The Frozen Swan

Fortunato Gatto's Image

Fortunato Gatto (Italy) chances upon an icy puddle in a south Icelandic bog, where frozen patterns form the shape of a swan.

Fortunato is fascinated by the patterns and textures created in the ice.

He calls this a ‘meta-image’, in which nature itself provides both the canvas and the artwork.

It’s only when seen through human eyes that it becomes a swan.

Depending on the precise conditions in which it froze, ice can take on many forms.

Its appearance varies with the speed of freezing, the dissolved substances, the surrounding air’s moisture, and the size and number of any trapped bubbles.


Behind the lens

Fortunato Gatto

Fortunato Gatto

Italy

Born in Italy, Fortunato relocated to Scotland to follow his ever-growing passion for wild landscapes and unspoilt nature. The stunning surroundings, his fearless approach to the rugged weather conditions and his persistence in learning and growing helped him become an advocate for the beauty of the natural world. Over the years, Fortunato has portrayed Scotland, and many other wild places, in his own unique way, earning international awards and features in publications and media.

Image details

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
  • 24–70mm f4 lens
  • 1/50 at f13  •   ISO 100  •   polarising filter  •   Leofoto tripod
  • Sveitarfélagið Hornafjörður, Eastern Region, Iceland
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