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2006: Animals in their Environment - Highly Commended

Arnaud Darondeau Enlarge image Mallards at dawn

Arnaud Darondeau (France)

Mallards at dawn

'I sat for ages beside this lake before sunrise, convincing myself it would be worth the chilly wait,' says Arnaud. 'I knew just how magical the light could be at this spot.' After a mellow October day in central France, followed by an ice-cold night, the right ingredients merged. First there was a mist, lit by a tangerine glow. Then in the reflections emerged the slightest hint of ripples and silhouettes of resting mallard ducks. 'A timeless moment well worth the wait,' he concludes.

Nikon D2x with AF-S 500mm f4 lens; 1/250 sec at f11; 200 ISO; tripod.

This photograph is available to buy as a print.

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