WINNER CATEGORY OTHER ANIMALS
Sebastien Blomme | Disturbing Shadow

Name: Sebastien Blomme
Picture title: Disturbing Shadow
Category: Other Animals
Nationality: France
Occupation: I’m an engineer in aeronautics

Technical information
Camera: Pentax K1
Lens: Pentax 300mm f4 prime lens
EXIF: 1/1000s at f4 (-1.3EV) – ISO 100
Accessories: No accessories at all, I try to shoot all my images without a tripod and in natural light. The more details, the better.

Sebastien Blomme says:

Less than 5 kilometers from my home in Toulouse, France, I am fortunate to encounter one of the most fascinating insects in our local fauna: the Empusa pennata. Throughout the year, I observe it in its larval form, watching its slow and discreet movements among the grass and branches. The camouflage it uses to blend with its surroundings is remarkable, making each sighting feel like a small triumph. Its stick-like body and subtle, calculated motions allow it to stay hidden from predators and human eyes alike, making it a challenge to spot, but a rewarding experience when found.

But when May arrives, an even more extraordinary spectacle takes place: the emergence of adult empuses. My attention turns to the males, unmistakable with their feather-like antennae. These antennae are more than just an adornment; they are highly specialized sensors, capable of detecting female pheromones in the air, essential for the species’ reproduction and survival. The beauty of their interaction, largely unseen by most, is captivating. As I document these insects, I am struck by how their delicate existence goes unnoticed in our rapidly changing environment.

For this image, I positioned myself where the sun was just rising on the horizon, casting a golden glow across the landscape. I used the soft morning light to emphasize the silhouette of the Empusa pennata, capturing a shadow that feels both majestic and slightly eerie. Its slender, elongated body is sharply outlined against the backdrop, evoking a sense of both fragility and strength, a reminder of the uniqueness of this species. No special techniques were used; this is a single exposure.

Empuses, though present even in urban settings, prefer untamed wastelands. Sadly, these spaces are increasingly disappearing due to urban sprawl. Through my photography, I hope to raise awareness of the need to protect these vital habitats.