Visit the exhibition
Pause, reflect and reconnect with the natural world through images that celebrate nature’s awe-inspiring beauty and urge us to protect it.
Tickets on sale now.
Javier Aznar González de Rueda's Image
Javier Aznar González de Rueda (Spain) explores the complex relationship between humans and rattlesnakes across the United States.
Visitors gaze at hundreds of western diamondback rattlesnakes at the annual rattlesnake round-up in Sweetwater, Texas.
Many of these snakes will be killed and sold for their skin and meat.
Round-ups can harm other animals too.
Snakes are often driven from their rock shelters using petrol fumes.
These fumes affect any creatures sheltering alongside them.
Behind the lens
Javier Aznar González de Rueda
Spain
Javier is a biologist turned photojournalist. He began his career as a freelance wildlife photographer in Ecuador, where he’s spent the majority of the past decade. His work focuses on natural history and wildlife conservation, and he’s a regular contributor to National Geographic. Javier is an Associate Fellow at the International League of Conservation Photographers and a member of The Photo Society as well as a Sony Europe Ambassador.
Image details
- Sony α7R III
- 24–70mm f2.8 lens at 44mm
- 1/30 at f10 • ISO 4000
- USA
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.
More images from Javier Aznar González de Rueda
View all
Support our important work
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.