Wildlife photography is a field that often produces absolutely stunning images, and those images can take long hours of waiting to capture.
According to the Natural History Museum in London's website:
"Wildlife Photographer of the Year calls on photographers worldwide to put nature in the frame. Whether you're young, old, professional or amateur, we'd like to see work that raises awareness of the beauty and fragility of the natural world."
The winner of the 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year award is David Lloyd, with his photo "Bond of Brothers." The monochrome photo depicts two male lions, who are thought to be brothers, nuzzling. This display of brotherly affection is rare between lions, and Lloyd said in a statement on the Natural History Museum's website that he, "felt privileged to experience this moment and have the opportunity to share it with the world."
Of the award, David says:
"I'm so pleased that this image did well, because it illustrates the emotion and feeling of animals and emphasises that this is not limited to humans. It is something I think more people need to be aware of for the sake of all animals."
Photography fans were ecstatic about the "Bond of Brothers" win!
@NHM_WPY @LumixUK @davidllo @NHM_London We are so thrilled! We love all the amazing photographs and yet 'Bond of Br… https://t.co/qLZ7Ve7Uah— Susan (@Susan) 1550043002.0
This is such a beautiful photograph and understandably the #WPYPeoplesChoice Award https://t.co/WhB75VD6jm— Grant Brisland (@Grant Brisland) 1550046925.0
@NHM_WPY @LumixUK @davidllo @NHM_London Beautiful picture. Remind us that even the most ferocious animal feel LOVE.❤️— Sandra Leedham (@Sandra Leedham) 1550064427.0
The winner of this year’s @LumixUK #WPYPeoplesChoice Award is David Lloyd, with his stunning image of a tender mome… https://t.co/4VUsG9cLKq— Natural History Museum (@Natural History Museum) 1550049993.0
@NHM_WPY @LumixUK @davidllo @NHM_London OMG that pic is amazing Who says animals don't have emotions!!— Amy Gordon-Brauneis🌊🌊🌊 (@Amy Gordon-Brauneis🌊🌊🌊) 1550062108.0
@NHM_WPY @LumixUK @davidllo @NHM_London Wow, this photo brought tears to all of our eyes. It invokes such a sense o… https://t.co/74DQCcJfPz— Sarasota Environmentalists United (@Sarasota Environmentalists United) 1550074953.0
There was quite a bit of backlash against trophy hunting as well.
@NHM_WPY @LumixUK @davidllo @NHM_London I do not understand the assholes who look at these magnificent creatures an… https://t.co/D9jv6mxmve— nonya (@nonya) 1550075229.0
@NHM_WPY @LumixUK @davidllo @NHM_London Beautiful! Will never understand killing these beautiful animals for sport.— Traci (@Traci) 1550065525.0
@NHM_WPY @LumixUK @davidllo @NHM_London This brings tears to my eye. It infuriates me how people kill these majesti… https://t.co/Dods5vBNpr— Kell🔥Cat🐱Wino🍷Swears🤬A Lot (@Kell🔥Cat🐱Wino🍷Swears🤬A Lot) 1550072611.0
@NHM_WPY @LumixUK @davidllo @NHM_London This is beautiful. It's a shame rich Republicans like to take a vacations to go kill them.— Chaz Atlas (@Chaz Atlas) 1550069492.0
The other contestants for best wildlife photographer submitted awesomely beautiful work as well!
ONE HOUR LEFT 😱 If you haven't chosen your winner for the @LumixUK #WPYPeoplesChoice Award, now is the time. See… https://t.co/i8MHW5be3U— Wildlife Photographer of the Year (@Wildlife Photographer of the Year) 1549371600.0
Many congratulations to David Lloyd for his win, and for his breathtaking photo!