with the snoot on the blue sea-star Linkia laevigata in Lembeh strait, Indonesia.
Caviar, Male Eastern Gobbleguts carrying eggs in his mouth, Sydney, Australia, Silver winner, … [+] Underwater category
Photo: Talia Greis, Australia – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Pygmy seahorse Arborek Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia Bronze winner, Underwater category
Photo: Juho Karhu, Finland – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Plants and fungi
Tree of Life, Eucalyptus, Mount Barker, Western Australia, Gold winner, Plants and fungi category
Photo: Julie Kenny, Australia – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
“The tree is seen as a sacred symbol, which carries significant meanings in both religious and spiritual philosophies,” said Julie Kenny. “From above, the surrounding sheep tracks combined with the fallen tree reminded me of the Tree of Life. While the aerial perspective focuses on the earth, you can see the pooled water in the sheep tracks reflecting hints of blue from the sky and communicating the interconnection of all things, beginnings and endings, the cycling of life.”
Photo: Antonio Coelho, Portugal – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Planet Earth’s landscapes and environments
Grand Teton Peaks, Wyoming, Gold winner, Planet Earth’s landscapes and environments category
Photo: Jake Mosher, U.S – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
“On June 17th, 2021, I hiked, snowshoed, and climbed to the 11,000-foot summit of Wyoming’s Table Mountain to photograph the Milky Way over Grand Teton Peak,” said Jake Mosher. “While these iconic mountains have been photographed tens of thousands of times, I wanted to show an entirely unique view of them. I was treated to one of the most spectacular displays of airglow that I’ve ever seen, similar to the aurora and created by photo-charged particles but spanning much of the horizon.”
Photo: Beatrice Won, Hong Kong – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Urban wildlife
The home of the kestrel, Common kestrel, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, Gold winner, Urban wildlife … [+] category
Photo: Vladislav Tasev, UK – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
A male common kestrel perches in its nest, a dilapidated tall and rusty street lamps that has become the bird’s home. “I took the picture at sunset to see the rust, the lamps and the bird in natural light,” said Vladislav Tasev. “The photo was taken in the town of Stara Zagora near the Thracian University, in an abandoned parking lot near a small forest.
Mid-air jousting, Two white tailed sea eagles Vladivostok, Russia, Bronze winner, Urban wildlife … [+] category
Photo: Nitin Michael, UAE – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Nature photojournalism
Injured, Australian fur seal, Port Kembla, NSW, Australia Gold winner, Nature photojournalism … [+] category
Photo: Nicolas & Léna Remy, Australia – WORLD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
An Australian fur seal in Port Kembla, Australia, shows severe injuries from a boat’s propeller.
A new photography display of NEPA scenery photography by Deno Pantelakos unveiled March at Abide Coffeehouse. The Wilkes-Barre café plans to decorate their walls with a collection from a different local artist each month.
Artist of the Month for March 2023 is Deno Pantelakos, who lives in Wilkes-Barre and captures timeless photos of NEPA in all its glory. Abide’s customers can grab a cup of joe and admire the beautiful photography illuminating the atmosphere until the next collection takes over.
We should all strive to see Northeastern Pennsylvania through Deno’s eyes, or his lens I should say. Pantelakos ventures into nature to take marvelous landscape photographs, especially some our favorite local spots. He’s captured our most cherished landmarks from Market Street Bridge to Ricketts Glen.
“My love for nature and of all its beauty drives me to capture and record the ever-changing scenes. I love the peaceful serenity of a sunrise and the sunset, the ever-changing colors and hues of the day,” said Pantelakos in his artist statement.
Pantelakos spends much of his free-time hiking in our nearby State Parks, capturing our many beautiful lakes, and admiring each photogenic season. On a sunny Autumn day or after a Winter ice storm, Deno Pantelakos can be found trekking out for the perfect shot.
“Since I moved to downtown Wilkes-Barre, I have started to capture city scenes, the beautiful structures of our local architecture and my favorite — capturing the four seasons at Kirby Park,” said Pantelakos.
One of his favorite pieces in the exhibited collection is a bright, fall photo of Kirby Park that can be seen on display in Abide Coffeehouse’s conference room.
Other photographs exhibited at Abide Coffeehouse include “Autumn in Ricketts Glen”, “The Arch and the Eagle”, “Soft Glow”, and “Stormy Weather.”
“Soft Glow” by Deno Pantelakos is a part of his photography collection on display at Abide Coffeehouse through March.
