Pondworld

Manuel Plaickner's Image

Every spring for more than a decade, Manuel followed the mass migration of common frogs. He took this image by immersing himself and his camera in a large pond where hundreds of frogs had gathered. There he waited until the moment arrived for the picture he had in mind – lingering frogs, harmonious colours, soft, natural light and dreamy reflections.

Rising spring temperatures bring common frogs out of their winter shelters. They head straight to water to breed, often returning to where they were spawned. Though widespread across Europe, their numbers are thought to be declining due to habitat degradation from pollution and drainage of breeding sites.


Behind the lens

Manuel Plaickner

Manuel Plaickner

Italy

Manuel's great love of nature photography started underwater - only later did he develop the same passion for other subjects. For several years he has dedicated his work to the local nature of Italy's South Tyrol and Dolomites area, to which he feels a deep connection.

Image details

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • 17–40mm f4 lens at 20mm
  • 1/640 sec at f8 (+0.7 e/v)  •   ISO 800  •   Seacam housing
  • South Tyrol, Italy
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