Exhibit Photo Gallery

The Atlantic coastline of South Africa promises dazzling views, abundant marine life, and pristine beaches. The fine, pearl-white sand of Noordhoek Beach stretches for nearly five miles. Backed by protected wetlands, the surrounding area is fairly isolated, picturesque, and free of urban development. The Cape's widest beach, Noordhoek is perfect for joggers, walkers, anglers, horseback riders, kite flyers, bodyboarders, and surfers.

"I captured this image of a bodyboarder performing an aerial maneuver at the Hoek beach near my home. Like anything you choose to photograph, knowing your subject helps create a great image. I spent many years bodyboarding when I was younger. The power of the wave, the color and flow of the water, and the precise timing of the bodyboarder's 'inverted air' made an image that clearly shows man's interaction with nature."—LS

Canon EOS-1D Mark III; 600mm lens; 1/2000 seconds at f/8; ISO 200; Manfrotto monopod.

Giraffes usually live in loose herds of 10 to 20 individuals, although herds of up to 70 have been observed. Herds can include only females, only males, females with young calves, or a mix of genders and ages. Giraffes usually sleep at night standing up with their head lying on a hind leg, the neck forming an impressive arch. Giraffes resting lightly remain in a fully upright position, with half-closed eyes and twitching ears.

"Giraffes move in small herds, only grouping close together when browsing on the same tree or when the approach of a predator makes them vigilant. Driving through the African savanna, I focused my attention on these tall herbivores gathering for an early morning meal amid unusually dense fog."—PR

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV; EF 500mm f/4 IS USM lens; 1/3200 seconds at f/5; ISO 100; Gitzo G1349 Mk2 tripod; Wimberley WH200 head.

Established in 1916, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987. This scientifically important area displays one million years of volcanism. More than half the park is a wilderness area that is home to diverse flora and fauna, with hiking and camping amid dramatic landscapes. The park includes two of Earth's most active volcanoes—the massive Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

"I hiked out at 4 a.m. to photograph the ocean entry of Kilauea volcano, where lava was exploding 50 to 100 feet in the air. I set up my tripod and quickly composed this shot. Kilauea can be tricky to photograph, as there are only about seven minutes of light when the volcano creates spectacular colors. I used a long shutter speed to create the effect of a vibrant firework show."—NS

Canon 5D Mark II; 17-40mm lens; 1.5 seconds at f/5.6; ISO 400; Gitzo CF tripod; Cullmann ballhead.

Swedish doctor-botanist Carl Thunberg traveled to Japan in the 18th century and named this maple "palmatum" after the hand-like shape of its leaf. The small, deciduous tree is native to Japan, China, North and South Korea, Russia, and parts of Mongolia. Gardeners all over the world grow the Japanese maple for its leaves' shapes, colors, and fine texture. The tree in this photograph is around eight feet tall and the branches reach out about ten feet.

"Standing beneath the canopy of this Japanese maple, I was in awe as the late afternoon light backlit the delicate leaves. Every branch told its own story, and I felt this special tree had so much to tell. As the sun sank toward the horizon, the tree came to life with an incredible display of color, shape, and texture—the rays burst into a star within the tree."—PL

Phase One P65; 1/6 seconds at f/16; Gitzo GS5121LVL tripod; Really Right Stuff head.

Yosemite National Park was named a World Heritage Site in 1984, and about 95 percent of the park has been designated as a highly protected area. Known internationally for its spectacular cliffs and waterfalls, ancient giant sequoia trees, and sweeping meadows, the park encompasses nearly 1,200 square miles.

"The breathtaking vista of Tunnel View in Yosemite offers beautiful landscapes every season of the year. In my photography, I am always looking for that special moment in nature when light exhibits spiritual qualities. Waiting for a break in the weather late one overcast afternoon, I knew the setting sun would highlight both El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls. I was very lucky to capture this rainbow, signifying hope in the midst of the dark clouds."—SF

Canon 5D Mark II; EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM; B+W slim C-Polarizing filter; 1/60 seconds at f/8; ISO 100; Induro C213 tripod; Induro BHD2 head.

Famous for their ability to go undetected, leopards may live very close to humans and still be tough to spot. The camouflage of this species is so effective that biologists report being unable to see them, even when only a few yards away. They are agile climbers and can descend from a tree headfirst. They are mainly nocturnal but can be seen at any time of day and will even hunt during daytime on overcast days.

"At sunrise, a majestic leopard stood up, and I realized that by moving a little bit, the angle of the rising sun would be just perfect behind the cat. For me to catch this leopard overlooking his hunting grounds in the quiet, early hours was unforgettable. I hope that my image will convey the pure magic of nature."—AJ

Nikon D3; 400mm f/2.8 G VR ED AF-S lens; 1.7x teleconverter; 1/8000 seconds at f/5.6; ISO 640; beanbag.