Pantelakos’s love for photography began 50 years ago with a Pentax K1000 film camera.
“In the past, your photos were on film, and you had to send them out to be processed. After eagerly awaiting the prints arrival on a roll of 24 frames, you had maybe six good photos. It was a struggle but persistence and patience eventually paid off,” said Pantelakos in his artist’s statement. “Everything changed with digital photography.”
Deno Pantelakos now owns NEPA Nature Photography to continue sharing his beautiful images with the world.
“The one thing that never changes in photography is the learning process. I continue to think outside the box and work on better compositions and new ways of capturing light,” said Pantelakos.
Deno Pantelakos is an active creative within the community. He’s a member of the Wyoming Valley Art League, located in the Circle Centre for the Arts in downtown Wilkes-Barre where his photography can also be observed at monthly exhibits.
His work is also exhibited at Penn State Lehman and the Irem Temple Pavilion in Dallas. You can also see his photos displayed at the 67th Annual Fine Arts Fiesta held from May 18 through May 21 in Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square.
Next time you step into Abide Coffeehouse, be sure to take a look around for a reminder from Deno Pantelakos on how beautiful Northeastern Pennsylvania really is.
The World Nature Photography Awards announced the winning photographs from its 2022 photo competition.
The contest aims to use the power of photography to put a spotlight on the wonder of the natural world, reminding viewers to take action now to protect the planet and secure a better tomorrow.
The contest, which opened to U.S. residents last year, invited readers to submit a digital photograph in over a dozen categories, such as animals, plants and fungi and people and nature. The grand prize winner receives a cash prize of $1,000. Here are all the gold medal winners by category:
Animal Portraits
Winner of World Nature Photographer of the Year
A crocodile in the mud at Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. (Jens Cullmann)
Behaviour – Mammals
Japanese macaques in Awaji Island, Japan. (Hidetoshi Ogata)
Behaviour – Amphibians and reptiles
Japanese stream toads in the Owase Mountains, Mie, Japan. (Norihiro Ikuma)
Behaviour – Birds
A male Hooded Merganser in Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, Virginia. (Charles Schmidt)
Behaviour – Invertebrates
A red crab (Grapsus adscensionis) in La Gomera Island, Spain (Javier Herranz Casellas)
Nature Art
Spawning coral in the Red Sea. (Tom Shlesinger)
People and Nature
The view from inside a glacier looking up at the night sky in Solheimajokull, South Iceland. (Virgil Reglioni)
Plants and Fungi
Eucalyptus in Mount Barker, Western Australia (Julie Kenny)
Urban Wildlife
Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. (Vladislav Tasev)
Planet Earth’s Landscapes and Environments
Grand Teton Peak in Wyoming, USA (Jake Mosher)
Black and White
Lesser Antillean Iguana in Grenada Island, West Indies. (Alain Ernoult)
Animals in their Habitat
A snow leopard in the Indian Himalayas. (Sascha Fonseca)
Nature Photojournalism
Australian fur seal in Port Kembla, NSW, Australia. (Nicolas Remy)
Underwater
Harlequin shrimps in the Hymanocera Lembeh strait, Indonesia. (Adriano Morettin)
To see the full gallery of winners, visit the World Nature Photography Awards website.
A nature-focused photographer recently captured an image of a bald eagle grabbing lunch to-go as he took flight in Connecticut skies.
Doug Gemmell, a resident of South Windsor, went out to Wethersfield Cove inlet on March 8 to snap some photos of eagles on his Nikon D500 camera.
The retired banker has been photographing birds, insects and nature for the last seven years.
Much of his work is dedicated to photographing eagles and Gemmell said he tries to catch the birds “fishing.”
TWITTER USERS REACT TO TSA SCREENING BALD EAGLE AT NORTH CAROLINA AIRPORT: ‘HE IS GORGEOUS!’
“I want to get some action shots and well, that was some action shot,” Gemmell told Fox News Digital of the March 8 photo he took.
“It’s not quite the fish [picture], but it was an interesting photo to say the least.”
A bald eagle opens its talons to grab a pizza in Connecticut on March 8, as photographed by Doug Gemmell.(Doug Gemmell Nature Photography)
Gemmell said he was posed on a path between the waterway and the Department of Motor Vehicles building.
When he saw the eagle, Gemmell said, the bird began putting its legs down.
