20. Runner-Up, Nature Of “De Lage Landen:” “Flying Over A Pastel ‘Rainbow'” By Ronald Zimmerman
“During the autumn migration, many common buzzards (Buteo buteo) can be seen soaring on thermals. In autumn local common buzzards stay in the country. Common buzzards from Norway and Sweden migrate to the south and south-west of Europe, and also to the Netherlands.
Wildlife that allows me to have many photo opportunities are ideal subjects for a creative approach. In 2019 I wanted to move in a different direction. I wanted to add more creativity and more storytelling to my photography. For inspiration, I started reading books about wildlife photography. During the global pandemic, I spent a lot of time experimenting in Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland. This national park is my local “laboratory” in the Netherlands to experiment.
In-camera multiple exposure was one of the new techniques I wanted to experiment with. This started with playing and evolved into fresh ideas. In order to create this photo I had to photograph the buzzard, followed by a second, long exposure, of the surrounding autumn-coloured trees. This different kind of common buzzard image is the result of a yearlong process.”