This view shows the 8,907-foot Cima D'Ambrizzola (center) and the 8,717-foot Mount Ponta Lastoi de Formin (right). The Dolomites of northeastern Italy are renowned for the carbonate rock that creates the range's dramatic shapes and colors. In 2009, UNESCO declared this natural paradise a Natural World Heritage Site to protect the landscape's geology, vegetation, fauna, and spectacular beauty.

"Normally I shoot during early morning or sunset, but on the day I made this image there were interesting cloud patterns in the mid-afternoon. I loved the way the sun softly lit up some parts of the landscape and not others. The light on the foliage and mountains revealed the delicate subtleties of their color and texture—creating a moody, water-colored effect."—SB

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III; 24-105mm L IS lens at 35mm; 0.9 GND filter; 1/5 seconds at f/16; ISO 50; Gitzo Mountaineer tripod; Acratech ballhead.

The cane toad moves in short, fast hops. It has grey olive brown skin on its back with many warts ending in dark brown caps. The skin on its belly tends to be a whitish yellow with dark brown speckles or mottles. Relatively long-lived, the cane toad may live up to 10 years and weigh over a pound. The natural range of cane toads stretches from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas south to northern Amazonia.

"I was visiting a ranch near Laredo in April 2010. The area had experienced a dry spell until massive rains brought about an abundance of toads, frogs, and wildflowers. I knew I had a chance for a great shot when I saw this six-inch-long toad bounding across a field of yellow dogweed."—RN

Nikon D3; 300mm f/2.8 lens; 1/2000 seconds at f/10; ISO 1250; fill flash; SB-800 flash; Phototrap infrared trigger; mini tripod Novoflex.

During the breeding season, the male stag beetles use their magnificent mandibles as a warning signal to other males. They raise them in a defensive and aggressive posture to fight off a contender. They are skillful wrestlers and can even stand up on their hind legs to throw an opponent. Their mandibles resemble deer antlers and are employed in much the same manner. Courtship involves the male circling the female with his impressive "antlers" raised and wide-open.

"The 2.5-inch-long stag beetle appears from May to September and is most active in the evening. Because these robust beetles feed on dead wood matter, the removal of stumps and other wood has resulted in a loss of habitat, and therefore a decline in their population."—JG

Nikon D2X; 105mm lens; 1/30 seconds at f/8; ISO 280; Gitzo tripod; Kirk head.

Slender and arboreal, vine snakes can reach lengths of six-and-a-half feet and range in color from bright green to rusty brown. Slow moving, they depend upon camouflage for protection. Found in the jungles of Central and South America vine snakes blend with the thick vegetation, often appearing to be just another vine.

"I was scrambling through bushes, wading up streams, and looking for anything scaly or slimy in one of the most bio-diverse forests in the world when we came across this vine snake. I was lying on my stomach to frame the shot when, as if on cue, a fly buzzed down and used the snake's head as a landing pad. As soon as I clicked the shutter, the fly departed. Some photographs come about through careful and diligent planning, but this one was about being in the right place at the right time."—RM

Canon 5D Mark II; 100mm f/2.8 lens; UV filter; 1/200 seconds at f/10; ISO 160; 580EX flash off-camera; Lumiquest softbox; hand-held.

Coyotes are among the most adaptable mammals in North America, with an enormous geographical distribution ranging from northern Alaska and south to Panama. These omnivores thrive in very diverse ecological settings and will eat animals, plants, and carrion. Socially, some live alone, others in mated pairs, and others in packs. Unlike the wolf, the coyote's range has expanded in the wake of human civilization.

"A pair of coyotes was hunting along the opposite side of the river from me. When they started moving along the riverbank, I followed and took images for more than a mile. When I saw a fallen tree in their path, I hustled to get in front and waited. The coyotes had two choices: to go high or low. One chose to climb uphill around it, while the other chose the lower path, where I got my shot."—RK

Nikon D3X; 500mm VR f/4 lens; 1/640 seconds at f/6.3; ISO 200; Gitzo GT3530LS tripod; Wimberley head.

Emperor Penguins use a complex set of vocalizations that are critical in individual recognition between mates, parents, and offspring. Aside from the mate attraction and recognition calls, emperors use contact calls to maintain contact with other penguins during feeding or travel. As the species has no fixed nest sites that individuals can use to locate their own partner or chick, they must rely on vocal calls for identification. Chicks use a frequency-modulated whistle to beg for food and to contact a parent.

"Photographing the 'white' areas in polar regions where Emperor Penguins live on the ice and snow is my passion. An adult will only feed its own chick, and this group was ignoring a youngster who was 'singing' for food. The center adult seemed to be pointing for it to 'go that way!'"—TK

Canon 5D Mark II; EF 500mm f/4L IS USM lens; 1/500 seconds at f/13; ISO 400; Gitzo 3530LS tripod; Really Right Stuff BH-55 head.

