International Photography Competitions 2024

Listing of International Photography Awards, Competitions and Contests 2024

Free Photo Competitions 2024 / 2025

Global Photo / Photography Competitions 2024

Listing of the latest Canon and other Photography Awards, Competitions and Contests for the following photography genres / categories:

• Abstract / Architecture / Creative / Drone
• Editorial / Fashion / Fine Art / Food
• Landscape / Cityscape / Ocean / Lifestyle
• Street / Underwater / Macro / Close-Up
• Nature / Wildlife / Night / Long Exposure
• Astro / Sport / Portraiture / Travel / Wedding

Please Note: Some of the Canon and other international online photography competitions / contests are once-off competitions (and may have expired already by the time of reading): read more on the listed websites for updated 2024 / 2025 competitions.

Competition Entry Fees

Many of the International Awards, Competitions and Contests carry an entry fee. There are also many free competitions and photo contests.   

Competition Expiry / Closing Dates

Some of the current photo / photography competitions may have expired. Contact the organisers about any future competitions. Some photography websites may only updates new photo competitions / contests later during 2024.

Important before Entering Photography Awards / Competitions / Contests

Please read the Terms and Conditions of every photography competition et al to gain detailed understanding of what happens to the Copyright / Ownership of your image(s) after submission to / and publication of your image(s) into any online gallery / website (and what happens to the Copyright / Ownership of your image(s) after closing dates). If you're not sure contact the administrators / organisers / sponsors before submission.

Please check all International Photo / Photography Competition Closing Dates

Some websites may not have an active Photo / Photography Competition currently

International Photography / Photo Competitions 2024 / 2025

2024 Entry Form – 17th Annual Awards IPPAWARDS
IPPAWARDS

2024 Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition

Photo Essay Competition

2024 Environmental Photography Award : Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
Environmental Photography Award

2024 Ocean Awareness Contest (Students 11- 18 Years)
Ocean Awareness Contest

2024 Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest
International Press Photo Contest

Africa Photo Awards
Africa Photo Awards 

Allard Prize Photography Competition
Allard Prize Photography Competition

Annual Photography Awards
Annual Photography Awards

Applied Arts 2024 Photography Awards
Photography Awards

Artist Forum Photographic Competition 2024
Photography Competition

Astronomy Photographer Of The Year 2024

Photography Competition

Belfast Photo Festival 2024
Photo Festival

Bike Photography Contest 2024 (Bike Magazine)
Photography Contest

BJP International Photography Award - British Journal of Photography

BJP International Photography Award

Big Picture Natural World Photography Competition 2024

Big Picture Natural Photography Competition

Bird Photographer of the Year BPOTY Contests 2024

Bird Photographer of the Year

Black and White Photography Awards / Competition
Photography Contest

Budapest International Foto Awards -BIFA
International Foto Awards

CVCEPHOTO 2024 International Mountain Activity Photo Contest
Photo Contest

California Ocean & Coastal Amateur Photography Contest
Amateur Photography Contest

Canon Photography Competition - The Photography Show UK
Canon Photography Competition

Canon New Cosmos Photography Competition
Canon Photography Competition

Chromatic Photo Awards 2024
Chromatic Photo Awards

Communications Art Photography Competitions 2024

CA Photography Competitions

Cewe Photo Award 2024
Cewe Photo Award

Drone Photo Awards 2024
Photo Awards

“European Treasures of Nature” Photo Competition 2024
Photo Competition

EuroNatur Photo Competition 2024
Photo Competition 

Earth.Org Photography Competition 2024
Photography Competition

Fine Art Photography Awards - FAPA
Fine Art Photography Awards

Free Photo Contests on Photocrowd
Photocrowd Contests

Global Photo Awards 2024
Global Photo Awards

Global Wildlife & Natural World Photography Competition - Earth.Org
Wildlife & Natural World Photography Competition

Gurushots Photography Contests
Photography Contests

Heard Natural Science Museum’s Annual Photography Contest
Annual Photography Contest

