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Brian Matthews's Image
Brian Matthews (UK) sails into the path of a storm off the western coast of Scotland.
It had been a calm, sunny August day when Brian set off to sail around the Inner Hebrides in search of basking sharks in 2022. Then, suddenly, the sky darkened. A thunderstorm was brewing. He had just enough time to frame the brooding sky before racing in his boat to find shelter.
The 10 hottest years on record for the UK have all been in the last 20 years. In 2022 the UK experienced record temperatures that exceeded 40°C, creating conditions for storms that are usually more commonplace in the tropics. Climate change is expected to increase their frequency.
Behind the lens
Brian Matthews
UK
Brian’s been a wildlife photographer for the last 20 years, focusing on capturing endangered species and conservation stories across the globe. Most recently, he’s been travelling the 12,428 kilometres and multiples islands of the UK coastline photographing wildlife, landscapes and conservation stories.
Image details
- Canon EOS-1D X
- 70–200mm f2.8 lens at 70mm
- 1/400 at f5.6 • ISO 200
- Off the Isles of Coll and Tiree, Scotland, UK
Copyright in Wildlife Photographer of the Year 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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