Nature is truly majestic. From the largest to the smallest creatures, there's a quiet but profound dignity and beauty that has the power to humble us, and remind us that we're not the only ones on the planet.
However, nature also has a fun side — and it was all brilliantly captured in the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, an annual event that debuted this year.
Created by wildlife photographer Paul Joynson-Hicks, these awards focus on the funny side of nature — all the awkward poses and undignified faces that typically get passed up by more traditional publications.
But while they might not be the kinds of photos you'd expect, their humor shows us that, just like us, animals have their less-than-flattering moments.
But they're also still adorable and make them seem all the more like us — just like when this elephant couldn't get enough of bath time.
So Paul started his own contest, and the submissions poured in. The winners were announced recently, and the grand prize included a seven-day safari in Tanzania and a fancy new DSLR camera. Pretty amazing!
Take a moment to appreciate the lighter side of nature, and let us know your favorite!
(H/T: BoredPanda)
A photographer of wildlife himself, Paul Joynson-Hicks noticed that funny nature photos were surprisingly rare. He's also used to entering photography contests himself, and found that the more serious shots were usually preferred.
So he decided to make his own contest, and focus on these candid and hilarious images.
Photographers from all over the world submitted their funniest shots, showing all kinds of animals in all kinds of habitats looking charmingly awkward.
Paul was looking for humor in the shots, but he also had guidelines for technical proficiency and other traditional criteria found in most photography competitions.
So while their subjects are funny and quirky, the shots are still strikingly beautiful.
But while the photos will make you smile, Paul also wants to remind people that many animals, and their habitats, are in danger from over-development, pollution, and climate change.
"I am also hugely passionate about conserving our wild environments," Paul says, "which is why it's so important for us all to make sure that when we are taking pictures, we are also taking care of the creatures we are photographing."
So while these photos might be celebrating a less-than-majestic side of these creatures, their humor and charm are actually a great way to make people feel connected with them. After all, if something makes you laugh, you'll remember it!
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards is partnered with the Born Free Foundation, a U.K.-based organization that works to protect animals around the world and to educate people about respecting and protecting the diverse creatures on our planet.
And while these photos are making you smile, they also might be making you think about the wonderful, funny, and ultimately touching side of nature.
And that all of these creatures, big and small, are maybe more like us than you previously thought.
The contest is now closed, but will open to submissions again next year. Paul is hoping to make this competition an annual event, and has teams not only with Born Free, but with several other sponsor companies, so we're looking forward to next year!
The great thing about the contest is that anyone can enter with a photo of any wild animal. You don't have to find a rare animal in an exotic location, because any animal can be funny!
The only rule is that it has to be a wild animal in its natural setting. Zoo animals don't count!
Check out the top three winners below:
The bronze runner-up photo shows us that humans aren't the only ones with questionably hygienic habits.
And the second-place prize shows that comical messes don't just happen to creatures with hands.
Finally, the grand prize winner, who snapped a perfectly timed image that shows us the all-too-familiar feeling of really being in a hurry.
Which was your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out the contest if you think the wildlife in your area might be comedic material.
Also be sure to check out Paul's professional photography, and stay up to date on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
And to spread the joy of nature in an offbeat way, be sure to SHARE these amazing photos!
