On The Front Cover: Romance is Dead

Following the news of Romance is Dead being highly commended at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024, I can now announce the image will be the cover of their annual coffee table book as well.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

With more than 60,000 entries this year, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPOTY) competition is widely regarded as the most prestigious and challenging in the industry. Out of these thousands of submissions, only 100 reach the final and my image, "Romance is Dead," is among the few highly commended photographs this year.

Celebrated for its recognition of original imagery, WPOTY is now in its 60th year. Previously awarded photographers include the likes of David Lloyd, Jonathan and Angie Scott, Tom Way and Richard Peters, all of whom continue to inspire my work.

The Book

Each year, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition reaches millions worldwide through its global tour and international media coverage. This year’s coffee table book, portfolio 34 features the complete collection of 100 images honoured in the 2024 competition. Chosen by an international jury from over 60,000 entries for their artistic excellence and originality, these images represent the work of photographers from nearly 100 countries. With diverse styles, techniques, and perspectives, the collection serves as both a platform for photographers dedicated to capturing the natural world and a tribute to the beauty of nature.

Image Story

My work typically exudes a sense of calm, reflecting my efforts to keep encounters with wild subjects peaceful. However, there are moments when something extraordinary happens, often something I never planned for. This was one of those moments.

I knew that after mating, lionesses often react viscerally, biting or snarling at the male. This particular reaction was the most intense I witnessed during my time with this happy couple, flies burst from his mane, and there was a genuine look of fear on his face.

It wasn't until I reviewed the shot on my computer later that evening that I noticed another remarkable detail: the saliva hurling from the lioness's jaws, adding even more intrigue to the image.

This image is all about angle and perspective. I was using a specifically adapted Asilia photography vehicle, with the side doors of the 4WD Land Cruiser lowered so I could be eye level with the cats. It requires expert levels of knowledge from the guides I work with to ensure this is safe and Anderson Kayle, my guide at Namiri, knew just what he was doing.