The grizzly bear is a symbol of the vast, spectacular wilderness in Alaska. During summer, these large predators gather along pristine waterways to feast on salmon. Every other year, females produce one to four offspring that weigh only about one pound. The protective sow cares for her young for up to two years.

"It was quite a memorable experience when a female grizzly bear left her precious cubs on the riverbank near me as she went fishing for salmon. The cubs were great fun to observe and I managed to catch this one mid-scratch; he looks like he was either having a bad day or peeking at me."—AR

Nikon D3S; 200-400mm f/4 lens at 260mm; 1/640 seconds at f/6.3; ISO 1000; hand-held.

Cheetahs usually bear three to five cubs, although litters can number up to eight young. During the first few weeks of life, mothers move their cubs every few days to avoid predators. Cubs are often attacked when their mother must leave them alone in order to hunt. They usually remain with their mother for 13 to 20 months, during which time she teaches them hunting skills. The cubs are weaned at three to six months.

"This image was taken at dusk following a heavy rain shower. The temperature had dropped sharply, and six cubs were huddled by their mother for warmth. Knowing that the mother would inevitably shake off her wet coat, I got ready by switching to a slow shutter speed to capture the motion of the water spraying."—PM

Canon EOS 5D Mark II; 600mm f/4 lens; 1/160 seconds at f/4; ISO 2500; beanbag.

Although lions drink regularly when water is available, they are capable of obtaining their moisture requirements from prey and even plants, and thus can survive in very dry environments. Medium- to large-sized antelopes, zebra, and wildebeest are the bulk of their prey, but lions will take almost any animal, from rodents to an elephant. They also scavenge, stealing kills from other predators.

"In the Madikwe Game Reserve we found three lions that had just killed an impala in a muddy waterhole. When we returned to the area later that afternoon, we found this lion sitting on a termite hill. With the light fading, I had a chance to fire off a few quick images before the youngster disappeared into a thicket."—GVdW

Nikon D300; 80-200mm f/2.8 lens at 200mm; 1/400 seconds at f/3.5; ISO 1600; hand-held.

Proboscis monkeys only live on the island of Borneo. As their jungle habitat is stripped bare and replaced with palm oil plantations, proboscis monkeys have become highly endangered. The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, located on private land, is dedicated to protecting this species. The dominant feature of the proboscis is the mal's large nose, which is used as a resonating chamber to amplify the monkey's call as it swings through the forest canopy.

"Using a wide-angle zoom lens without a tripod allowed me to easily move through the forest, where I found a female orangutan holding her sleeping infant. She investigated its small body from head to toe, took hold of the baby's tiny hand, and gently stroked its fingers."—JT

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III; EF 24-105mm ƒ/4L IS USM lens; 1/250 seconds at ƒ/5; ISO 400; 550EX Speedlight flash; hand-held.

Bornean orangutan populations have been declining for many years and the species is in danger of becoming extinct. They are protected by law, but poaching still occurs and they are losing habitat to palm plantations. The orangutan is the slowest breeding of all mammal species with an inter-birth interval of approximately eight years. Females aged 15 years and older generally give birth to a single infant after a gestation period of approximately 245 days. The infant clings to its mother's abdomen by entwining its fingers in and gripping her fur until it is a year old.

"I was able to watch several monkey troops at the Labuk Bay Sanctuary. This scene was unusual; it seemed the two juveniles were being brought to heel after incurring the wrath of an adult male."—ML

Canon EOS-1D Mark III; EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM lens; 1.4x tele-extender II; 1/400 seconds at f/8; ISO 1250; Canon 580EX flash; Better Beamer flash extender; Gitzo 1228 tripod; Really Right Stuff BH-55 head.

Black-browed Albatross traverse the oceans of the southern hemisphere, only returning to land to breed. In general, albatross are well known for elaborate courtship behaviors. They are monogamous and often mate for life. Courting pairs may engage in grooming and feeding each other, even affectionately touching beaks. Black-browed Albatross only establish territory in the breeding season when they typically choose islands having steeply sloping coasts with tussock grass. They build nests atop volcano-shaped domes where they incubate a single egg for 71 days, not allowing another individual within five feet of the nest.

"An albatross colony is one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles. I was lucky to find a breeding pair expressing their bond through mutual preening and 'necking'—or wrapping their necks around each other. This image evokes tenderness and intimacy."—CB

Nikon D3S; 24-70mm AF-S lens; 1/160 seconds at f/20; ISO 400; Gitzo 3541LS tripod; Kirk BH-1 ballhead.

