Wildlife Photo Winner

The winner of the the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition 2007 is Ben Osborne (UK) for his photo Elephant Creation. Like last year's winning photo, it gives a powerful impression of the photographer being in the thick of things; but, unlike last year's underwater winner, Ben's shot was probably taken with a telephoto lens. So his intimacy with his subject doesn't impress me. And, as the photo is neither technically advanced nor beautiful, I wouldn't have chosen it as the winner. There are some stunning shots from junior entrants. Take Liisa Widstrand from Sweden; her panoramic Serengeti Stampede, highly commended in the 11-14 years-old group, is to me more powerful and evocative than any of the winners. I can almost smell the dust and hear the thunder of hooves. Click the title link to select your own favourite from the gems on show. The exhibition at London's Natural History Museum opens tomorrow and continues until 27 April 2008.