International Photography Awards™
International Photography Awards™

International Photo Awards 2024 IPA
IPA 2024 Open For Submissions

Imacres Awards - International Photography Competition
International Photography Competition

iPhone Photography Awards 2024
Photography Awards

Kerrville Renaissance Festival Photo Contest
Photo Contest

LensCulture Portrait Awards 2024
Portrait Awards

Life Framer Photography Competition

Photography Competition

London Photography Awards 2024
London Photography Awards

Macro Photography Competition
Macro Photo Competition

Moments Collective
International Photography

MonoVisions Photo Awards 2024
MonoVisions Photo Awards

Morihub National Salon Digital-2024
National Salon

Muse Photography Awards
Muse Photography Award

Nature's Best Photography International Awards
Photography International Awards

Nature Photography Competition

Nature Photography Competition

Nature Photographer of the Year Competition
Photographer of the Year Contest

Neutral Density Photography Awards
ND Photography Awards

Nikon Small World Competition 2024
Nikon Competition

Paris International Street Photo Awards

Paris International Street Photo Awards

Photography Competitions - South Africa
Photography Competitions

Photography Competition - Allard Prize for International Integrity

Photography competition - Allard Prize

Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2024
Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year

PRIX VIRGINIA 2024 Photography Prize For Women
Photography Competition

Siena International Photo Awards
Siena Photo Awards

Sony World Photography Awards 2024
Sony World Photography Awards

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2024 (National Portrait Gallery)
Photographic Portrait Prize

Tokio Photo Awards - TIFA
Tokio Photo Awards

UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition - United Nations
UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition

ViewPoint Gallery 2024 International Photography Competition
International Photography Competition

Wildlife Photographer of the Year - Natural History Museum
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 

World Press Photo Content 2024
Enter World Press Photo Contest 2024

X Jalón Ángel International Photography Prize
International Photography Prize

Photography Competitions South Africa 2024

Photo Competitions and Awards South Africa 2024 / 2025

Photography Competitions South Africa 2024 

Listing of the latest Photography Competitions and Awards (for Landscape, Macro, Nature, Wildlife and Travel etc.) on some of the most well-known South African companies / magazines / newspapers / NGO websites offering photography competitions in South Africa.

Please note: Some of these South African online photography competitions / contests are once-off competitions: read more on the listed websites for updated 2024 / 2025 competitions. Some of the current photo / photography competitions may have expired. Contact the photography competition organisers about any future competitions. 

Photographic Society of South Africa (PSSA): Photography Competitions
PSSA affiliated Photography Clubs should offer monthly photography competitions. Herewith a link to the alphabetical listing of current PSSA Clubs / Contact Detail PSSA Clubs >>

International Photography Awards, Contests and Competitions 2024 /2025

International Photography Competitions 2024 / 2025 >>

Tips for Entering Photo Competitions / How to Win in Photo Competitions

View the section on Tips for Entering a Photo / Photography Competition or Contest below the Photo contest / Competition listing.

What Photography Judes Evaluate in Photo Competitions >>

Important before entering any Photography Competition / Contest
Please read the Terms and Conditions and fully understand what happens to the Copyright / Ownership of your image(s) after submission to / and publication of your images into their online galleries (and what happens to your image(s) after closing dates). If you're not sure contact the organisers / sponsors before submission.

Adding your Photo / Photography Competition (South Africa only) to this list
Please Contact Me direct for discussing / adding your Photography Competition (South Africa only).

NB: Please check all Photo / Photography Competition Closing Dates

NB: Some websites may not have an active Photo / Photography Competition currently

Photography / Photo Competitions South Africa 2024 / 2025

Africa Photo Awards

Africa Photo Awards

African Odyssey Competition
African Odyssey Competition

BirdLife South Africa Photography Competition 2024
PDF Download: BirdLife South Africa Photography Competition 2024

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Canon Redline Challenge - For Amateur Photographers
Canon Redline Challenge

Cape Town Photographic Society - Monthly Photography Competitions

Monthly Photography Competitions

Cederberg Adventure Photo Contest 2024
Photo Contest

Getaway Photography / Gallery Competition
Getaway Gallery Competition

Hunters of Light (sponsored by Canon)
Photo Competitions

How Cute is Your Pet : Enter Monthly Photo Competitions

How Cute is Your Pet Competition

International Photography Competitions 2024
International Photography Competitions

