The 30 Winning Pictures Of The 2019 Nature Photographer Of The Year

This year's overall winner was Hungary's Csaba Daróczi, who scooped the prize with a beautifully-timed black and white capture of two rabbits leaping playfully through the air. Nature Talks explained that the jury chose this image because of the atmosphere, the timing, the beautiful light and the perfect sharpness and composition. 

“This photo proves once again that you don't have to put rare or exotic animals in front of the lens to make a perfect nature photo. If you have a good idea and a vision of nature photography, you can also make a great album close to home," said Keith Wilson, chairman of the jury. "It is also remarkable that it is a black and white photo, but it is precisely because of this that the energy pops out of the photo."

The photographer himself explained that while he is not particularly passionate about rabbits, he found their lively, leaping behavior to be well worthy of capturing. “I took this photo in Kiskunsag, near my village of Bócsa,"he told Bored Panda.

"I found a colony of rabbits when I went out taking pictures. I was watching them for a while, and I found out where was the best spot to take photos of them. I gave them a little food to come closer to me and they got more and more confident. In 2018 I spent 72 mornings taking photos of them. I made a few good ones."

While watching the rabbits I realised that sometimes they jump at each other in the air. I knew in the moment, that I have to take a picture of this scene. So I gave them food, and the stronger rabbits were protecting their share from the others.That's what caused this scene.”