Big Foot

Winner

Nature in Black and White 2011

2011, I was the winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Nature in Black and White.

This win in this competition gave me the confidence to pursue my passion as a fine-art photographer.

Sadly, the WPOTY has discontinued the category "Nature In Black and White" not sure the reasoning behind this. But in my opinion, a loss to us photographers who specialise in Black and White and a loss to the viewing public too.

Mapungubwe game reserve. 6 am it is very cold. The day has not started well. I am sitting at a hide hoping to get images of Mapungubwes elusive wildlife. I have forgotten my flask of coffee and then a sudden realization that I had also forgotten my short lens. To say I was a little irritated would be an understatement.

Soon a big herd of elephants arrive within 20 meters of the hide. At my disposal is a 600mm telephoto lens. With this dilemma of too much lens. I decided to concentrate on getting close up shots of the elephants, the tusk, the eye, tail, and this "Bigfoot".

Sometimes, as photographers, we are spoilt by too much choice regarding equipment. Having just one camera and one lens may not have been ideal, but it did make me think of the box and capture images I may not have done if I had not forgotten some of my equipment.

Author Peter Delaney