I GOR SCHIFRIS

Nikon D5 Lens: Nikkor 105/2.8 macro Flash: Wireless Strobe Nikon SB-910 with diffuser Nikon SW-13 and radio control unit Phottix Odin II Setting: 1/100 sec, f 11, ISO 320

“This photo was taken at Wetherby station, Queensland, before the start of the last stage of the Crocodile Trophy in 2017, a time trial to the beach in Port Douglas. The riders start from 10:00, and leave every 20 sec. In the remaining time, the participants sit in small groups and exchange the impressions of the stage race that they have had.

One group of a German and Austrian rider discovered one small frog at the bicycle and called me to take a picture. For this shot, I have used a camera with a macro lens.105 mm is a universal focal length in macro photography, it allows shooting of shy animals with greater distance. I also love this lens for close portraits in sport, because I am not too close to the riders and it is less annoying for them.

In relatively low light, the increased ISO number was required to so that I could take a picture from my hand with a small aperture for the depth of field. I used the wireless strobe in front of the frog (in the hand of the German rider Carsten) which helped to represent the structures of the frog more beautifully.

For me, this picture was my first choice for the Close Up category because it is a classic close up shot providing a lot of detail.

After the publication of the 48 pictures in the final, I was not only amazed how high the level of contest was but also that two of my photos were in the selection together with these great shots! But I doubted that my two chosen pictures were worth the win. Mostly there were action pictures and I thought readers of a sport magazine would vote for action shots. For me, photography is my hobby, my great passion, my way of traveling the world, discovering new countries and finding new friends.”