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2012: 15-17 Years - Commended

Sam Cairns Enlarge image Elemental fulmar

Sam Cairns (UK)

Elemental fulmar

The Skógafoss is one of the biggest inland waterfalls in Iceland, with a 60-metre drop down a cliff. ‘My motor drive was doing overtime,’ says Sam, ‘as I tried to find an alternative way to photograph the impressive scene.’ Then a lone northern fulmar came sweeping down in front of the crashing water and spray. ‘As it ducked and dived,’ he says, ‘it seemed tiny against the dark background of the massive falls and was exactly what I needed to convey the atmosphere of this elemental place.’

Canon EOS-1D Mark II + 300mm f2.8 lens; 1/4000 sec at f2.8; ISO 400; Gitzo tripod.

This photograph is available to buy as a print.

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