In Conversation: Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2021
- Jade Burrell
- Jul 5, 2021
- 3 min read
The entries for the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2021 are now closed.
Entries for the competition closed on June 30th and the team behind the awards are hoping to announce the finalists on September 1.
In the meantime, let's have a chat with the amazing Michelle Wood and see some of last year's hilarious images.
Founded in 2015 when co-founder Paul Joynson-Hicks realised his funny wildlife photos were the first to sell out of exhibitions, he and his friend - another wildlife photographer - Tom Sullam created the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards - and later the Comedy Pet Photo Awards.
Michelle Wood was brought in as a third director in 2019.
Entries are closed for this year's competition. What can photographers and wildlife lovers look forward to next?
"When we announce the finalists, there is a public vote for the most popular photo - The Affinity Photo People's Choice Award, so we would encourage everyone to get behind that," Michelle says.
"We donate ten per cent of our net revenue to our conservation charity, so every little thing that you do has a knock on effect and means we can give them more support - whether it's buying books, calendars, cards, or watching our Awards Night on October 12 or even just following us on social media.
"It all helps us build the awards and make it a force for good."
Michelle adds that she believes this years awards will also be online due to Covid restrictions.
Speaking of helping your conservation charity, you've started a new strategy this year to help a different small group each year. How did you decide on the Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Programme this year?
"Orangutans are incredible animals and they are disappearing quickly.
"The Gunung Palung project is fantastic as it not only aims to protect the endangered animals, it also helps conserve and protect the habitats through sustainable work by the local population."
Part of the prize for the comedy wildlife photographer of the year is a week-long trip on Alex Walker's Serian. How did this come to be?
"Right from the first competition in 2015. Paul and Alex are friends and came up with the prize together.
"The safari's are incredible and we are really lucky to have them as a sponsor."
The CWPA are planning a photo safari with Paul and Tom. Can you tell us a little more about it?
"We are hoping to be able to fo this one day as soon as it is safe to do so.
"Paul lives in Tanzania and Tom used to, so they know the area really well and thought it could be a really fun thing to do, as well as learning how to do some amazing photography!
"Fingers crossed we can do it next year."
You currently have three Photobooks out for the CWPA. Can we expect a fourth one anytime soon?
"We are working on this at the moment. Keep following us to find out more!"
Is there anything else you'd like to mention?
"Only that we have a sister competition called Comedy Pet Photo Awards, which is the same but for pets and supporting animal welfare.
"This one is open until August 15, so if your readers fancied entering that would be amazing.
"There is a small entry fee for this one as there is a cash prize and we donate £10,000 to a pet charity."
Thank you Michelle. I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me.
Links to follow
Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards
Comedy Pet Photo Awards
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