Nima Sarikhani made headlines by winning the People’s Choice Award for Wildlife Photographer of the Year with his stunning picture of a resting polar bear.
Nima Sarikhani, an exceptionally gifted British amateur photographer, is renowned for his ability to capture breathtaking and mesmerizing photographs that leave viewers spellbound.
His global fame exploded following his win of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award for his charming photograph of a cute polar bear sleeping peacefully on a small iceberg.
While on an expedition ship exploring Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, Nima snapped the photo that ultimately propelled him to victory over four highly commended finalists.
As per his LinkedIn profile, he currently serves as a managing partner at Hambleden Capital, a position he has held since May 2017.
Additionally, he is listed as a board member for African Conservation Development Group, Prevayl, SME Capital, and Titan Wealth Holdings.
He completed his education at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), earning a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics from 1999 to 2002.
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Nima Sarikhani: 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award Winner
Nima Sarikhani’s photograph titled “Ice Bed” earned him the prestigious Wildlife Photographer Of The Year award for its emotive depiction of a polar bear sleeping in a makeshift bed carved into a small iceberg.
After three days of navigating thick fog in pursuit of polar bears, Nima finally captured his winning picture.
He recounted how the expedition vessel he was on decided to alter its course, steering toward areas with remaining sea ice. There, they came across a younger and an older male, observing the pair for the ensuing eight hours.
Shortly before midnight, the young male ascended a small iceberg and, with his robust paws, began to carve out a resting place for himself.
This year’s People’s Choice Award experienced an overwhelming response, with over 75,000 wildlife photography and nature enthusiasts globally contributing their votes to declare Nima as the winner among the 25 images.
Nima, a British amateur photographer, expressed his gratitude for winning the award for the mesmerizing scene “Ice Bed,” captured off Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, mentioning that the image stirred deep emotions, like hope, in those who viewed it.
Whilst climate change is the biggest challenge we face, I hope that this photograph also inspires hope; there is still time to fix the mess we have caused.
Dr. Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, reflected on Nima’s breathtaking and evocative image, noting that it provides a powerful insight into the beauty and fragility of our planet.
His thought-provoking image serves as a poignant reminder of the essential connection between an animal and its habitat, illustrating the urgent need to address climate change and habitat loss.
“Ice Bed” emerged as the chosen photograph from a pool of 25 images, selected from a vast array of around 50,000 entries.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is masterfully curated and presented by the esteemed Natural History Museum, London. Annually, the museum takes charge of coordinating this highly anticipated photography event.
Taking a Closer Look At Other Shortlisted Photographers Pictures
Representing Kenya, finalist Mark Boyd submitted “Shared Parenting,” portraying a pair of lionesses tenderly grooming one of the pride’s five cubs in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
Finalist Audun Rikardsen, hailing from Norway, captured ‘Aurora Jellies,’ featuring two moon jellyfish in the crisp autumn waters of a fjord outside Tromsø in northern Norway, bathed in the glow of the aurora borealis.
“The Happy Turtle,” photographed by finalist Tzahi Finkelstein from Israel, depicts a Balkan pond turtle enjoying a peaceful moment of cohabitation with a northern banded groundling dragonfly in Israel’s Jezreel Valley.
Meanwhile, in Daniel Dencescu’s ‘Starling Murmuration,’ a mesmerizing scene unfolds as starlings swirl together, forming the shape of a giant bird as they migrate to communal roosts above Rome, Italy.
The five images, alongside Nima’s pictures, will be exhibited both online and at London’s Natural History Museum until June 30.
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