Moonrise over Nuptse - Patrik Bartuška - Wildlife Photographer of the Year2011

2011: Wildscapes - Specially Commended

Patrik Bartuška Enlarge image Moonrise over Nuptse

Patrik Bartuška (Czech Republic)

Moonrise over Nuptse

After six days of heavy cloud, fog and almost zero visibility in Gorak Shep, Nepal, the skies finally cleared and the south ridge of the mighty Nuptse was revealed. Having climbed to about 5,200 metres (17,000 feet) on the Khumbu Glacier, Patrik began taking photographs of the massive ridge. Checking the shots he had taken in the viewfinder, he noticed a dot in the frame. It was the moon, rising fast. Quickly changing to a more powerful lens, he focused on the peaks and the moon, to catch 'the cold beauty of this truly wild place.'

Canon EOS 5D Mark II + 400mm f5.6 lens; 1/800 sec at f8 (-0.3 e/v); ISO 100; Gitzo tripod.

This photograph is available to buy as a print.