FLORIDA PHOTOGRAPHER SNAPS IMAGE OF HERON FLYING OFF WITH BABY ALLIGATOR: ‘RIGHT PLACE AT RIGHT TIME’
“That’s a sign they are going to grab something,” Gemmell said. “I didn’t know it was a pizza until I got home.”
Doug Gemmell, a photographer and resident of South Windsor, Connecticut, snapped a photo on March 8 of a juvenile bald eagle flying off with half a slice of pepperoni pizza near Wethersfield Cove.(Doug Gemmell Nature Photography)
Gemmell said the juvenile bald eagle, which he estimated to be a year-and-a-half old, swooped down and grabbed a slice of pepperoni pizza before being chased by crows that appeared to want the same piece of the pie.
THE BALD EAGLE: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GREAT CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORY OF AMERICA’S BIRD
Gemmell was able to grab a shot of the surprising moment.
Gemmell told Fox News Digital he didn’t realize it was pizza the eagle had grabbed until Gemmell returned home to examine the photograph.(Doug Gemmell Nature Photography)
“It’s pretty unique. I don’t know if there’s any other pictures of eagles snatching a pizza,” Gemmell commented.
ALASKAN BALD EAGLES WIN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S FIRST ‘PICTURES OF THE YEAR’ PHOTO CONTEST WITH STUNNING IMAGE
“It lends itself to a lot of talk, ‘What’s his favorite pizza?’ ‘Does he like anchovies?’ It’s sort of a funny thing, and I’m glad it’s getting some attention.”
Gemmell’s eagle-with-a-pizza photo has been featured on news sites — and most recently, Gemmell appeared on a local radio show to speak about the moment.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
“The real joy of this whole thing is seeing something I’ve never seen before,” Gemmell said.
“It’s America’s bird, and it likes pizza,” he added.
Doug Gemmell (at right) enjoys kayaking trips with his wife, Elizabeth “Beth” Gemmell. Gemmell said he’s able to take photographs he otherwise wouldn’t be able to capture while on shore.(Doug Gemmell)
“They’re just a beautiful, graceful bird to watch.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Gemmell said he and his wife, Elizabeth, enjoy kayaking together and that’s when he usually captures some of his best work.
Nicole Pelletiere is a senior editor on the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
Spring came early to the lower Cape Fear this year and it brought me a renewed sense of energy. A hope for regeneration as I cope with the stressors of pandemic recovery, global and domestic unrest and increasing political polarization.
As I thought about the issues impacting me daily, I started to think about my work with people and plants. I listened to myself try to help others through nature and realized I was not practicing that same restoration on myself. So, I began to focus on building that relationship.
When I presented “Building a Personal Connection with Nature,” for the 2023 Extension Speakers Series, https://arboretum.nhcgov.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=292, I listened to my own words: Even the view of a natural landscape from a window increases our ability to heal. This healing is present every day and we can tailor it to our lifestyle, resources of time and money. It can be passive, sitting outside to have a conversation or active, a brisk walk or preparing a garden plot. We can use it to build relationships with other people and we can share it with any and everyone. Even in a small apartment, we can invite nature into our homes with houseplants, rocks, flowers arrangements, art, aromatherapy, pressed flowers, through books and in countless other ways.
The base of celery roots in a sunny windowsill.
Some engagements with nature that take a greater investment of money and/or time include moss gardening, bonsai, nature photography, journaling, green architecture, foraging, wilderness therapy, eco-therapy, forest bathing, ikebana, and park Rx.
A simple and free way to bring plants into your life uses kitchen scraps. The parts of vegetables we throw away can give us a beautiful windowsill garden. Celery bottoms, radish, carrot, onion, and beet tops and more can be put in a shallow dish of water and placed in a sunny window to grow. For best results, change the water every other day.
An easy kitchen windowsill garden grows from vegetable scraps.
March 19-25, 2023 is National Horticultural Therapy Week. Make time to find a way to connect with nature. Even 10 minutes observing a tree can impact how you feel. Look at a book on butterflies, birds or your favorite flower and enjoy the warm days of spring. Reflect on what you observe and how it makes you feel. And consider, nature ignites our imagination. It sends us to the past, centers us in the present and makes us wonder about the future. Think about how nature makes us whole.
As a final thought, remember that to have nature to enjoy, we must also preserve it. Encourage our local leaders to focus on sustainable growth and preservation of green space. When you visit our parks and beaches, respect the area, pick up litter and if you can, support local gardens.
