NATURE PHOTOCHALLENGE SHORT-LISTERS

WINNER

RIVERINE REFLECTIONS: MAKOKO SERENITY

Photograph by Tony Dolapo Oshiame

Capturing the serene beauty of the riverine scene in Makoko, Lagos. The juxtaposition of traditional stilted structures against the calm waters paints a picture of resilience and harmony with nature. The play of light on the rippling river adds a touch of magic to this unique waterfront community. This image seeks to convey the peaceful coexistence between Makoko’s inhabitants and their aquatic surroundings.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

“Fantastic subject and composition. The early morning blue haze helps to create a wonderfully moody image. This one is a clear winner for me. I would hang this print on my wall.“- Paul Bruins

“It is a good shot of a riverine area. The photographer’s sense of the component of photography like depth of field, line, texture, pattern etc. helps to give this shot a place in the shortlist. The man and the boat are both in silhouette on a lighted river against a dark water line from both sides.“- Mature Tanko

“THE DIGNITY OF LABOUR –Irrespective of where you find yourself , you can make progress. Never let your environment limit your abilities- there is greatness in you. An excellent composition.” – Omoyemi Ajanaku

REBIRTH

Photograph by Damilola Matthew Adekoya

Just before the tree begins to bring forth leaves again, it goes through a stage of rebirth. At this point, the tree looks almost dead with little or no leaves on it, it’s presumed dead to most people at this point but then it’s only going through a phase of re-evaluation, recuperation and regeneration. By the time it comes to life again, it produces flowers that are so beautiful that you’d wish it stays like that forever and then fruits for all to eat. 

This is also similar to man, we have these moments when we seem to lose hope and interest in life, that is definitely not the end of the world for us, it’s only a test that’d bring out the best in us. You are allowed to go through your phase of REBIRTH as it’s a much-needed time to re-strategize and come back better.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

“Wonderful. Everything in this photo says “cold”. Lots of interesting things for my eyes to look at here. Well done.“- Paul Bruins

“Rebirth, just before the tree begins to bring forth: It is a grey photograph of a low-cost environment. The kiosk and the large tree rising to the sky draws one’s attention to the full picture. A professional shot.“- Mature Tanko

“Despite all I have been through, I still stand – I weathered the storm – there is a brighter future – I may be the only one, I will dust myself and face my future. No turning back at this point. This is an Excellent Piece.” – Omoyemi Ajanaku

THIS IS MY COMPOUND

Photograph by Israel Bakare

This is my compound. Around 5pm in the evening when the sun was already going down. Took this with my phone and edited . It showcases the beauty of nature. Both the plants, the sky and the sun fading away slowly.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

“I love the low point of view here, and the perfectly centred tower and sun. The colour tones are also very pleasant. The flowers in the foreground do look a bit past their prime though.”- Paul Bruins

“This is an excellent shot captured at low angle and as such the plants in the foreground are given greater lease of life and somewhat dominate or come alive. The buildings are painted bluish by the sky light.“- Mature Tanko

“There is hope – The Young (budding flowers) shall grow as there is hope (sunrise) irrespective of the obstacles (the mast). There is definitely some goodies beyond the clouds. I refuse to be distracted -(lower buildings) – I have set gaze.” – Omoyemi Ajanaku

LEKKI CONSERVATION CENTRE

Photograph by Mary-Joan Nwaogu

Lekki Conservation Centre is located in the coastal region of Lagos State, Nigeria, measuring an approximate land area of 78 hectares, the Centre was established in 1990 and managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

“Capturing interesting compositions of forest scenes in dappled sunlight is one of the most technically challenging subjects to photograph. When I look at this photo it feels like I’m standing there. Highly recommended.“- Paul Bruins

“A photograph of a calm and serene environment as captured by the photographer’s lens. The trees are strategically planted and the green foreground helps to make the shot a good picture.”- Mature Tanko

“Beautiful composition expressing the peaceful serene nature of the environment amidst the swampy (an uncertain co-existence between the talents – the trees & the survivors – the trees ) – The composition is ALIVE” – Omoyemi Ajanaku

SURVIVING CHAOS

Photograph by Nkasiobinnaya Mbonu

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

“The intense reds of the flowers and their central placement in the frame makes this a very striking image. Unfortunately, the reds are a bit oversaturated. This could also be cropped square for even more impact.“- Paul Bruins

“This is a creative photography work. A modern way of capturing life and events. The photographer places a prism on a plant/flower to capture nature. A very good shot.”- Mature Tanko

NIGHTTIME IN OTOKUTU

Photograph by Erumena Amata

Otokutu is a semi urban community on the outskirts of Warri in Delta State Nigeria. I took this picture with my phone on the 4th of May 2023, at precisely 7:25pm while sitting on my front porch. My home has a garden with a coconut tree, soursop trees, mango tree, an orange tree, lots of plantain trees and flowers which formed the background for my picture. 

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

“I love the lush foliage with all the different shades of green, and also that full moon in the cloudy sky. Nicely composed and exposed.“- Paul Bruins

“A true and naturalistic shot of a segment of a town. The good use of lighting technique helps to give the plants a rich and vibrant look against a grey moonlight sky.“- Mature Tanko

“Could have been an excellent composition if Depth was considered , especially if the flowers in the foreground were out of focus while the background and midground were partly in focus respectively . I believe this participant knows what he or she wants but probably didn’t effectively deploy tools at his or her

NEXT: THE PHOTOCHALLENGE HONOURABLE MENTIONS

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