Both natural and human causes ignited the Fourmile Canyon fire on September 6, 2010. Days-old smoldering embers were rekindled by tremendous winds that raked the mountains. Dense, short trees provided “ladders” for the flames to climb into the higher branches of mature trees. Within minutes, the forest fire raged out of control. The blaze cut through more than 6,000 acres of land before it was contained. The recovery and regeneration of the burned area will take decades.

"This wildfire was the most destructive in Colorado history. Separated from the fire by a deep mountain canyon, my own home was spared. From my vantage point, I watched as the overwhelmed firefighters raced to avoid the wall of flames. At night, the fire created an eerie red glow akin to a volcano spouting from the forest floor."—DB

Canon EOS 5D Mark II; 500mm f/4L IS USM lens; 20 seconds at f/11; ISO 400; Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 tripod; 322RC2 head.

"In a bed of soft snow and frost-dusted spruce, a polar bear family takes an afternoon nap cuddled up together. After being woken up by its squirming, sleepy sibling, this polar bear cub is wide-awake and ready to play. Greeting the wintry world, he waves his soft paw from the warm haven of his mother's arms."—DB

Nikon D3X; 600mm lens; 1/800 seconds at f/14; tripod.

Born in 1946, Thomas D. Mangelsen's outdoor ethics are deeply rooted in a childhood filled with adventure along the Platte River in Nebraska. There, Mangelsen gained a passion for the wild that launched a lifetime commitment to the natural world. Today, he enjoys views of the Grand Tetons from his home just north of Jackson, Wyoming, where he has built a flourishing photography business. Even with this success, Tom Mangelsen has never taken his eye off the importance of conserving the environment and protecting wildlife.

Nature's Best Photography's Conservation Photographer of the Year Award recognizes a special individual who has used his or her skills as a photographer to implement meaningful and measurable conservation efforts that help inspire and educate the public about environmental concerns.

The tallest animal on land, giraffe males can reach 19 feet. The smaller females are usually ready to become pregnant in their fourth year. After a 15-month gestation, a calf begins life with a five-foot drop—females give birth while standing up! A newborn stands about six feet tall and can recognize its mother by her coat's distinct pattern.

“While waiting for my grandson to arrive at the Salt Lake City airport, I had six hours to spare. Knowing that Hogle Zoo was nearby, off I went—camera in tow. I spotted a giraffe with her one-week-old calf. It was heartwarming to witness the mother affectionately nestling her head into the arched neck of her newborn. I felt blessed to watch Mother Nature at her best."—BvH

Nikon D300; 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR lens; 1/250 seconds at f/6.3; ISO 320; Manfrotto 441 CF tripod; Arca-Swiss Monoball head.

With its bulky build, massive horns, unpredictable nature, and running speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, the Cape buffalo is considered highly dangerous to humans. The Cape buffalo inhabits open woodland savanna and montane rainforest, where there is abundant grass and drinking water. Highly sociable animals, African Cape buffalo travel in large, imposing herds of more than one thousand individuals. During the dry season, males form small groups of bachelors that fight each other to establish dominance and a hierarchy.

"I watched these buffalos fight for more than two hours, giving me a chance to capture images in a variety of styles. I feel that this tight composition best captures the power and the struggle of the confrontation."—FV

Nikon D300; 600mm f/4 lens; 1/640 seconds at f/4; ISO 200; car window mount; Manfrotto 503HDV head.

Federico Veronesi has been a full-time wildlife photographer and guide for safaris based in Kenya since 2002. Born in Milan, Italy, he first came to Kenya with his parents when he was six years old. He now has his own tent in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where he camps among the African wildlife.

Bornean orangutans spend almost all their time in the trees, clambering between branches or using their body weight to bend and sway trees. Each night they use bent branches and vegetation to construct a platform-style nest 40 to 60 feet high in a tree. They walk along and swing from branches, rarely descending to the ground. Young spend their first two to three years being carried constantly and will remain close to their mothers for at least another three years.

"I spent many hours observing these beautiful creatures and their natural behavior. I took this image of a mother and her baby near a river where they come to feed on the fruit; other times they disappeared deep into the rain forest."—CO

Canon EOS-1D Mark III; EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens at 235mm; 1/80 seconds at f/5; ISO 400; hand-held.

Brown bears are solitary, powerful predators who can be aggressive to one another. Adult males sit at the top of their social hierarchy, with females with cubs being dominant over juvenile males and females without cubs. Brown bears are omnivorous, consuming everything from mosses and grasses, fruits and berries, small vertebrates, insects, birds, and fish, to other mammals. Their fur ranges from pale yellowish to dark brown; usually with white tips on the hairs, especially on the back, resulting in a frosted or grizzled effect.

"Brown bears can be seen along Alaska's coastline in some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. The area is accessible only by floatplane or boat, so camping must be done with the utmost caution. Proper food and waste storage, portable electric fences, and common sense make it possible to photograph these remarkable animals in their natural habitat."—YM

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II; 400mm L lens; 1.4 tele-extender; 1/400 seconds at f/5.6; ISO 200; tripod; Wimberley head.

