One Photo. 117 Countries. Countless Hearts Changed 🌍

Hello friend! ✨

Welcome to another day of Joy Hour, your 3x weekly dose of positivity and inspiration!

Today, we're exploring an initiative that transforms the lens of a camera into a powerful voice for our planet.

💫 Today's Joy Hour is brought to you by Lysted - turning your unused season tickets into opportunity. Because every empty seat could be filling someone else's heart with joy (and your wallet with extra cash).

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition stands as more than a celebration of stunning imagery—it's a rallying cry for our planet. Born in 1965 through BBC's Animals magazine as a modest celebration of nature photography, it has blossomed into the world's most prestigious wildlife photography competition. Now, under the stewardship of London's Natural History Museum, it draws tens of thousands of passionate photographers from every corner of the Earth.

This year's spotlight shines on Canadian marine conservation photojournalist Shane Gross, whose captivating photograph "The Swarm of Life" claimed the grand title. His image, captured in the serene waters of Cedar Lake, British Columbia, reveals a mesmerizing dance of western toad tadpoles in their vibrant underwater realm. Gross's dedication—spending hours motionless in the water to capture this moment without disturbing nature's choreography—reminds us that the best art honors its subject.

Why does this matter? Because every photograph in this competition tells a story bigger than itself. In an era where biodiversity loss, climate change, and habitat destruction threaten the delicate balance of life on Earth, these images serve as powerful witnesses to what we stand to lose—and what we must fight to preserve.

The inclusion of species like the western toad in the competition's archive carries profound significance. Moving beyond the familiar faces of lions and elephants, the competition celebrates the often-overlooked heroes of our ecosystems. As Kathy Moran, chair of the judging panel, beautifully notes, these images reveal the wonder living in life's smallest details.

Some other impactful photographs I wanted to share:

From its humble beginnings to its current role as a global movement for conservation, this initiative continues to inspire millions. It reminds us that photography isn’t just about capturing moments—it’s about sparking change. And with a record-breaking 59,228 entries this year, it’s clear that the world is listening.

The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction." - Rachel Carson

Got Season Tickets? Let Them Make You Money!

Season tickets are the best, right? Front-row seats, exclusive access, and the ultimate fan experience. But let's be real—life happens, and you can’t make it to every game. Why let those tickets go to waste when you could be making extra cash? With Lysted, you can effortlessly sell your unused tickets on all the top platforms like StubHub, Ticketmaster, and SeatGeek. It's fast, easy, and puts money in your pocket without any hassle.

Don’t let your seats sit empty. Cash in today with Lysted!

Next issue's feature could be yours! What brings you joy? Share it with our community - every photo tells a story!

💌 Have more to say? Reply to this email with your thoughts!

Enjoyed this issue of Joy Hour? Share it with your friends.

See you next time for more inspiring stories! 👋