Posted by Luke Ormand on December 18, 2009 at 12:02 AM
I have not heard of the controversy of it being a captive animal... looks like a pretty solid case. What an idiot... as if no one would find out. It probably still would have won, or placed high if he had disclosed that.
The winning photo had been posted on here awhile back when it was announced, and some people were claiming it as a fake, because it was not disclosed that flashes were used, and its impossible to take a that photo without a flash. Also, I remember reading the description, and the photographer exclaiming how you have to learn the habits of the animal, and have a lot of luck, etc. etc. I guess what he meant was find a captive animal you can bait with a fat juicy steak... What an idiot!
I think the investigation is still underway. I'll wait and see the outcome first. Think they're still trying to determine how the captive wolf came to have an injured ear. Suppose they've spoken to the owner or tried to find older photos of the same animal.
When I first saw the winning photo, the first thought that came to my mind was this, why does the wolf have to jump over the fence? There seem to be places below for it to squeeze through. I dismissed the thought as I wasn't sure what canine behaviour would be in such a situation but squeezing through seemed more natural...I'm no expert. In the just posted link above, I see others are questioning such behaviour as well.
www.pbase.com/golfpic
Posted by Katja Rosvall on December 18, 2009 at 6:06 AM
Posted by Jim Bullard on December 18, 2009 at 7:58 AM
Link to the photo with a full explanation of how it was made <http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/photo.do?photo=2554&category=56&group=4>. I had seen both the photo and the explanation at the time the winners were announced.
Luke Ormand wrote: It probably still would have won, or placed high if he had disclosed that.
I can't speak for the judges of course but if the image was stated up front as using a captive animal, it would lose much of its appeal. In the circus they train tigers to leap through hoops of fire. I'm afraid, such an image would have little appeal in such a contest. But that's just my opinion.
Posted by Luke Ormand on December 18, 2009 at 11:42 AM
I re-read the english article, and saw that the judges knock a lot off for captive animals, so I rescind my comment!
In my opinion, even if the wolf was wild and the Jose's methods were as he described, then by the time the photograph was made, I wouldn't consider the wolf wild anymore. Feeding an animal steaks for 2 months undoubtedly has on effect on its "wildness".
Posted by David Bostedo on December 18, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Feeding an animal steaks for 2 months undoubtedly has on effect on its "wildness".
I kind of agree with you there Floris. The only counter argument is that the animal WAS still free to come and go and possibly never come back. As opposed to captive animals that are really not allowed to leave.
Discussion
10 replieshttp://www.suomenluonto.fi/bbcs-nature-photo-competition-judge-admits-winner-photo-investigated-due-to-fraud-allegations
The winning photo had been posted on here awhile back when it was announced, and some people were claiming it as a fake, because it was not disclosed that flashes were used, and its impossible to take a that photo without a flash. Also, I remember reading the description, and the photographer exclaiming how you have to learn the habits of the animal, and have a lot of luck, etc. etc. I guess what he meant was find a captive animal you can bait with a fat juicy steak... What an idiot!
- Luke
When I first saw the winning photo, the first thought that came to my mind was this, why does the wolf have to jump over the fence? There seem to be places below for it to squeeze through. I dismissed the thought as I wasn't sure what canine behaviour would be in such a situation but squeezing through seemed more natural...I'm no expert. In the just posted link above, I see others are questioning such behaviour as well.
www.pbase.com/golfpic
http://www.suomenluonto.fi/bbcs-nature-photo-competition-judge-admits-winner-photo-investigated-due-to-fraud-allegations
I hope José Luis is innocent, otherwise he might be in for big troubles...
I can't speak for the judges of course but if the image was stated up front as using a captive animal, it would lose much of its appeal. In the circus they train tigers to leap through hoops of fire. I'm afraid, such an image would have little appeal in such a contest. But that's just my opinion.
In my opinion, even if the wolf was wild and the Jose's methods were as he described, then by the time the photograph was made, I wouldn't consider the wolf wild anymore. Feeding an animal steaks for 2 months undoubtedly has on effect on its "wildness".
I kind of agree with you there Floris. The only counter argument is that the animal WAS still free to come and go and possibly never come back. As opposed to captive animals that are really not allowed to leave.
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/photo.do?photo=2554&category=56&group=4