Emperor Penguins travel to nesting areas in March or early April, where pair formation and breeding occurs. In May or early June the female lays a single, large egg and passes it to the male parent for incubation. Females invest significant portions of energy into egg laying and must leave to forage soon after. When the eggs hatch, females return to take over. Parental protection of eggs and hatchlings is critical, as incubation and brooding occurs during the depths of the Antarctic winter in some of the most severe and frigid conditions on earth.

"Snow Hill Island is one of the few Emperor Penguin colonies that tourists can visit. It's quite a journey to get there, but worth it, especially when you can find chicks still young enough to be on their parents' feet. I stayed with this pair as the doting guardian groomed and stroked its young."—LD

Canon EOS-1D Mark III; 500mm lens; 1.4x tele-extender; 1/800 seconds at f/16; ISO 400; Manfrotto tripod; Really Right Stuff ballhead; Wimberley Sidekick.

The graceful and stealthy leopard is a large spotted cat with a long, muscular body. The backs of their ears are black except for a light spot that appear to other animals as eyes. Amongst the big cats it is probably the most accomplished stalker. Leopards are found in sub-Sarahan Africa and are widespread in Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

"I was using a 600mm lens to take images of this leopard as it lay in a tree. When the leopard jumped down and started to walk toward my vehicle, I slipped out with the ‘OK’ from my guide and started using my smaller 300mm lens. I lay on the ground to take images and then quickly got back in my vehicle. I have always wanted to capture a leopard’s piercing eyes looking straight ahead at ground level—the view its prey must have."—SB

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II; 300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens; 1.4x tele-extender; 1/250 seconds at f/4.5; ISO 400; beanbag.

About the size of a small dog, the red fox is about 36 to 46 inches long and weighs 8 to 15 pounds. Its bushy tail is used for warmth in cold weather as well as for balance when hunting. Red foxes are omnivores but prefer to prey on rabbits, mice, and other small mammals. This highly adaptable species thrives in diverse habitats from urban areas to tundra, desert, and forest. The red fox is the most widely distributed wild carnivore in the world, naturally occurring in North America, Asia, Europe, and North Africa.

"While exploring the Cascade Mountains, I came across a red fox. Even during the coldest snowstorm, this animal can stay warm by curling up on open ground. Wrapped in his white-tipped tail, this fox's cheeky expression made him look as if he had just been rudely awakened from his daytime nap."—JF

Canon 50D; 400mm f/5.6L USM lens; 1/500 seconds at f/8; ISO 400; hand-held.

The average adult male polar bear measures eight to nine feet tall and weighs from 800 to 1500 pounds. These bears depend on sea ice in Arctic territories where they live and hunt for prey, mainly ringed and bearded seals. The effects of climate change hold the most serious threat to the species: reduced sea ice, delay in autumn ice formation, and earlier spring ice melt. Consequently, polar bears must cope with a shortened hunting season and deterioration of their habitat.

"During an expedition to document Arctic wildlife, I observed a polar bear family from a small, ice-going vessel. The mother and her cubs were living on pack ice far from land. Incredibly intelligent animals, young polar bears learn quickly through their inquisitive nature. This cub was intrigued by its reflection and was studying it with great interest."—FS

Nikon D300s; 200-400mm f/4 lens at 280mm; 1/640 seconds at f/4; ISO 400; Manfrotto CF tripod and 503HDV head.

Found in temperate and tropical waters, the blue shark is the most abundant and widely distributed open-water shark on the planet. It is also the world’s most frequently caught open-water shark and a primary species supplying the shark fin trade. The removal of this important predator affects the entire oceanic ecosystem.

"Diving into the blue, ten miles off the coast of Faial Island, I watched a torpedoshaped shadow rapidly approaching from deep, dark waters. As it came closer, its long pectoral fins gave it a form that reminded me of a jet plane; it was a six-foot-long blue shark."—NS

Canon EOS 7D; Tokina 10-17mm lens at 10mm lens; 1/250 seconds at f/9; ISO 160; Ikelite DS 160 Strobes (2); Aquatica housing.

Clown anemone fish live in a symbiotic relationship with their host anemone. The stinging cells that the anemone uses to catch and eat other fish do not hurt the threeinch- long clownfish because of its protective layer of slime. By living in the anemone, clownfish are protected from most of their predators. In return, the anemone eats scraps of food the clownfish drop.

"While visiting the Misool Eco-Resort, I became enamored with the different species of clownfish that inhabited the pristine coral reefs. They can be quite amusing as they dart about the tentacles of various species of anemones."—JC

Canon 5D Mark II; 100mm f/2.8 lens; 1/200 seconds at f/16; ISO 200; Ikelite DS 160 strobes (2); ULCS arms and ball adapters; Ikelite UW housing.

