‘A Flick of the Tail’ featured in new Wildlife Photographer of the Year book
One of my wildlife images, ‘A Flick of the Tail’, will be featured in the upcoming 60th-anniversary edition of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year book.
This hardcover book, titled ‘60 Years of Wildlife Photographer of the Year: How Wildlife Photography Became Art’, is being published by The Natural History Museum and will be available from 19th September 2024.
About the Wildlife Photographer of the Year book
The book, ‘60 Years of Wildlife Photographer of the Year: How Wildlife Photography Became Art’, celebrates six decades of incredible wildlife photography, showcasing over 240 stunning images.
It includes some of the greatest nature photographs ever taken, with 20 images captured in the last five years, all previously honoured in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPOTY) Awards.
What makes photography art?
It features groundbreaking Wildlife Photographer of the Year photos including portraits, aerial shots, underwater imagery and close-ups. These wildlife photographs have been produced thanks to innovations like automatic focusing, fast burst rates, aerial drone photography, and macro probe lenses, which have transformed wildlife photography over the past six decades.
The collection ultimately showcases the many creative ways that wildlife documentary photographers can now capture the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
A seminal wildlife photograph
Having ‘A Flick of the Tail’ featured in this landmark edition is incredibly special to me. Being part of both the 50th and 60th-anniversary editions of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year book is a milestone in my career, and I am deeply honoured by the recognition.
The image, which captures a fleeting and graceful moment in the wild, stands as a testament to the art and patience required in wildlife photography.
It was originally awarded in the 2011 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and was chosen as the cover image for that year's portfolio book. This recognition marked a pivotal moment in my career.
First released as a limited-edition print, in a run of just seventy-five copies ten years ago, the print remains crisp and sharp even at larger sizes. It’s a picture that has greatly contributed to where I am today.
The story behind ‘A Flick of the Tail’
The photo was taken in November 2010, around noon with the sun high overhead. Several giraffes were in the open space; one nearby flicked its tail while another stood far off in the background. I saw the potential for a great shot, but it required patience.
The wait felt long, my lens grew heavier, and I willed both giraffes to stay in place. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the giraffe flicked its tail once more, allowing me to capture this iconic image.
Pre-order your copy of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year book
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year book is available for pre-order now through all good bookstores. You can also pre-order your copy via Amazon. Don’t miss out on owning this piece of photographic history.
A celebration of 60 years of Wildlife Photographer of the Year
This book is not just a collection of wildlife images; it’s a tribute to the art and evolution of capturing the natural world in photographs. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone who appreciates the beauty of wildlife, this book surely is a must-have.
Visit my print store
If you would like to view and purchase ‘A Flick of the Tail’, or any other of my popular fine art prints, please visit my online store.
David
Related: Two images awarded in the 59th Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards