Nanaimo Photographer Shane Gross Wins Prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award
Shane Gross, a talented photojournalist from Nanaimo, has been named the 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year by the Natural History Museum in London. Gross won this prestigious accolade for his mesmerizing photograph The Swarm of Life , which captures the remarkable migration of western toad tadpoles swimming through sunlit lily pads in Cedar Lake near Campbell River, British Columbia. Out of 59,228 entries from 117 countries, Gross’s image stood out, earning him the grand prize.
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Speaking from London, Gross expressed his deep honor and excitement over the recognition, especially as it highlights the beauty of Vancouver Island and its precious wetlands. He hopes this award will help bring attention to often-overlooked ecosystems like wetlands, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. While capturing the winning image was a rewarding experience, Gross acknowledged that the real challenge lies in using this platform to advocate for environmental protection.
Gross’s photo not only won the overall prize but also topped the wetlands category. His dedication to marine conservation and storytelling shines through his work. He described how he spent hours snorkeling through Cedar Lake, patiently waiting for the right moment to capture the scene. By following trails created by beavers beneath the floating lily pads, he positioned himself perfectly without disturbing the natural setting, resulting in an image that feels both tranquil and alive with energy.
The jury was captivated by the photograph’s intricate play of light and motion, with judge Tony Wu noting how Gross immerses the viewer in a scene that most people wouldn’t imagine existed. Kathy Moran, the jury chair, praised the connectivity between the tadpoles and their environment, which Gross beautifully brought to life.
British Columbians will have a chance to see the winning image in person during the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Royal B.C. Museum next year from February 14 to April 17. Additionally, the photograph will be displayed at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto starting December 21, 2024. Gross’s success is a powerful reminder of the importance of our connection to nature and the role photography can play in fostering environmental awareness and action.
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