Páramo Sunset

Greg Basco's Image

Greg Basco (USA/Costa Rica) is greeted with a thrilling combination of light and swirling cloud.

Greg had previously researched this spot in the thin air of Los Nevados National Natural Park. Dashing among the vegetation, he tried to cover as many angles as possible while the remarkable conditions lasted.

Above the forests of the northern Andes and below the permanent snow line is an otherworldly grassland habitat called the páramo. It has the widest variety of plant species on Earth, and more than 80% of the flowering plant species of the páramo are found nowhere else.

Behind the lens

Greg Basco

Greg Basco

USA/Costa Rica

Greg is a professional nature photographer based in Costa Rica. After completing graduate degrees in political science and tropical ecology, he worked in conservation before turning to photography full time in 2006. He’s working on the second edition of the large-format book National Parks of Costa Rica in conjunction with Zona Tropical and Cornell University Press. His e-books include the comprehensive treatment Flash for the Nature Photographer. He’s also co-owner of Foto Verde Tours, which offers instructional photo workshops in Latin America.

Image details

  • Canon EOS R5
  • 14-35mm f4 lens
  • 1/250 at f16  •   ISO 50  •   polarising filter
  • Near Los Nevados National Natural Park, Cordillera Central, Colombia
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.

More images from Greg Basco

View all
Chachalacascape

Support our important work

Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.

Donate now

Connections

More images from

Plants and Fungi

Sign up to our newsletter

Receive email updates about Wildlife Photographer of the Year news, events, science, products, services and fundraising activities. We may occasionally include third-party content from our corporate partners and other museums. We will not share your personal details with these third parties. You must be over the age of 13. Privacy notice.