The Wild Wonders of Europe photo contest has drawn to climatic close and in the end there could onle be two winners!

Almost 11.000 images were submitted over 12 months of monthly competitions. 48 winning images from two age groups were then eligible for the judging with these two fabulous images geting the most votes from the panel of judges..

There were two main Grand Prixe categories: 'Young Crew' and 'Adult'.

Topping the Young Crew category was 18-year-old Marcus Valeur from Norway with his awe-inspiring 'Trying to gain height': a panning of a sea eagle trying to gain height after catching a fish. Marcus took the photo from boat with a shutter speed of 1/25 sec.

“This was the very last image in a series of more than 25 pictures. None of the images had sufficient sharpness in the head region – except this,” explained Marcus.

Coming out top in the 'Adult' category was Janne Heimonen from Finland, with 'JUMP!': an atmosphering shot of a dipper diving for food from a stream, in the last sunbeams of sunset.

“I was laying on the ice and watching the dipper dive for food from the stream in front of me, in the last sunbeams of sunset,” Janne explained.

Congratulations to Marcus and Janne to this outstanding achievement!

Enjoy the portfolios of the two Grand Prize winners on the Online Competition pages on the Wild Wonders of Europe website. 

Wild Wonders Online Photo Competition 2010 …
Wild Wonders are currently working on setting up this year’s round of monthly competitions. Stay tuned – they will keep you informed at: www.wild-wonders.com

From this reservoir of images will emerge in spring 2010 the flagship Great Wild Show Outdoor Exhibition. Serving as inspiration for millions as it tours throughout Europe over the next 3 years, it will showcase the very best of Europe’s wildlife and wild places, through the emotional impact of beautiful photography. The story that will be revealed is a positive one focusing on the comeback species, the re-wilding of landscapes and the conservation successes out there in Europe’s wilderness over the past three decades. It will also highlight the landscapes and species that are in need of protection.

Next year, the International Year of Biodiversity, is a milestone for conservation and the Wild Wonders of Europe series of Great Wild Show Outdoor Exhibitions have specifically been timed to coincide, launching in April, 2010.

Read more about the entire project here.