Name: Rafael Armada
Picture title: Smooth
Category: People’s Choice
Nationality: I am from Barcelona, Spain
Occupation: I’m not currently doing photography full-time, but I’m in the process of transitioning it into my profession. I’ve been taking pictures for more than 35 years, and now, I’ve started organizing specialized trips for bird photography enthusiasts.
Technical information
Camera: Canon EOS R3
Lens: RF 600 f4 + RF Extender 1.4X
EXIF: 1/1600 sec f8, ISO 1250
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Rafael Armada | Smooth
Name: Rafael Armada
Picture title: Smooth
Category: People’s Choice
Nationality: I am from Barcelona, Spain
Occupation: I’m not currently doing photography full-time, but I’m in the process of transitioning it into my profession. I’ve been taking pictures for more than 35 years, and now, I’ve started organizing specialized trips for bird photography enthusiasts.
Technical information
Camera: Canon EOS R3
Lens: RF 600 f4 + RF Extender 1.4X
EXIF: 1/1600 sec f8, ISO 1250
Rafael Armada says:
To evade their underwater predators, flying fish jump to the surface of the sea and swiftly glide, using their fins as sails and their tails as a rudder. However, once they’re out of the water, they are not out of danger, as seabirds stalk them from above. These fish inhabit the shallower strata of tropical oceans around the world and serve as the intermediary link between zooplankton, their primary food source, and larger predators. This fish, almost transparent, was photographed in the Solomon Sea, in the Pacific Ocean to the east of Papua New Guinea.
When I’m taking pictures of really fast animals like flying fish, I don’t just want to freeze them in one frame. I want to show their movement. The trail they leave behind is part of the composition. For this reason, I took this picture at 1/125 s; It captures the fish, its trail, and a smooth background. Getting this shot means taking lots of pictures in continuous shooting mode, and paying close attention for a moment that you can’t predict. This picture was taken from a boat, employing a telephoto lens.
Rafael Armada
Spain
I was captivated by birds from a young age and my passion for birdwatching evolved into a profound love for bird and nature photography. I’ve ventured into some of the planet’s most remote corners, capturing moments and species that once seemed impossible. Some of my pictures appear in pages of ornithological literature, while others have earned international recognition in photography competitions. Over the past couple of years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into my debut bird photography book—a collection of stories of amazon birds from around the world. Set to be released by Lynx Nature Books in the coming months, this project holds a special place in my heart, and I’m eager to share it with you.