Name: Thomas Vijayan
Picture title: Austfonna Ice Cap
Category: Landscape
Nationality: Country of Origin – India, Country of Residence – Canada
Occupation: Photography is my passion and not my profession. I am an entrepreneur by profession.
Technical information
Camera: This image is taken by using Drone and it is 26 frames stitched together.
WINNER CATEGORY LANDSCAPE
Thomas Vijayan | Austfonna Ice Cap
Name: Thomas Vijayan
Picture title: Austfonna Ice Cap
Category: Landscape
Nationality: Country of Origin – India, Country of Residence – Canada
Occupation: Photography is my passion and not my profession. I am an entrepreneur by profession.
Technical information
Camera: This image is taken by using Drone and it is 26 frames stitched together.
Thomas Vijayan says:
The Austfonna Ice Cap ranks as the third largest in the world, situated on Nordaustlandet Island within Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. It spans an expansive 8,000 square kilometers and faces a disturbing rate of melting due to global warming. This accelerating thaw contributes significantly to rising sea levels, a grave concern for our planet’s future. During a recent visit to the Austfonna Ice Cap, I had the privilege of capturing a remarkable image of a waterfall formed by the melting ice. Despite having been to this location previously, it was disheartening to observe the sea ice had already vanished in June, allowing us to access the ice cap by ship. This year, the ice cap began melting earlier than usual, giving rise to this captivating waterfall. While the scenery held an enchanting allure, it simultaneously served as a stark reminder of the ice cap’s diminishing state, likely to vanish within a few years. This image is a composite of 26 frames, artfully stitched together to immortalize the transient beauty of this natural wonder.
Thomas Vijayan
India, Canada
Thomas Vijayan, a renowned nature photographer originally from Kerala, India, now resides in Canada with his family. His lifelong passion for photography has taken him to remote corners of the world, where he has captured stunning wildlife images. With over 1000 international awards and recognition as a top nature photographer, Thomas’s work showcases rare animals, including the Siberian tiger and Amur leopard, in unique and captivating ways. As a Nikon brand ambassador, his work has garnered global appreciation, featured in publications like National Geographic and BBC Wildlife. In 2018, he earned the title “World Nature Photographer of the Year” for his Amur leopard capture. Thomas’s dedication is evident in the weeks he spends in remote hides to capture extraordinary moments in nature.
Beyond photography, he’s a devoted conservationist, collaborating with organizations like WWF and WCS. Thomas’s mission is to use his photography to raise awareness and inspire action to protect our natural world. Through his images and initiatives, he hopes to encourage people to make positive changes in their lives for the sake of conservation. Thomas Vijayan’s work is a testament to his talent, love for nature, and commitment to preserving the beauty of our planet. His photographs are both visually stunning and thought-provoking, earning him a well-deserved place among the world’s top nature photographers.