2005: Animals in their Environment - Winner
Martin Eisenhawer (Germany)
Whooper swans at dawn
In February, temperatures in Hokkaido, Japan, can plunge to -20°C (-4°F). Overwintering swans (migrants from Scandinavia) therefore seek out thermal lakes, where there are always patches of melted ice. Martin wanted to frame the peaceful, misty scene with an overhanging branch and its reflection and spent a long time trying to find the ideal spot. Having found his viewpoint, he had to bend over the water and wait in this position until the cold wind dropped for a moment, the swans settled down and the water was mirror-smooth enough to create the picture he had visualised.
Canon 1D mark II with Canon 17-40mm lens; 1/60 sec at f16; 200 ISO.
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