Irishman scoops top wildlife photo award

HE turned a professional nightmare into an up close and personal insight into nature’s beauty, claiming a prestigious international wildlife photography award for his efforts.

Irish photographer Peter Delaney, who is based in Wicklow, received the accolade alongside colleagues in 17 categories during the Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 contest.

The award is specifically related to his Nature in Black and White image “Big Foot” — a rare close-up image of an elephant taken just when the opportunity seemed lost.