The magical kokerbooms

Uge Fuertes Sanz's Image

When he clinched the frame, at the final moment of sunset, Uge was ecstatic.

'I felt this was possibly the most beautiful picture I'd ever created.' He had set up camp in the Giant's Playground in Namibia specifically to photograph the dramatic landscape at night. And as the African night descended, he felt the enchantment of the place. It wasn't just the dramatic dolerite boulders, strewn about like a giant's toys. It was also the otherworldly, 'magical' kokerbooms, or quiver trees. These are giant succulents, aloes, found only in Namibia and part of South Africa, which survive the arid conditions by storing large amounts of water in their trunks and leaves. He staged the fairytale set, just as the sun went down, by lighting specific trees at specific distances with a torch, using a long exposure and adjusting the zoom to highlight the changing colours as the natural light faded, moving the torch from tree to tree. He had very little time, and had just three chances at the composition. The crowning element was the spread of branches overhead, 'closing the frame and giving the picture its strength'.


Behind the lens

Uge Fuertes Sanz

Spain

Uge is a member of the Turolense Land Photographic Society, the Aragonese Association of Nature Photographers and the Spanish Association of Nature Photographers. He has received recognition in many wildlife photography contests including Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Asferico, GDT European Photographer of the Year, Golden Turtle and Glanzlichter.

Image details

  • Canon 7D
  • Tokina 12-24mm f4 lens
  • 95 sec at f4  •   ISO 320  •   Manfrotto tripod
  • Giant's Playground, near Keetmanshoop, Namibia
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

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Impression of Africa
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