The graceful manta ray is a stunning member of the devil ray family, if only for its sheer size. These large rays have a distinctive body shape with triangular pectoral "wings" and paddle-like lobes extending in front of their mouths. They are generally dark on the upper surface, ranging from black to grayishblue and brown, with pale undersides; individuals have a unique pattern of blotches and scars that can be used to identify them.

"After spending half an hour photographing a group of manta rays filter-feeding on plankton, our dive group left the incredible sight and swam back to the boat. I was the last one in the water, so the remaining plankton swarmed to my lights. Out of the darkness, this manta ray charged at them, hoping for a few last bites."—KW

Nikon D7000; Tokina 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 fisheye lens at 10mm; 1/60 seconds at f/3.5; ISO 125; Ikelite DS160 strobes (2); Aquatica AD-7000 housing.

Known for its spiny fins, the Irish lord sculpin is native to the North Pacific from central California to Alaska, and found as far west as Siberia. These bottom-dwellers live on crabs, small fish, worms, and crustaceans. Irish lords gather in spawning areas once a year, and a given pair may return to the same spawning area repeatedly. Adults may reach 20 inches in length and live an average of six years.

"The Irish lord is capable of color changes that allow it to blend surprisingly well with its surroundings. This image was made when the fish relocated from an area where it had been camouflaged and momentarily came to rest in the middle of a field of white plumose anemones."—DH

Nikonos RS; 50mm lens; 1/125 seconds at f/11; ISO 50; Fujichrome Velvia film; Ikelite 50 strobes (2).

European Shags are found along rocky, marine coastlines and islands. Their preferred foraging grounds are clear, protected waters, such as bays or coastal channels. Occasionally a phenomenon known as a 'wreck' occurs, when adverse weather conditions drift birds inland, where they become stranded in unusual habitats. This results in very high mortality for immature birds. European Shags hunt singly, generally diving to pursue their prey under water. They perform a distinctive "leap" before their dives.

"In late March, when the seabirds arrive at their breeding grounds in Arctic Norway, the weather can be extremely harsh. I wanted to show that shags were well-adapted to these conditions. The intense appearance of the shag has led to its presence in Norwegian coastal mythology. This bird posed long enough for me to get the image even though all the buttons on my camera gear had frozen—except the shutter."—KS

Nikon D3S; 200-400mm f/4G VR lens at 290mm; 1/250 seconds at ƒ/4; ISO 2000; hand-held.

Great Gray Owls inhabit coniferous forests of the Northern Hemisphere; they tend not to migrate but will leave their territories if their food supply runs short. The reclusive owls hunt equally well both day and night, as they have both excellent hearing and vision. The feathers of their facial disks direct sound toward their ears; their soft feathers keep their flight silent; and they can turn their heads three quarters of a circle (270 degrees).

"June in Finland is called the ‘white nights time.’ Watching and photographing owls during the night, when it is as bright as daytime, is a very unique experience. This female owl was seen caring for her chicks— not only bringing food, but also shielding and warming them with her wings. For a brief moment, both the adult and one chick looked right in my direction."—IS

Nikon D200; 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens at 200mm; 1/30 seconds at f/4; ISO 400; Slik Pro 500DX tripod; Gitzo G1377M head.

A social bird, the spoonbill lives in large colonies with other wading birds. Its feathers get their rosy pink color from the crustaceans in their diet. While foraging for food in shallow water, the nearly three-foot-tall bird swings its head back and forth, using its long, flat bill to sift up small fish, shrimp, amphibians, mollusks, snails, and insects. Thousands of spoonbills roost and nest at the Smith Oaks sanctuary, off the northeast coast of Texas.

"When I visited the Smith Oaks Rookery for the first time, I spent several mornings photographing spoonbills in overcast and foggy conditions. In this photo the bird coming in to land was being warned off by a spoonbill already occupying the tree branch. The interaction may be two birds engaged in combat, but the soft color and graceful lines of the composition make the behavior appear almost like a kiss."—MR

Canon EOS-ID Mark IV; EF 500mm F/4L IS USM lens; 1/3200 seconds at F/4.5; ISO 800; hand-held.

Impossible to confuse with any other species, the ring-tailed lemur has a distinctive long and bushy black-and-white-ringed tail. These medium-sized lemurs walk on all fours and are the most terrestrial of Madagascar’s primates. The ring-tailed lemur inhabits dry brush and scrub, as well as closed canopy forest. Unlike other lemur species it is found in open areas and will walk along the ground as well as moving between the trees. Like other primates active during the day, their communication is complex. Visual signals, such as body postures and facial expressions are used, in addition to vocal communication.

