A passionate 17-year-old photographer has outshone 1,200 competitors in a U.K. photography contest with his stunning image of a falcon diving to catch a dragonfly. This young artist spends countless hours perfecting his craft. Maksym Breus dedicated three years and over 200 hours observing the small falcon, known as a hobby, at Redgrave and Lopham Fen in Norfolk, England. His patience paid off with an extraordinary shot of the bird, wings spread and claws extended, skimming the water’s surface.
Breus shared his experience, stating, “I aimed to capture not just an animal but the behavior and unique stories that make wildlife encounters truly special.”
Dedicated Young Talent
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s 2026 Nature Photography Competition crowned Breus the overall winner. Only 12 photographers earned a spot in the Trust’s 2027 calendar, chosen from hundreds of entries. Special awards were given for Young Person and Mobile Phone photography.
Sixteen-year-old Tia Pardon won the Young Person prize with her captivating image of a little egret illuminated by sunlight at NWT Hickling Broad. Clifford Wicker claimed the Mobile Phone category with his shot of a banded demoiselle damselfly at Ingoldisthorpe Water Recycling Centre.
He devotes significant time and effort to understand his subjects, showcasing his dedication through his award-winning work.
An Exhibition of Excellence
The winning and highly commended entries will be showcased in a free exhibition at NWT Cley Marshes throughout October. Visitors can also purchase the exclusive calendar online or at Norfolk Wildlife Trust visitor centers beginning in late September.
This exhibition underscores how a young photographer spends years honing their skills to bring unique stories to life through their lens.
Similarly, delve into the world of breathtaking imagery with Renatas Jakaitis’ winter wonderland showcasing nature’s splendor.
For those intrigued by young talent capturing wildlife, explore how graphite creatures explore emotions in this fascinating artistic journey.
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
How much time did the teenage photographer spend on his project?
Maksym Breus dedicated over 200 hours observing the small falcon at Redgrave and Lopham Fen in Norfolk, England.
Who won the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s 2026 Nature Photography Competition?
Maksym Breus, a 17-year-old photographer, was crowned the overall winner of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s 2026 Nature Photography Competition.
Where will the photography entries be showcased?
The winning and highly commended entries will be showcased in a free exhibition at NWT Cley Marshes throughout October.