World Press Photo Gallery

by 2007 prizewinners

As a sponsor of the World Press Photo 07 exhibition in Toronto, The Walrus is pleased to present a critical analysis of a selection of the images.

Photographer: Paul Nicklen, Canada, National Geographic Magazine

Comment from Margaret Williamson, independent photographic consultant and editor:

Paul Nicklen's photograph of a leopard seal chasing a penguin epitomizes great nature photojournalism, offering many layers of information and interpretation while provoking questions and reflection.

The aesthetics of the composition emphasize the animals' forms and behaviour, effectively demonstrating a predator-prey relationship in graphic action. We sense the penguin's isolation from its group, a typical predator hunting technique. We see that a penguin "flies" underwater using wings that are all but useless on land. We observe the powerful yet graceful structure of a leopard seal's body, effectively adapted to chase prey underwater.

The photograph also stimulates curiosity about this surreal, underwater world. Aside from wondering about the fate of one particular penguin, we're prompted to think about predator-prey relationships, about nature's great balancing act, and about the constant adaptation each species must undergo in order to survive and thrive. At a time when every species on the planet is or will soon be affected by the behaviour of humans, photographs such as this one are crucial reminders of the bigger picture. Nature photojournalism as practised by Paul Nicklen has meaning far beyond the obvious scientific realm.

--Margaret Williamson is an independent photography consultant based in Ottawa. She acts as photo editor, researcher and project coordinator for a variety of editorial and corporate clients.

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