2012: Animals in their Environment - Runner-up
Hannes Lochner (South Africa)
Lion by lightning
This young male seemed blissfully unconcerned by the lightning and thunder rolling in across the Kalahari. Hannes, who was taking night shots in the South African part of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, came across him stretched out beside the track. ‘He raised his head to stare at me a couple of times,’ says Hannes, ‘but he wasn’t really interested in either me or the dramatic goings-on behind him.’ Hannes worked fast, framing the lion against the illuminated night sky at the moment a bolt of lightning flashed to the ground. ‘Just after I took this picture,’ he adds, ‘there were a few more lightning bolts and then everything went still and dark again.’
Nikon D3 + 17-55mm f2.8 lens; 5 sec at f2.8; ISO 400; SB 900 flash; Badger Gear door bracket + Benro head.
View other winners in this category
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Winner Living on thin ice Ole Jørgen Liodden
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Specially Commended Spirit of the forest Paul Nicklen
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Commended Where petrels dare Mark Tatchell
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Commended Lion in the spotlight Joel Sartore
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Commended Ice birds Jeanine Lovett
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Commended Rocky stranding Alessandra Meniconzi
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