Heather Kelejian, New Hanover County Extension Therapeutic Horticulture Agent
The Ability Garden uses nature to enhance lives. Support our 3rd Saturday Plant Sales at the New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403. Shopping with us increases our capacity to bring people and plants together. Reach Heather Kelejian, the New Hanover County Extension Therapeutic Horticulture Agent at [email protected] or 910-798-7660. Instagram: nhc.abilitygarden, FaceBook: Ability Garden.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New Hanover extension agent shows paths to connect nature and wellness
“Danger in the mud,” by Jens Cullmann (Germany), is the grand prize winner of the 2022 World Nature Photography Awards. (Image credit: Jens Cullmann)
A creepy portrait of a crocodile keeping a watchful, yellow eye from a mud pool is the grand prize winner of the 2022 World Nature Photography Awards (WNPA), which honored the most evocative shots from thousands of entries in a variety of categories. The photo was taken in Zimbabwe by Jens Cullmann of Germany, who won the award for World Nature Photographer of the Year and scooped top prize for Animal portraits..
“This photograph is the result of my staking out the largest pool in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, at a time when an extended drought had reduced the pool to rapidly-drying mud,” Cullmann told the WNPA (opens in new tab). “I had to be very careful not to disturb the crocodile, even though it was buried in dry mud. They will launch themselves with tremendous speed and power at any animal foolish enough to come too close.”
From underwater wonders to spectacular landscapes, here are the 2022 winners in each category.
Related: Best wildlife photography cameras 2023
Behavior – Amphibians and reptiles
“Ride on you,” by Norihiro Ikuma (Japan), was the winner in the Behavior – Amphibians and reptiles category. (Image credit: Norihiro Ikuma)
Norihiro Ikuma of Japan captured this otherworldly scene of two Japanese stream toads (Bufo torrenticola), also known as Honshū toads, looking over long strings of toad eggs as one toad rides on the other’s back. These animals are endemic to Japan and only come down from the mountains of Owase in Mie to the river when it is time to spawn.
Behavior – Birds
“I’m coming for you,” by Charles Schmidt (U.S.), was the winner in the Behavior – Birds category. (Image credit: Charles Schmidt)
This male hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is heading straight for the camera lens, where photographer Charles Schmidt was patiently waiting for the bird to take off in Huntley Meadows Park, Virginia. “Ducks will often begin swimming more quickly when they are preparing to fly,” Schmidt told the WNPA. “I saw that they began to swim more quickly and thus was prepared to catch them taking off. I was lucky that they headed directly towards me!”
Behavior – Invertebrates
“The ghost of the rocks,” by Javier Herranz Casellas (Spain), was the winner in the Behavior – Invertebrates category. (Image credit: Javier Herranz Casellas)
This red crab (Grapsus adscensionis) was photographed by Javier Herranz Casellas on La Gomera, in Spain’s Canary Islands, just as a wave hit the rock where it was perched. The crab was looking for small crustaceans and plants to feed on when a thin veil of water streamed over its back, giving it a distinct Spider-Man-like appearance.
Behavior – Mammals
“Playgroup,” by Hidetoshi Ogata (Japan), was the winner in the Behavior – Mammals category. (Image credit: Hidetoshi Ogata)
Hidetoshi Ogata photographed a rarely seen behavior of six Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) cozying up in a huddle during the lactation season on Japan’s Awaji Island. It takes just one embrace between a mother and her baby to entice other female and male monkeys to join a huddle, which can sometimes include more than 30 individuals and is thought to encourage grooming and cuddling behavior.
Animals in their habitat
“The world is mine,” by Sascha Fonseca (U.A.E.), was the winner in the Animals in their habitat category. (Image credit: Sascha Fonseca)
Sascha Fonseca, from the United Arab Emirates, set up a camera trap on the snowy peaks of the Indian Himalayas to snap this rare picture of a snow leopard (Panthera uncia). “I captured this image during a 3-year DSLR [digital-single-lens reflex] camera trap project in the Ladakh region of northern India,” Fonseca told the WNPA. “The mystery surrounding the snow leopard always fascinated me. They are some of the most difficult large cats to photograph in the wild. Not only because of their incredible stealth, but also because of the remote environment they live in.”
Black and white
“Thankfulness,” by Ernoult Alain (France), was the winner in the Black and white category. (Image credit: Ernoult Alain)
Ernoult Alain of France photographed this Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima), which looks like it’s rubbing its tummy after a big meal, on the Caribbean island of Grenada. The image captures, in stunning detail, the scales and folds of this endemic lizard‘s skin as the animal stretches its neck.
