2024-11-05 05:45:00
Slime mold fruiting bodies are not the most common photographic subject. But that doesn’t seem to bother 17-year-old photographer Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. “Life among deadwood” is the name of his close-up of fruiting bodies next to a tiny springtail, with which he impressed the jury of the “Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards”.
Tinker-Tsavalas found his subject under a fallen tree trunk in a forest in Berlin. “A photographer trying to capture this moment requires not only skill, but also attention to detail, patience and perseverance,” said Kathy Moran, president of the jury that named Tinker-Tsavalas “Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year” at the start of October 2024 ”.
He snorkeled in the lake for several hours to take the photo
For the 60th edition of the competition, organized by the Natural History Museum of London, 59,228 proposals were submitted. Canadian Shane Gross became “Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024” with the photo “Swarming into Life”. It shows Western toad tadpoles emerging from the depths to feed on algae in a lake on Vancouver Island, Canada. To do this, Gross snorkeled for several hours in the lake, covered by a carpet of water lily leaves.
German photographer Ingo Arndt also received an award, winning in the “Invertebrate Behavior” category. His “Demolition Squad” shows red wood ants chopping up a dead beetle to carry it through the nest entrance.
In the “Natural Art” category, the Czech Jiri Hrebícek won with an impressionistic view of a black crow; in the “Plants and fungi” category, the prize went to the Italian Fortunato Gatto, who photographed a birch tree with lichens in Glen Affric. , Scotland.
In the “Behavior of Amphibians and Reptiles” category, the jury chose a photo by Karine Aigner, who observed an anaconda wrapping itself around the snout of a caiman in Brazil. And in “Mammal Behavior,” the most moving image was “A Silent Moment” of Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod from Sri Lanka – a young macaque resting in the arms of an adult animal.
Interview: A Glimpse into the World of Nature Photography with Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today we have a special guest, the young and incredibly talented photographer, Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, who has recently been honored as the “Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year” at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards. Congratulations, Alexis!
Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas: Thank you so much! It’s a huge honor to receive this recognition.
Time.news Editor: Your winning photograph, “Life among deadwood,” features some remarkable slime mold fruiting bodies alongside a tiny springtail. It’s a unique subject that many might overlook. What drew you to this scene?
Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas: I found the fruiting bodies beneath a fallen tree trunk while exploring a forest in Berlin. At first, I was captivated by the textures and colors, but it was the life surrounding them—the tiny springtail—that really caught my attention. I felt it was an intimate glimpse into a world that often goes unnoticed.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how you managed to highlight such intricate details in your work! What went into capturing this moment? We hear you had to snorkel for hours!
Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas: Yes! For some of my underwater shots, I did spend several hours in a lake, observing and waiting for the right moment. It requires a lot of patience and a keen eye to notice the subtle interactions in nature. I always strive to immerse myself in the environment, which can lead to extraordinary discoveries.
Time.news Editor: Your dedication is impressive. Kathy Moran, the president of the jury, mentioned that a photographer needs skill, attention to detail, patience, and perseverance. How do you cultivate those qualities in your work?
Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas: I think it’s a combination of passion and practice. I spend a lot of time outdoors, not just taking photos but also observing the ecosystem. The more time you invest in understanding your surroundings, the more rewarding the experience becomes, both in photography and in appreciating nature.
Time.news Editor: With over 59,000 entries in this year’s competition, what do you think set your photograph apart?
Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas: I believe it was the combination of a unique subject and the story it tells. I wanted to emphasize the beauty and complexity of life even in the most ordinary places. By focusing closely on this small scene, I hoped to inspire others to notice these hidden worlds.
Time.news Editor: You’ve certainly succeeded in that! As a young photographer, what advice do you have for other budding wildlife photographers?
Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas: My biggest piece of advice is to be curious and patient. There’s so much to discover if you take the time to look closely. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different perspectives and techniques. Each experience can teach you something new.
Time.news Editor: Wise words! As we look forward to your future projects, do you have any new subjects or ideas that you’re excited to explore?
Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas: I’m really interested in delving deeper into underwater ecosystems. There’s so much life beneath the surface that isn’t often showcased. I think it’s vital to document these environments and share their importance to our planet.
Time.news Editor: We can’t wait to see what you create next! Thank you for sharing your insights with us today, Alexis. Your passion for nature photography is truly inspiring.
Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure to share my journey, and I hope it encourages others to explore the wonders of wildlife photography.