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Mateusz Piesiak's Image
Mateusz Piesiak (Poland) carefully considered camera angles to produce a series of intimate photographs exploring the behaviour of birds.
At sunrise a pair of great crested grebes in full breeding plumage begin a courtship
performance with the giving of gift. The male has offered the female a ribbon of waterweed, beginning a series of synchronised, ritualised moves.
Mateusz had prepared for this image by familiarising himself with the light at different times of day. He was lying on a camping mat underneath camouflage netting, his tripod in the water, with the lens just at the surface. 'You wouldn't guess,' Mateusz remarks, 'that this image was taken in a city'.
Behind the lens
Mateusz Piesiak
Poland
Mateusz is a Polish wildlife photographer, who’s fascinated by nature. He’s been capturing unique moments for more than 10 years and loves experimenting with light and composition, making photography a true art. Travelling throughout the year, he strives to capture inspiring images that present the beauty of nature. His work’s been published in National Geographic Traveller Magazine, BBC Wildlife Magazine and The Guardian, and has been awarded in numerous international competitions.
Image details
- Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
- 400mm f2.8 lens
- 1/1250 sec at f4 (-0.3 e/v) • ISO 1600 • Manfrotto 190XDB tripod
- Wroclaw, Poland
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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