2010: Animals in their Environment - Runner-up
Ben Cranke (South Africa/UK)
Storm riders
The Scotia Sea crossing to the Falkland Islands was a rough one, and the ship was battered by storms. Suffering from a bad bout of seasickness, Ben clambered on deck, determined to photograph the birds that had been tirelessly following the ship. 'Unlike us, they were completely at ease,' says Ben. 'I was in awe of them. They would bank when caught up in the headwinds, turn and begin the chase all over again.' At times the sky was full of birds, mostly Cape petrels. As the light faded, Ben anchored himself to the railings at the stern, leaning out to photograph the petrels riding the wind in the wake of the ship.
Nikon D3 + 24-70mm f2.8 lens; 1/1000 sec at f8; ISO 800.
View other winners in this category
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Adult awards Sharp reflection Jochen Schlenker
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Adult awards Swamp heaven Mac Stone
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Adult awards Snowed in Orsolya Haarberg
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Adult awards The drop Andrew Parkinson
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Adult awards Dawn call Pierre Vernay
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