If your idea of relaxation involves scrolling through a plethora of funny cat photos online, then you’re in for a delightful treat! The 2022 Comedy Pet Photography Awards have returned, bringing with them a celebration of all things cute, quirky, and downright hilarious about our beloved pets. This annual event has quickly become a favorite among animal lovers, providing a much-needed dose of joy and laughter.
A Brief History of the Awards
The Comedy Pet Photography Awards were established by professional photographers Paul Joyson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, who are also behind the renowned Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. Launched in 2020, the competition was born out of a desire to uplift spirits during a challenging time. Since then, it has gained immense popularity, attracting entries from over 70 countries worldwide in its latest edition.
The Judging Process
This year, a distinguished panel of judges, including TV celebrities, animal welfare professionals, and a veterinarian, sifted through a vast array of submissions to select just 26 finalists. The judges were tasked with identifying the most amusing and heartwarming images that encapsulated the playful spirit of pets. The competition not only showcases the talent of photographers but also highlights the unique and often comical behaviors of animals.
Prizes and Charitable Contributions
The stakes are high in the Comedy Pet Photography Awards. The overall winner not only receives a cash prize of £2,000 (approximately $2,213) but also secures a £5,000 (around $5,533) donation to a charity of their choice. This year, the competition raised a remarkable £10,000 (about $11,067) for three animal charities, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the community while celebrating the joy pets bring to our lives.
Highlights from the 2022 Finalists
The 2022 finalists showcased an array of delightful and humorous moments captured through the lens. Among the standout entries were:
- A chess-playing cat, showcasing its strategic prowess.
- Playful rabbits and birds engaging in their own antics.
- Dogs frolicking in the snow, embodying pure joy.
- A cat seemingly making a phone call, adding a touch of whimsy.
- A horse caught mid-laugh, reminding us of the unexpected humor animals can bring.
Each photograph tells a story, capturing those fleeting moments that make us smile and laugh.
Category Winners
This year’s category winners included a heartwarming image of a rescue Collie experiencing water for the first time, a proud mare grinning alongside her foal, a ‘smoking’ llama, and the world’s happiest husky. These images not only highlight the charm of the animals but also the skill of the photographers in capturing these unique moments.
The Overall Winner: Kenichi Morinaga
The coveted title of overall winner for the 2022 Comedy Pet Photography Awards went to Japanese photographer Kenichi Morinaga. His winning photograph, titled “Boom Boom,” features two cats playfully headbutting each other in a manner that humorously makes them appear headless. Morinaga chose to donate the charity portion of his winnings to The Cat Welfare Group, a specialist cat shelter in southern England, further showcasing his love for animals.
With a growing following of 41.8K on Instagram, Morinaga’s work has resonated with cat lovers around the globe. Comments on his posts reflect the joy his photos bring, with fans urging him to continue spreading smiles through his art.
Get Involved: Entering the 2023 Awards
If you’re inspired to capture your pet’s funny moments, you can enter a photo for the 2023 Comedy Pet Photography Awards. The competition is open for submissions, and you can find all the details on the Comedy Pet Photography Awards website. With plenty of time until the judging takes place next year, you can coach your pet, bribe them with treats, or simply hope for that perfect shot!
Explore the Finalists
For those eager to see the creativity and humor displayed in this year’s competition, you can view all the finalists in the official gallery. Each image is a testament to the joy pets bring into our lives and the laughter they inspire.
Conclusion
The 2022 Comedy Pet Photography Awards have once again proven that our furry friends have an incredible ability to make us laugh and brighten our days. As we celebrate the winners and finalists, we are reminded of the joy and companionship pets provide. So, whether you’re a photographer or simply a pet lover, keep your camera ready and your heart open for the next hilarious moment that your pet might gift you!
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