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Rithved Girishkumar's Image
Rithved Girishkumar (India/United Arab Emirates) notices a band of stingless bees standing guard at the tube-like entrance to their nest, in southwest India.
Careful not to disturb the bees, Rithved crouched down, braving ants and thorny shrubs, to photograph them head-on.
The bees’ nest was built from wax, resin and mud. It was hidden within an old wall, but Rithved spotted the comings and goings of a few foragers.
Stingless bees are important pollinators.
Climate change could change the timing of pollen production so it no longer aligns with insect activity.
This may then affect pollination and the production of foods such as honey.
Behind the lens
Rithved Girishkumar
India/United Arab Emirates
Rithved is a Dubai-based photographer with a passion for nature and storytelling through the lens. He discovered his love for photography during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by his mother. What began as curiosity soon became a way for him to connect with the world and express his perspective. His work has earned international recognition, winning prizes at the Xposure International Photography two years in a row.
Image details
- Nikon D850
- Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro lens
- 1/400 at f11 (-0.3 e/v) • ISO 160 • Rollei flash 58F • Radiant diffuser
- Mezhathur, Kerala, India
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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