Nature art
“Underwater colorful snowstorm,” by Tom Shlesinger (Israel), was the winner in the Nature art category. (Image credit: Tom Shlesinger)
Coral spawning underwater is a tricky event to capture, as it happens only for a few minutes, at a certain hour on a single night of the year. Tom Shlesinger of Israel captured the rare moment when thousands of corals cast their egg-and-sperm bundles into the open water, resulting in an artistic composition of what looks like a balloon-filled night sky. The bundles are carried away by sea currents and mix so that the sperm fertilize the eggs in the water.
Nature photojournalism
“Injured fur seal,” by Nicolas Remy (Australia), was the winner in the Nature photojournalism category. (Image credit: Nicolas Remy)
Nicolas Remy captured this heartbreaking photo of an Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) with bad injuries caused by a boat propeller in Australia’s Port Kembla. Marine mammals such as whales, seals and sea lions are frequently hit by boats of all sizes, often resulting in injury and, sometimes, death.
People and Nature
“The guts,” by Virgil Reglioni (Norway), was the winner of the People and nature category. (Image credit: Virgil Reglioni)
To take this photograph, Virgil Reglioni of Norway abseiled down into the depths of a glacier at night. “This is how it feels to be inside the glacier’s guts,” he told the WNPA. “Not many people would even dare to go in there, where it is deep, cold, loud and wet. And that is the whole purpose of this photograph; pushing your limits to capture what few people will ever experience at night. Abseiling down felt incredible, as the more we penetrated into this dark monster, the more the fear rises up. The setup was simply impressive, and I did feel amazing just being hanging into that moulin with about 30 meters [100 feet] of dark void under my feet and my hanging tripod in the air.”
Planet Earth’s landscapes and environments
“The Grand Tetons,” by Jake Mosher (U.S.), was the winner in the Planet Earth’s landscapes and environment category. (Image credit: Jake Mosher)
This panoramic shot of the Milky Way crowning Grand Teton was U.S. photographer Jake Mosher’s reward for climbing to the top of Wyoming’s Table Mountain on a clear spring night. Towering 13,775 feet (4,199 m) high, Grand Teton is the highest peak in the Teton Range.
“On June 17th, 2021, I hiked, snowshoed and climbed to the 11,000-foot [3,400 m] summit of Wyoming’s Table Mountain to photograph the Milky Way over Grand Teton Peak,” Mosher told the WNPA. “While these iconic mountains have been photographed tens of thousands of times, I wanted to show an entirely unique view of them. I was treated to one of the most spectacular displays of airglow that I’ve ever seen — similar to the aurora and created by photo-charged particles, but spanning much of the horizon.”
Plants and fungi
“Tree of life,” by Julie Kenny (Australia), was the winner in the Plants and fungi category. (Image credit: Julie Kenny)
Julie Kenny of Australia captured sheep tracks surrounding a fallen tree in this evocative shot. “The tree is seen as a sacred symbol, which carries significant meanings in both religious and spiritual philosophies,” Kenny told the WNPA. “From above, the surrounding sheep tracks combined with the fallen tree reminded me of the Tree of Life. While the aerial perspective focuses on the earth, you can see the pooled water in the sheep tracks reflecting hints of blue from the sky. While this represents many different things, for me it communicates the interconnection of all things, beginnings and endings, the cycling of life.”
Underwater
“Harlequin shrimps,” by Adriano Morettin (Italy), was the winner in the Underwater category. (Image credit: Adriano Morettin)
Positioning the camera to focus on a blue sea star (Linckia laevigata), Adriano Morettin of Italy photographed a couple of color-coordinated harlequin shrimps (Hymenocera picta) in Lembeh Strait in Indonesia. Female harlequin shrimps grow larger than males do — up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) long.
Urban Wildlife
“The home of the kestrel,” by Vladislav Tasev (U.K.), is the winner in the Urban wildlife category. (Image credit: Vladislav Tasev)
Vladislav Tasev of the United Kingdom spotted this male common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) perching on the doorstep of its new street-lamp home in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
“I took the picture at sunset to see the rust, the lamps and the bird in natural light,” Tasev told the WNPA. “The photo was taken in the town of Stara Zagora near the Thracian University, in an abandoned parking lot near a small forest.”
“Soft Glow” by Deno Pantelakos is a part of his photography collection on display at Abide Coffeehouse through March.
