Leave No Trace ethics say that one should take only memories and leave only footprints when exploring. The annual BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition takes that a step further - resulting in spectacular images that are sure to make a lasting impression.
This year, Get Out and the Tennessee Aquarium are teaming up to bring the gallery of 41 finalist photos to the Scenic City Oct. 1 through Feb. 28. Captured on adventures around the globe, they answer the international competition's perennial question: "What on Earth have you photographed?"
"When my friend, local photographer Donna Bourdon, sent me a link to the exhibit finalists with the exciting news that her image had been selected, I was blown away by all of the images. Not just the beauty and artistic quality, but also the amazing animal behaviors the photographers captured," says Cindy Todd, the aquarium's chief marketing and communications officer. "This exhibit is a perfect fit with the aquarium's mission to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife."
Normally displayed exclusively at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, this is the first time the awe-inspiring display has hit the road.
" Our colleagues at Cal Academy are excited for more people to see it, and we are grateful that Erlanger hospital, Art Warehouse and Get Out magazine are partnering with us to bring it to Chattanooga," Todd says.
"We believe this exhibit will inspire more people to get outdoors, observe nature more closely, and appreciate all of the amazing ways that fish, birds, insects and mammals can thrive in the right environment."
Photo Contest!
And now, you can be a part of the Aquarium’s exhibit! The acclaimed competition drew nearly 6,000 submissions from 71 countries. To help mark its debut in Chattanooga, submissions of locals’ best nature photos are being accepted through Sept. 21 at getoutchattanooga.com/bigpicture. Judges will select three winners to be displayed as part of the exhibit at the Tennessee Aquarium through October.
"Arctic Survivor""Arctic Survivor"
Photo: Peter Mather
Mather, a 2017 BigPicture Competition finalist, loves the "high" of capturing images like this unique close-up of an arctic fox. "It's rare that a wild animal will accept you and let you into its life for a brief moment," Mather says.
"Playtime in Mom's Bubbles""Playtime in Mom's Bubbles"
Photo: Renee Capozzola
Off the coast of French Polynesia, a humpback calf looks as if it's playing in an effervescent cloud, bubbles emanating from Mom below. But the youngster may, in fact, be learning to open its mouth wide, which helps with feeding. Still, comments the photographer, "This seemed to be the happiest, most playful humpback calf I have ever seen."
"Rhapsody in Pink""Rhapsody in Pink"
Photo: Donna Bourdon
On a cloudy afternoon in St. Augustine, Fla., an adult spoonbill lands in its nest at a rookery. "It was special just to see this magnificently gaudy bird, much less to capture it with its wings in the 'orchestra conductor' position," says the photographer.
"Decomposition""Decomposition"
Photo: Ellen Woods
At an insect photography workshop on Georgia's Sapelo Island, Wesleyan University biology student Ellen Woods spotted ants devouring a dead cicada, doing their part for nature's recycling process. "Despite their small size, ants can have profound ecological impacts," she says.
"Harmony""Harmony"
Photo: Tanya Houppermans
The wreck of a World War II–era cargo ship near Cape Lookout in North Carolina is a popular hangout for fierce-looking - yet docile - tiger sharks. The photographer flipped on her back to capture this remarkable view as a giant school of baitfish parted and a sand tiger shark slowly passed above. "It was beautiful and peaceful, two words that most people don't associate with sharks," she says.
"Buffet Line""Buffet Line"
Photo: Shane Gross
Harbour Island, The Bahamas
Photojournalist Gross focuses on marine conservation. This seahorse-filled inland pond in Eleuthera is "so precious and fragile, I want to stand guard and make sure nothing wrecks it," he says.
"Fireworks""Fireworks"
Photo: Pere Soler Isern
Castellfollit de la Roca, Spain
Photography unites Soler's two passions, nature and travel. His landscape pictures from around the globe have earned praise, including an award in the 2015 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
"Plummet""Plummet"
Photo: Joshua Cripps
Mammoth Lakes, California
Cripps shoots for unexpected perspectives in his wilderness landscape photos, skipping a conventional wide-angle or sunset shot of this iconic waterfall. "I simply listened to the unique story the landscape was telling," he says.
"Morning Ghost""Morning Ghost"
Photo: Sebastian Kennerknecht
Williamstown, Massachusetts
Working with biologists, Kennerknecht spent seven weeks at 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) and above in Sarychat-Ertash Reserve in Central Asia. His customized camera trap captured this rare wildcat portrait.
"Marshland Patterns""Marshland Patterns"
Photo: Aya Okawa
El Cerrito, California
A visual anthropologist, Okawa explores human-made landscapes, our impact on the environment, and climate change, all from an aerial perspective.