GEORGE NEWS - The George photographer Peter Delaney, who has pursued chimpanzees in Uganda and had a close encounter with a lion - has won the Animal Portraits category of the coveted Wildlife 2017 awards (formerly known as the BBC Wildlife awards).
He was thrilled to attend the illustrious ceremony held on 18 October at the Natural History Museum, London. His eye catching entry will be showcased alongside 99 others in the Museum.
During an interview at his Glen Barrie home, he looked back on his successful career and spoke of the decision he made in 2001 to quit a career in finance to pursue his dream of travelling Africa in a 4x4 Landcruiser. He was a solo traveller for many years.
"The sheer size and magnitude of this continent was overwhelming. I travelled the forests of Bwindi; to the peaks of Kilimanjaro; to the shores of Lake Malawi and the red dunes of the Kalahari. I have spent months in the African Wilderness looking for that unique photograph to showcase the rich variety of Wildlife and the beautiful Landscape that Africa has to offer.
Distance
"I keep my distance from my subjects as I do not want to infringe on their personal space and unnerve them. I prefer to catch them in a undisturbed and blissful state. However, I did have an accidental, nerve wracking close-up encounter with a lion. It was while I seated in an open 4X4 vehicle crossing a river - that a lion leaped past me coming uncomfortably close to within a whiskers breadth. It was an electrifying moment. One can never lose sight of the fact that you are in their territory and they are unpredictable.
Family excursions
"Nowadays I enjoy taking my wife Nicolinah and son Neo with me on my travels and this is one way of making sure that we share some special times together.
"My photos have appeared in National Geographic, Deutsche Geo and many others and have won numerous awards including the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of The Year in 2011 and 2013.
Photography has become my life, it may be a cliché but it is true. I live and breathe photography. No matter where I am, in my mind’s eye I am making photographs. Peter who was born in Ireland, said "It has taught me to see the world in a different light for that I am so grateful." Peter plans to set up a gallery where his work can be viewed by the public by appointment.
The Animal Portraits category was won by Peter Delaney from George. The photo titled "Contemplation" was captured after a long, difficult morning tracking chimpanzees - part of a troop of some 250 - through Uganda’s Kibale National Park. Totti was busy with vigorous courtship, pacing and gesticulating to a female in the canopy. It was only when he finally flopped down, worn out with unrequited love, that Peter had his chance.
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