The winding monochrome patterns of Lake Natron provided an enchanting backdrop when these crimson-winged flamingos glided into shot, adding a striking contrast to Paul’s composition.
‘The high speed of the plane and ever present turbulence meant that the image was both hard to compose and fleeting’, he says. These patterns on the lake are formed by sodium compounds, produced by evaporation at the hot lake surface, which can reach temperatures of 60°C. The water becomes so caustic it would burn the skin and eyes of most animals. Despite their fragile appearance, lesser flamingos are one of the few species able to thrive in this hostile environment.
Ireland/Hong Kong
Paul is a semi-professional wildlife photographer based in Hong Kong. He has been photographing both terrestrial and marine wildlife for the last 25 years. Paul has travelled widely but has a special affinity for Africa, especially the soda lakes and their inhabitants in East Africa. He is widely published and a co-lead on photography tours.
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