Largest Photo Competition in Africa 2024
Photo Competition Africa

Kgalagadi Wildlife Photo Competition
Kgalagadi Wildlife Photo Competition

Neem Beter Fotos Kompetisie - Weg Tydskrif
Neem Beter Fotos Kompetisie 

Nikon Photography Contests / Competitions
Nikon Photo Contests

ORMS Photography Competitions

ORMS Photography Competitions

Pangolin Photo Challenge
Pangolin Photo Challenge

Photogenic Competitions South Africa - Facebook Group

Photogenic Competitions South Africa

Photo Competition South Africa - Free to Enter Contests 
Photo Competition South Africa

Photography Competition (Different Categories) PhotographingSA
Photography Competitions

Photo Freedom Competitions

Photo Freedom Competitions

SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association
Photography Competitions

Sunday Times / Sowetan Jägermeister Photo Competition
Jägermeister Photo Competition

The Essence of Vergelegen Photography Contest
Vergelegen Photography Contest

The South African Mobile Photography Awards

SA Mobile Photography Awards

Veld & Flora Best Shot Photo Competition
Botanical Society Photo Competition

Visual Arts Network of South Africa - VANSA Competitions
VANSA Competitions

Wiki Science South Africa
Scientific Photo Contest

Wilderness Safaris Photo Competition
Photo Competition

Reed cormorant with my ‘slowest’ camera - Canon EOS 6D

We generally aim to use our ‘fastest’ camera ito of Autofocus and frames per second (fps).

Here is an example of my more than 10-year old Canon EOS 6D, Full-Frame body @ 4.5 fps / one AF-point paired with a professional 400mm f/5.6 lens (handheld @ 1/4000s and Auto-ISO 640).
During most of my birds in flight photography sessions I generally use faster bodies at 10 fps+ and a variety of AF clusters and or zones.

If the EOS 6D was my only camera for birds in flight I would be more than happy to use it for action photography et al. The answer (for me) is in anticipation, light and a reasonably good lens.

With so much new mirrorless technology I am more than satisfied to challenge myself with older cameras.

I am still in no real hurry to upgrade my, by today’s standards, vintage DSLR bodies.

Location: Diep River, Woodbridge Island

Image: © Vernon Chalmers (Canon EOS 6D / EF 4oomm f/5.6 USM lens)

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Around the Cape Peninsula

Two Cost-Effective Canon Lenses for Bird Photography

Canon EF Lenses for Bird / Birds in Flight Photography

With Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Cost-Effective Lens Choices for Birds / Birds in Flight Photography

This is a topic I frequently discuss during my regular Birds in Flight Photography training and workshops in Milnerton / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town.

The two Canon EF Lenses

• EF 400mm f/5.6L USM  Lens
• EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens

Canon EOS Bodies Used

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II
• Canon EOS R

Note: Birds in Flight Photography images from both lenses are at the end of this article.

Both prime and (certain) zoom lenses are good to go for Birds in Flight photography (and perched birds), but there are various criteria for enthusiast photographers to consider:

• Importance of Birds in flight Photography
• Zoom vs Prime (fix focal length) lens
• Canon vs. other lenses (i.e.Sigma / Tamron)
• Full frame and / or crop camera body
• Using tele-converters (and compatibility)
• Autofocus speed (NB for birds in flight)
• Weight (mobility for carrying long periods)
• Cost of ownership (Budget / ROI)

Compatibility with Canon EOS Full Frame / APS-C (Crop) Bodies
Both these Canon EF lenses are fully compatible with all Canon EOS DSLR bodies. Paired with the Canon EOS Full Frame bodies (i.e. EOS 6D / EOS 5D Mark IV) it will be 400mm focal length or 100-400mm focal length range.

On Canon EOS APS-C bodies (i.e. EOS 700D  / EOS 80D / EOS 7D Mark II) it will be the focal length of the lens at any range x the 1.6 crop factor. I.e on the EOS 7D Mark II it with a 400mm prime lens will be 400mm x 1.6 = 640mm (Field of View). Most post-processing software will register the focal length in the EXIF Data as the standard lens focal length (irrespective of the 1.6 crop factor).  

Canon EF Alternative Lens: The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens (Canon EF) is a popular birds / birds in flight lens with my clients / students and the results I have analysed with both Canon Full Frame and APS-C (Crop) bodies compares very well with the two Canon lenses.