"To keep warm, ring-tailed lemurs huddle together. On a very chilly morning, I found this mother and her baby snuggled up in the middle of a larger group. They appeared so cozy together, I could not resist taking their picture."—SM

Canon EOS-1D Mark III; EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens at 400mm; 1/60 seconds at f/5.6; ISO 2000; hand-held.

The hippo is a massive mammal ranging from 10 to 17 feet long. The name hippopotamus means 'river horse,' pertaining to the species’ semi-aquatic lifestyle. They require water deep enough to cover them, in rivers and lakes that are close to pasture for grazing. After an 8-month gestation period, a female hippo will go off by herself and give birth to a single calf—generally underwater.

"Of all the animals that I shoot from my boat in the Chobe River, hippos are the only ones that may attack without provocation. None is more aggressive than a hippo cow protecting her calf. The 'yawn' of this female was no idle threat, so I backed off after getting a quick photo."—LC

Nikon D3S; 600mm ƒ/4G lens; 1/2500 seconds at f/10; ISO 1000; self-designed photographic chair on boat; Wimberley Tripod Head Version II.

The largest and most powerful gorilla alive, the mountain gorilla is fearsome in appearance but is not outwardly aggressive without provocation. Their natural diet consists of fruit and vegetables. They live and travel in large familial groups of a male with a group of females and their offspring. The dominant male of a group is massive compared to the other members and they all defer to him. In addition to vocalizations, tactile communication, in the form of grooming, play, and sexual contact, also occurs. Gorillas also communicate with body postures and facial expressions.

"This male mountain gorilla charged through the bush beating his chest to impress a female nearby; it certainly impressed me! My group was in no danger—the silverbacks are gentle giants. But experiencing his raw power just a few feet away was awe-inspiring."—AR

Nikon D3S; 70-200mm lens; 1/3200 seconds at f/4; ISO 800; hand-held.

Elephant society is highly complex and arranged around family units of closely related females and their calves. Family units often join up with other bands of females, and larger herds may number well over a hundred individuals. Calves are born after an extremely long gestation period of nearly two years, and continue to be dependent on their mother for several years. The social bonds between elephants are very strong and if faced with danger they will form a protective circle around the young calves, with the adults facing outwards and the matriarch adopting a threatening pose or charging the intruder.

“Baby elephants sometimes tumble into concrete water troughs, remnants of farms in the Etosha region, sending herds into a panic. Here a calf ’s mother and aunts join forces to kneel down and use their trunks to gently lift the baby to safety."—SM

Canon EOS-1D Mark III; EF 70-200mm lens at 125mm; 1/1250 seconds at f/5.6; ISO 400; hand-held.

As the largest African carnivore, the lion is built to prey on animals many times its size. Its strong jaws and muscular build project an image of sheer power. Males are larger than females and typically possess a mane of hair around their heads. The rest of the coat is short and tawny in color for both sexes, paler on the underside, without markings. Lion cubs are born with brown rosettes that disappear with maturity, although some lions retain faint spots.

"One cloudy afternoon, a female and a male lion sat eyeing the horizon. A male cub about nine months old approached to greet them. It was one of those great moments just as darkness falls when the heat of the day suddenly dissolves, the wind picks up, and the lions begin to interact."—FV

Nikon D700; 600mm f/4 lens; 1/100 seconds at f/6.3; ISO 400; car window mount; Manfrotto 503HDV head.

Lions in the Kalahari look and behave differently than those found in other African habitats. Lighter-colored fur helps them blend in with the desert environment, and they have to travel great distances in search of prey. The Kalahari lion may weigh about 100 pounds less than the typical 500-pound male found in more fertile areas, but its full mane makes it appear even more ferocious.

"I had been following this pride in the Kalahari for a number of days, focusing on one youngster who was always causing trouble. In this image, his father had been trying to sleep. The cub kept climbing over the adult’s head until the lion growled to warn it to back off. In a moment of brave defiance, the youngster just glared back at his dad."—LS

Canon EOS-1D Mark III; 300mm f/2.8 lens; 1/1600 seconds at f/3.2; ISO 500; beanbag.

Red foxes are the most widely distributed wild carnivores in the world, occurring in North America, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Their range in North America has expanded as their competitors, wolves, have been eliminated by human hunters, but their range has contracted in areas where they are in competition with coyotes. Red foxes prey primarily on voles, rabbits, hares, and other small mammals, but will also eat fruits, beetles, and even earthworms.

"On a cold afternoon, a friend and I visited Algonquin Park in search of birds to photograph and we were delighted to come across a pair of red foxes. A very careful approach allowed us almost two hours to photograph them foraging, resting, and playing in the snow. It was incredible to have an up-close and personal encounter with foxes for the first time."—AM

Nikon D300; 300mm f/2.8 lens; 1/1250 seconds at f/5; ISO 800; Gitzo GT3541 tripod; Wimberley WH-200 head.

