The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024 have unveiled their winners, with Italian photographer Milko Marchetti earning top honours for his side-splitting image, Stuck Squirrel. This perfectly timed photo captures a red squirrel in a hilariously awkward pose, wedged in a tree at an improbable angle.
The competition, now in its tenth year, broke records with over 9,000 entries, showcasing humour and creativity from wildlife photographers around the globe. Out of this impressive collection, 45 of the best entries were shortlisted, with Marchetti’s Stuck Squirrel ultimately winning the judges’ hearts and standing out among fierce competition.
As the overall winner, Marchetti will enjoy a luxury safari experience in Kenya’s Maasai Mara with Alex Walker’s Serian. He will also receive a handmade trophy from Tanzania’s Wonder Workshop and a premium Think Tank photography bag. Reflecting on his achievement, Marchetti shared, “Nature photography has always been my passion. To freeze a moment and make it eternal through a photograph is exhilarating. It’s pure adrenaline, and I’m thrilled to see my work resonate with so many people.”
Stefan Maier, Nikon Europe’s Senior General Manager of Marketing, praised Marchetti’s work, stating, “Milko’s image perfectly captures the whimsical unpredictability of nature. It reminds us of the power of photography to spark joy and emotion.”
The Awards also highlighted emerging talent. Kingston Tam from Australia won the Nikon Young Photographer Award (U25) for his delightful close-up of a smiling frog, earning a Nikon Z8 kit. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Sarthak Ranganadhan claimed the Nikon Junior Category (U16) prize with his charming photo of smooching owlets, receiving a Nikon Z50II kit.
The finalists’ work will be showcased in a free exhibition at the Gallery@Oxo in London from 11th–15th December 2024. Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024