Summary of Canon's popular 400mm focal length lenses for Birds in Flight photography (and other nature / wildlife applications):

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime / Telephoto Lens

This high-performance lens was designed with portability and handling ease in mind. One Super UD-glass element, whose characteristics are similar to fluorite, and one UD-glass element result in sharp pictures from corner-to-corner. The lens also has a built-in hood and a detachable tripod mount (Ref: Canon USA).

A very cost-effective / value lens lens for birds in flight and perched birds for both Canon EOS APS-C or full frame bodies is the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens. It's a prime lens at 400mm (no zoom) with very quick autofocus and sharp image quality. Its mobile enough to carry all day and once you get used to the 400mm fix focal length its a gem of a lens.

Note: This lens does not feature Image Stabilization (IS), but its not really a concern for Birds in Flight Photography. At fast shutters speeds of 1/1000's to 1/5000's IS is not necessary. This is my most used lens and I shoot with it all day handheld at shutter speeds up to 1/5000s.The perched kingfisher below was shot with this lens in Av Mode: f/5.6 / ISO 1600 / 1/5000s.

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens: Professional / Consumer Reviews
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens: Professional / Consumer Reviews

An affordable / fast Autofocus lens for Birds in Flight Photography

An affordable / fast Autofocus lens for Birds in Flight Photography

More information>> Canon USA 

 Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime / Telephoto Lens

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom lens

This lens delivers a superb combination of cutting-edge performance, compact construction and brilliant resolving power that’s great for sports and wildlife photography. The lens features one fluorite and one super UD element to help provide impressive contrast and resolution with reduced chromatic aberration across the entire zoom range.

Canon’s new Air Sphere Coating (ASC) helps significantly reduce backlit flaring and ghosting, while fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens surfaces help lessen smears and fingerprints. A 9-blade circular aperture renders beautiful, soft backgrounds, and a 3 mode (standard, panning and exposure only) Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to 4 steps* of image correction. (Ref: Canon USA)

Currently the newer Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens is one of the most popular Canon lenses for a variety of genres / applications and of course, for birds in flight. It was launched the same time as the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and also pairs well with said body and the Canon Extender / Tele-converter EF 1.4x III.


Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM II Lens: Professional / Consumer Reviews

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens: Professional / Consumer Reviews

More information>> Canon USA

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Zoom lens

These lenses and many other cost-effective / suitable birds in flight photography lenses will be discussed during the upcoming Birds in Flight Workshop.

I've used both Canon lenses on the following bodies (over the last few years)

• Canon EOS 700D
• Canon EOS 70D
• Canon EOS 80D
• Canon EOS 7D Mark II
• Canon EOS 6D
• Canon EOS R

Birds in Flight Workshop Cape Town:  More Information

All Vernon Chalmers Photography Workshops Cape Town 2017: All Workshops

Starting out with Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town View

All bird in flight / perched bird images Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime / Telephoto Lens Sample Images / More Images

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens / Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens / Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens / Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens /  Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Zoom lens Sample Images / More Images

Canon EF 100-400mm f//4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens /  Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f//4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens / Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f//4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens /  Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Canon EOS R - Sample Birds in Flight Photography Images

Birds in flight Sample Images with Canon EOS R / EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
 (and Canon EF 1.4x III Extender / Tele-Converter)

Little egret in Canon EF 100-400mm f//4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens / Canon EOS R

Grey heron in Canon EF 100-400mm f//4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens / Canon EOS R

Yellow-billed duck Canon EF 100-400mm f//4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens / Canon EOS R

Purple heron with Canon EF 100-400mm f//4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens / Canon EOS R

Perched Bird Image Sample Canon EOS R with same lens

Perched cormorant with Canon EF 100-400mm f//4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens / Canon EOS R

Canon EOS R First Impressions and Sample Images View

Capturing / Tracking Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography View

Canon EOS 7D Mark II - Birds in Flight Photo Gallery View

Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town View

Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town Photography

Tourist and Street Photography at Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town

Kalk Bay Harbour with Fishing Boats (in False Bay)

An eventful family celebration took us through the picturesque Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town. The crisp morning light and blue sky presented a few vivid opportunities for remembering a special day in splendor and grace.

Photographed by tourists at large, we (many of us as locals), have these vibrant towns with its rich histories quite close to our doorstep.

Street Art and Craft Images at Kalk Bay and Simon's Town with Personal Permission from Each.

