Wasp 'riding a broomstick' captivates photography judges
A bizarre photo of a wasp seemingly 'riding a broomstick' has won first prize in an annual wildlife photography competition.
The unusual shot, taken in Algarve, Portugal, captures a wasp appearing to mount a broomstick made from a tree branch alongside a group of fellow wasps.
The winning photograph was snapped by retired chemistry teacher Gerry Butler, 79, using a Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera with a Sigma 70-300mm lens.
Butler says his award-winning image is 'freaky'
Speaking to the PA news agency, Butler, from Livingston, Scotland, said he was "overjoyed" to have won but confessed that his photograph was "a bit freaky".
"I nearly didn't enter the competition as I thought the photo was a bit weird," he admitted.
The Natural History Museum's annual competition celebrates the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth, with this year's overarching theme being "Surprising Perspectives".
The judging panel included famous nature photographers and professionals
This year's competition saw over 50,000 entries from photographers across 62 countries, with Butler's photograph winning the "animals in their environment" category.
The judging panel included some of the world's most famous nature photographers and professionals, including award-winning photographer Marsel van Oosten and ecologist Dr. Sophie Lanfear.
The winning image was chosen for its unique perspective
Lanfear commented that the panel chose Butler's "surprising and playful" image because it "stands out from the more traditional shots we often see".
"It makes you look twice, capturing a magical moment and demonstrating beautifully the complex lives of wasps," she added.
Butler wins £10,000 and a selection of Sony's latest photography gear
Butler wins a cash prize of £10,000 and a selection of Sony's latest photography equipment for his winning shot, which will be showcased in the museum's annual exhibition.
The exhibition will be open to the public in London from October 14th this year, after being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
