HIGHLY COMMENDED CATEGORY BLACK & WHITE
Marvin Blome | Natures Ballet

Name: Marvin Blome
Picture title: Natures Ballet
Category: Black & White
Nationality: Germany
Occupation:Just finished school

Technical information
Camera: Nikon Z9
Lens: Nikon 400mm f2.8 FL with a Nikon 2x Extender
EXIF: 1/1000 sec at f5,6; ISO 900
Accessories: Gitzo GT3543LS; Benro GH2 Gimbal Head

Marvin Blome says:

In the early hours of a misty autumn morning, I found myself enveloped in the tranquil silence of an unused section of a NATO military training site. The air was crisp, and a thin veil of fog covered the ground, creating an ethereal atmosphere. I waited patiently, my camera set on a tripod, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive stag known to roam these parts.

As the fog began to lift, I noticed movement in the distance, a murmuration of birds weaving synchronized patterns against the soft, foggy backdrop. In the midst of this natural spectacle, the majestic stag appeared, its antlers piercing through the mist as it stood still, almost as if in silent acknowledgment of the beauty around it. Including both the birds and the stag in one frame proved challenging, as the starlings moved unpredictably through the fog.

A lighthearted moment unfolded when a few starlings briefly landed on the head of one of the deer, creating an almost whimsical scene in the otherwise serene setting. Capturing this moment was no easy task. The low visibility and erratic flight of the birds made composition difficult. I had to adjust my camera settings quickly to capture both the motion of the birds and the stillness of the stag with clarity and sharpness. Patience and anticipation were essential, understanding the behavior of the wildlife and adapting to the shifting light made all the difference.