Vernon Chalmers Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town Photography

"Vernon Chalmers has captured some stunning photographs in both Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town, showcasing the unique charm and beauty of these coastal areas. His work often includes street photography, landscapes, and local wildlife, highlighting the vibrant culture and scenic views.

• In Kalk Bay, Chalmers has photographed the bustling harbour, colourful fishing boats, and the lively street scenes filled with local crafts and art. The picturesque town and mountain landmarks provide a beautiful backdrop for his images.

• In Simon’s Town, his photography features notable landmarks such as Jubilee Square, with its views of False Bay, and the famous statue of “Just Nuisance,” the only dog to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. His images often capture the essence of the town’s rich history and natural beauty.

• Chalmers uses a variety of Canon cameras and lenses to achieve his stunning shots, often employing techniques like aperture priority mode and post-processing with Adobe Lightroom." (Source: Microsoft)

Vernon Chalmers Copyright and IP Policy

More About Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town

"Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town are two charming coastal towns located on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula in Cape Town. Here’s a bit about each:

Kalk Bay

• History & Culture: Kalk Bay is known for its rich history and bohemian vibe. Originally a lime-producing area (hence the name “Kalk,” which means lime in Dutch), it later became a whaling station and fishing village 1. Today, it’s a trendy spot filled with artists, musicians, and great restaurants 1.

• Activities: You can enjoy fresh seafood at the harbour, explore quirky shops, and visit the Kalk Bay Theatre. The area is also great for whale watching during the season 1.

• Scenery: The village offers stunning views of False Bay and has a picturesque harbour where you can watch the local fishermen at work 1.

Simon’s Town

• Naval Heritage: Simon’s Town is home to South Africa’s primary naval base and has a rich maritime history 2. The town is named after Simon van der Stel, an early governor of the Cape Colony.

• Boulders Beach: One of the main attractions here is Boulders Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins 2. It’s a great spot for swimming and getting up close with these charming birds.

• Historic Sites: The town is filled with historic buildings and museums, including the Simon’s Town Museum and the Warrior Toy Museum 2.

Both towns are connected by a scenic train route that runs along the coastline, offering breath taking views of the ocean 2." (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Vernon Chalmers Kalk Bay, Cape Town Photography

Kalk Bay Harbour with Simon's Town in the False Bay Background

Kalk Bay Town and Mountain Landmark

Very Inviting Pavement Street Photography : Kalk Bay

Hats For Sale : Street Photography, Kalk Bay

Creative South African Flags and other Craft : Kalk Bay

Hotchpotch Street Photography : Kalk Bay

Creative Proteas and Arum Lily Flower Craft : Kalk Bay

Creative and Vivid Authentic African Art : Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay and Simon's Town African Art art and Craft Traders

"Kalk Bay

• Kalk Bay is known for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic community. The area is filled with informal skilled crafters, textiles galleries and shops where you can find a variety of contemporary South African art, handcrafted jewelry, and unique décor items. The Kalk Bay Modern gallery is particularly notable for its extensive collection of contemporary art 1 2.

Simon’s Town

• Simon’s Town, especially around Boulders Beach, hosts an African Art & Craft Market. This market features a wide range of African textiles, crafts, and artworks. It’s a great place to find colorful and creative pieces, often sold directly by the artists themselves 3 4.

Both locations offer a rich cultural experience and are perfect for anyone interested in exploring local art and supporting African artisans." (Microsoft Copilot)

Vernon Chalmers Simon’s Town, Cape Town Photography

Simon's Town Main Road : Street Photography

False Bay View : From Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Able Seaman Just Nuisance Royal Navy Dog : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Creative Ostrich Egg Art and Craft  : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town 

Hoopoe Bird Creative Craft  : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Various Creative Crafts : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Colourful Street Photography : Off Main Road, Simon's Town

Creative Craft Statues : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

The Story of Able Seaman Just Nuisance (Only Enlisted Royal Navy Dog)

Just Nuisance was a remarkable Great Dane and the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. Born on April 1, 1937, in Rondebosch, Cape Town, he became a beloved figure among sailors in Simon’s Town, South Africa1 2.

• Just Nuisance’s story began when he followed sailors around the naval base and even onto trains, often causing a bit of a “nuisance” by blocking gangplanks and train aisles. His frequent train travels without a ticket led to complaints from railway officials 1 2.
  
