Name: Minghui Yuan
Picture title: Stray Birds
Category: Black & White
Nationality: China
Occupation: I am a University professor.
Technical information
Camera: Nikon Z7_2
Lens: Nikkor Z MC 14-24mm/2.8 lens
EXIF: 1/1250 sec at f16 • ISO 1250
Accessories: none
HIGHLY COMMENDED CATEGORY BLACK & WHITE
Minghui Yuan | Stray Birds
Name: Minghui Yuan
Picture title: Stray Birds
Category: Black & White
Nationality: China
Occupation: I am a University professor.
Technical information
Camera: Nikon Z7_2
Lens: Nikkor Z MC 14-24mm/2.8 lens
EXIF: 1/1250 sec at f16 • ISO 1250
Accessories: none
Minghui Yuan says:
At Wuhan’s East Lake, I often sit beneath the branches of this dragon jujube tree. The branches twist and meander upward in strange, beautiful shapes, adding a sense of abstraction and wonder to the scene. As I rest under the tree, I sometimes see one or two birds flying overhead. I waited patiently, hoping for the perfect moment to capture a larger group of birds soaring past. Perhaps my endless waiting paid off, as suddenly, a flock of migratory birds flew over these branches and vanished into the sky.
Life defies logic; it’s full of unexpected moments and beauty. To capture this scene, I used a super wide-angle lens. I held the camera with live view mode to enhance the visual extension effect and capture the full, sweeping view overhead.
Minghui Yuan
China
The visual communication of nature’s beauty should ultimately serve the well-being of animals and plants, and protecting the environment is a way to thank Mother Nature for her nurturing. I believe it is love that brings me luck. Not only have I earned awards and honors in international nature photography competitions, but this journey has also helped me rediscover my imagination and potential. Beyond proving myself in the face of others’ doubts, it has opened up countless ways for me to express my emotions. Photography has enriched my soul, helped me realize life’s meaning, and given me direction and hope.
Yuan Minghui approaches nature with an artistic lens, focusing on the play of light, color, lines, shapes, and details. He believes that images hold a powerful role in environmental protection, and that by respecting nature, we can receive its care and inspire future generations. Yuan Minghui has been named Wildlife Photographer of the Year three times and has received 195 international awards in professional nature photography, including WPY, Asferico, Windland Smith Rice, Glanzlichter, IGPOTY, Montier Festival Photo, Bio Photo Contest, MML, Montphoto, NPOTY, NBPA, and CUPOTY.