Imagine the thrill of capturing nature's raw drama at the perfect moment—before the sun even kisses the horizon! That's exactly what one dedicated photographer achieved in this stunning Wildlife Photographer of the Year entry. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this dedication to wildlife photography a noble pursuit, or does it risk disturbing the delicate balance of these wild creatures? Dive in with me as we explore this captivating image and the story behind it, and see if you agree that the ends justify the means.
Marc Costermans, a passionate wildlife enthusiast from Belgium, has immortalized a male black grouse in an electrifying leap against the backdrop of a rising Scandinavian sun. Picture this: the bird is hopping energetically in place, its silhouette framed by the golden glow of dawn. To make this vision a reality, Marc endured five grueling nights camping in the snow, strategically positioning himself for that magical sunrise moment. He lay on his belly in the cold, patiently waiting for the right opportunity, all while hoping that one of the 15 black grouse in the area would align perfectly with the sun's rays. After an hour of anticipation, his persistence paid off—one bird delivered exactly the shot he had dreamed of.
Now, for those new to birdwatching, let's break this down a bit. Male black grouse boast striking blue-black iridescent plumage—a fancy way of saying their feathers shimmer with a deep, almost metallic blue-black hue that changes with the light. And when they raise their tails, they reveal brilliant white covert feathers underneath, like a hidden surprise in a game of peek-a-boo. These birds put on quite the show during spring, gathering in special areas known as leks. Think of a lek as a natural arena or stage where males compete for dominance, strutting their stuff to impress females and assert their place in the pecking order. It's like a wildlife version of a talent contest, where the goal is survival and reproduction!
And this is the part most people miss: Marc's journey into wildlife photography didn't start with professional gear or grand expeditions. His love for nature blossomed as a child, immersing himself in the outdoors. A turning point came during his honeymoon, when he visited the majestic American national parks—that's where everything clicked for him. Upon returning home, he invested in his first camera and committed to spending time each week pursuing wildlife photography. Since 2018, he's been leading photo trips with the Starling Voyages agency, sharing his passion with others. It's inspiring how a simple spark can lead to a lifelong dedication, isn't it?
Let's talk tech for a moment, because the details make the magic happen. Marc captured this scene using a Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera paired with a 100–300mm f2.8 lens. The settings? A fast shutter speed of 1/5000 at f13, with a slight exposure compensation of -1.3 e/v and ISO 200 for crisp, clear results without overwhelming noise. The location was Långträsk in Piteå, Sweden—a spot that offered the perfect snowy landscape for this dramatic effect.
Remember, copyright in Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition photographs belongs to the photographers themselves. Please don't copy, share, reproduce, or republish these images unless allowed by copyright law. If you're in the media and need to use them, reach out to us for permissions.
Finally, support our vital mission at the Natural History Museum. We're using the power of photography to boost scientific understanding, raise awareness about pressing environmental issues, and foster a worldwide appreciation for the natural world. Your donation can make a real difference—consider contributing today at https://www.nhm.ac.uk/support-us/make-a-donation.html.
What do you think? Is the effort Marc put in a testament to the beauty of perseverance, or does camping out near wildlife raise ethical concerns about human intrusion? Do you believe these competitions truly help conservation, or might they inadvertently harm the subjects? I'd love to hear your take—agree or disagree in the comments, and let's discuss!