  
• To solve this, the Royal Navy enlisted him on August 25, 1939, giving him the rank of Able Seaman, which entitled him to free rail travel. He was known for his friendly nature, often escorting sailors back to their ships and participating in various morale-boosting activities 1 2.

Just Nuisance served until 1944, when he was discharged due to health issues. He passed away on April 1, 1944, and was buried with full military honours in Simon’s Town 1 2. (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Camera / Lens for Kalk Bay and Simon's Town Photography

• Canon EOS 6D (Full-Frame)
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens

Exposure / Focus Settings

• Autofocus On
• Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
• Apertures (f/4 - f/11) 
• Auto-ISO (100 - 400)
• Shutter Speeds (various)
• Image Stabilisation On
• Handheld

Image Post-Processing

Lightroom Classic (Ver 13.5) - minor adjustments /  RAW to JPEG conversion

African Art & Craft Market - Boulders Beach, Simon's Town

Canon Photography Quick Walkabout Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town

Landscape Photography Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Philadelphia, Cape Town Photography

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Garden

The Adventures and Life of Just Nuisance

Able Seaman (RN) Just Nuisance Statue : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town  

Able Seaman Just Nuisance : Only Dog Officially Enlisted in the Royal Navy

"He was a very remarkable dog, his tactics in any pub were those of a born scrounger, he would lie peacefully on his side under a table until customers arrived. I saw him on several occasions when some matelots walked in. He would casually role onto his front, nonchalantly wriggle from under the table, straighten his front legs, then his hind ones, stretch all of them before padding slowly up to the bar. There he would insinuate himself between the two lads and look expectantly at first one and then the other, finally concentrating on whichever one put his hand in his pocket! If the men were  regulars an extra pint would be forthcoming and placed on the edge of the bar, Nuisance would put his forepaws on the bar counter and, usually down the pint without stopping for breath. After a polite thank you lick at the hand of the donor, he would either resume his recumbent position and wait for another likely opportunity or go to the door, open it, and make his way to the railway station." - Ted Coleman

The story of Just Nuisance is a heartwarming and unique tale from World War II. Just Nuisance was a Great Dane who became the only dog officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. Here's how it happened:

Early Life

Just Nuisance was born on April 1, 1937, in Rondebosch, a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. His owner, Benjamin Chaney, moved to Simon's Town where the British Royal Navy had a naval base. Nuisance soon became a regular visitor at the naval base, mingling with sailors and following them around. He quickly became a favorite among the servicemen.

Mischief and Trouble

As a large Great Dane, Nuisance caused some trouble, especially when he would lie down in inconvenient places, like on the gangways of ships, blocking passage. But sailors loved him because he would also hop on the trains to travel with them between Simon's Town and Cape Town, often without a ticket.

Official Enlistment

His habit of riding trains without a ticket created problems for the sailors, who were reprimanded for having him as an unauthorized passenger. The railway authorities were threatening to have him put down, so the Navy took an extraordinary step — they enlisted him as an official member of the Royal Navy on August 25, 1939.

As an enlisted "Able Seaman," Just Nuisance was entitled to free travel on trains and received rations just like the other sailors. His rank gave him special privileges, and he even had a service record, which included offenses like "absent without leave" and "sleeping on a bed that was not his own."

Service and Legacy

During his time in the Navy, Just Nuisance became a mascot and morale booster for the sailors. Though he never went to sea on a ship, he attended parades and recruitment drives. He became such a popular figure that he was even married to a Great Dane, producing a litter of puppies.

In 1944, Just Nuisance was retired due to health issues, and sadly, he had to be euthanized later that year after an injury.

Memorial

After his death, Just Nuisance was buried with full naval honors on top of Klawer Mountain at Simon's Town. His story lives on, and there is a statue of him in Simon's Town, serving as a reminder of the extraordinary canine who became a sailor.

Just Nuisance remains a beloved figure, symbolizing loyalty, camaraderie, and a bit of good-natured mischief during difficult times.

Source: ChatGPT 2024

Image Copyright: Vernon Chalmers (Jubilee Square, Simon's Town)

Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town Photography >>

Just Nuance : The Saunter >>

More About Just Nuisance >>