The most distinctive features of the walrus are its tusks, present in both sexes. Tusks are elongated upper canine teeth that continue to grow throughout the life of the animal, becoming externally visible at about one year of age. Stout, quill-like whiskers make up the mustache of a walrus.

"Male walruses hang out on rocky beaches in summer while the females raise the young. Though they can be loud, temperamental, and aggressive, they are very social at times. A large group of males were sunning on top, alongside, and all around each other as they indulged in the warm summer rays. My trip to this remote location finally paid off once I spied this sleepy walrus with the right expression and proper light."—LC

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III; 500mm L lens; 1.4x tele-converter; 1/320 seconds at f/9; ISO 500; Gitzo 3540LS tripod; Markins head.

Considered sacred in many parts of India, Hanuman langurs are active during the day and use trees primarily for sleeping. The highest-ranking male sleeps at the highest and safest position in the tree. Directly below are females and their offspring, then younger females, with adolescent males at the lowest position. The feet, hands, face, and ears of Hanuman langurs are black, and their face is framed with white fur. Their tail is usually longer than the body, with a white tip. Males, at about 2 feet tall excluding the tail, are slightly larger than females.

"I spent many hours photographing the langur monkeys that climb in an ancient banyan tree at the entrance to Ranthambore Park. This peaceful scene shows a family relaxing amid the massive roots."—DP

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV; EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens at 81mm; 1/160 seconds at f/5; ISO 800; hand-held.

The coral reefs surrounding the village of Beang Abang on Pantar Island are largely unexplored and contain an amazing diversity of fish and invertebrates. Pantar is the second largest island in the Alor Archipelago, located north of Timor.

"I spent quite a bit of time with this particular coral because of its unusual color palette. The colony hosted a goby hiding among its branches. The shy, inch-long fish darted around, changing location every few seconds. I pre-focused my camera for an area where I had briefly seen the fish entirely in the open and waited. Eventually it returned to the spot long enough for me to quickly make two exposures. In addition to the fish, a few well-camouflaged platyctene comb jellies can be seen clinging to the coral."—DH

Canon EOS 5D; 100mm f/2.8 USM macro lens at 100mm; 1/200 seconds at f/20; ISO 250; Ikelite DS-51 strobes (2); Subal housing.

The Silver-breasted Broadbill is a mediumsized bird, 6.3 to 6.7 inches in length and weighing 0.9 to 1.2 ounces. This species has 10 subspecies, each having subtle differences in plumage and living in different areas. Silver-breasted Broadbills occupy a range of forest habitats in southeast Asia, from tropical and semi-tropical to semi-deciduous, as well as those dominated by pine, oak, and bamboo.

"A beautiful bird with a bell-like call, the Silver-breasted Broadbill is a delight to watch. This female had just gathered a spider web before flying off to wrap the sticky silk around her leaf nest to help bind it together. I like how one thread of the web is still attached, leading back to where she found it."—CF

Nikon D3S; 600mm f/4 lens; 1.4x teleconverter; 1/800 seconds at f/5.6; ISO 3200; Gitzo 1325 tripod.

Musk oxen are well adapted to their cold Arctic habitat, with short, stocky bodies and a thick coat of ground-length hair, enhanced in the winter by woolly underhairs for added insulation. Competition among males involves clashing with horns and their heavily shielded heads. Musk oxen also use their horns in a group defense strategy against their principle predators, wolves and brown bears: they back into a circle or cluster, with head and horns facing outward. Individual animals dart out to charge at the intruder.

"To pursue a musk ox herd, I trekked for days into the mountains pulling my 130 pounds of gear on a toboggan and camping in stormy, below-freezing weather. For this shot, I was focused on the alpha male (on right) as he took turns charging five other males to establish his authority."—BC

Nikon D3; 600mm f/4 lens; 1/350 seconds at f/11; ISO 400; Gitzo GT5541LS tripod; Wimberley head II.

Also known as the common seal, harbor seals live near coastlines and eat a highly varied seafood diet. They can dive to 1,476 feet deep and remain submerged for up to 30 minutes. The harbor seal is a strong swimmer and can be seen leaping completely out of the water. A thick layer of subcutaneous fat or blubber keeps them warm and enhances their streamlined shape for swimming. Seals are warm-blooded, air-breathing mammals but spend a considerable amount of time below the water surface.

"I return to a particular cove each winter to photograph the harbor seals during the prime light of morning. I saw this young seal playing along the water's edge. It paused to gaze right at me then went about its romp in the surf."—PC

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III; 500mm ƒ/4 lens; 1.4x teleconverter; 1/800 seconds at f/9; ISO 400; Gitzo tripod; Wimberley II Gimbal head.