Wildlife photographer of the year. Portfolio 17

Representing the work of more than 100 professional and amateur photographers from 22 countries, this collection of nature photographs is outstanding in its diversity. It comprises all the winning and commended photographs from the 2007 Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competitionthe most prestigious event of its kind in the worldselected by an international panel of judges out of 32,300 entries from 78 countries. The range of subjects and styles varies greatly, from abstract nature images to animal behavior and from portraits to environmental reportage. Together they celebrate the splendor, drama, and variety of life on Earth. Each photo is accompanied by a memorable caption that tells the story of how and why the shot was taken.