‘Games Between Siblings’ © Paolo Della Rocca
On December 14th 2024, the jury of the prestigious Nature Photographer of the Year contest announced the winners of this year’s edition.
Paolo Della Rocca, the winner of the Nature Photographer of the Year 2024, was still deeply impressed by this prestigious title. Immediately after the award ceremony, I had the opportunity to speak with him on several topics.
A childhood dream fulfilled
“Seeing snow leopards in the wild has been a dream of mine since childhood. This trip, made as part of a group, turned out to be even more extraordinary than I could have imagined.”
“On February 1st, after six hours of waiting in -25°C temperatures and a snowstorm, the two snow leopard siblings emerged from their cave. What followed was pure magic as they chased and played in the snowy landscape. The perfect moment came. A frame so alive that it felt unreal. The combination of patience, persistence, and a deep connection with nature, made this one of the most magical experiences of my life.”
The story behind the image
“This journey was especially meaningful to me after the passing of my father, offering a brief escape and peace.”
“At an altitude of 4500 meters, the harsh conditions made finding snow leopards incredibly difficult. Despite the cold and thin air, I persisted, determined not to give up. After hours of waiting, the two leopards appeared and played with such energy that it was a breathtaking surprise. Although I had prepared extensively, this moment was pure magic. It was more than capturing an image. It was about being fully present in such an extraordinary moment.”
Overcoming technical challenges
“Photographing snow leopards in this harsh environment was challenging. The terrain was slippery, and the cold unforgiving, but I stayed focused.”
“Tracking their unpredictable movements was tough, especially in the slippery snow. I relied on my intuition and used a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. Staying patient and adaptable was key. In these moments, you have to embrace the unpredictability, and when it all comes together, the result is magic.”
Blending artistry with purpose
“I wanted wildlife photography to blend technical precision with storytelling, and this image reflects that perfectly.”
“I had the time and guidance to position myself carefully, capturing the leopards against their breathtaking environment. The photo serves a deeper purpose. Raising awareness about their challenges and the need for conservation. The winter setting added emotional depth, enhancing the drama of the scene. This image is not just a photograph but a tribute to these incredible animals and a call to protect them for future generations.”
Reflection on the award and future aspirations
“Being Nature Photographer of the Year 2024 is an incredible honor. It fuels my passion to keep exploring and sharing the beauty of our world.”
“I’m excited to organize trips to Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy, followed by a return to India to encounter snow leopards once more. After India, Finland awaits, promising another adventure. I also plan to combine my earlier cinema studies with creating a small film or documentary and write a book on snow leopard conservation.”
“For now, I’m still adjusting to the honor of being NPOTY’s Nature Photographer of the Year 2024. I look forward to the adventures ahead and continuing to raise awareness for wildlife and conservation through my work.”
