2012: Wildscapes - Runner-up
Magnus Carlsson (Sweden)
Heavenly view
To take his photography to the next level, Magnus gained a pilot’s licence. His challenge then was to perfect the art of flying a floatplane while leaning out of the door to take photographs. In particular, he longed to photograph the forest near his home in Swedish Lapland. So when the forecast predicted mild winds and falling night temperatures, Magnus knew there would be a good chance of early morning fog. ‘It was still dark as I cleared the frost from the plane’s wings. Then I took the plane’s doors off, because aerial photography is so much better if there’s no Plexiglas in the way.’ As dawn broke, Magnus taxied across the water, took off and soared towards the forest. ‘As soon as I was airborne, I knew that it was going to be a magical morning,’ he says. ‘The sun threw shadows on the dense mist, which rose like steam, framing the creek. My fingers were soon numb with the cold. But I didn’t mind – the view was so breathtaking. It’s a portrait of where I live, where I work – my home, which I love.’
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV + 135mm f2 lens; 1/2000 sec at f13; ISO 640.
View other winners in this category
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Winner Aurora over ice Thilo Bubek
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Specially Commended Celebration of a grey day Fortunato Gatto
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Commended The cove by moonlight Miquel Angel Artús Illana
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Commended Morning Glory by night Robert Sinclair
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Commended The great Maelifell Hans Strand
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