Something unique happens when we reach the edge of our comfort zone. Capturing athletes, adventurers, and awe-inspiring landscapes demanded photographers to rise to the same challenges as the subjects themselves. Our winners were themselves thrill seekers and adventures, showing us the extreme moments which occur when humans collide with the natural world.
The Great Outdoors was sponsored by Red Bull Illume.
We came across the ocean to see the giant oceanic manta rays, the largest type of ray in the world. They can grow up to 7 meters, with a weight of about 3000kg. However they are always graceful, like an elegant dancer in the water. Sometimes they would like to dance with each other, and sometimes come to divers and play with the bubbles. This time the giant swam to freediver Aolin, dancing with him. I captured this magical moment.
The daring of the athletes against the breathtaking backdrop of the Dolomites and its stone pillars just made this monochrome shot irresistible.
The picture was taken during a tour at sunrise. The Sylvenstein lake is a reservoir that often carries a lot of fog with it, especially at the beginning of the day. If the fishermen go on to the first light of day on the lake, the moment is just beautiful and absolutely magical! Who would not press the shutter release of their camera?
