Imagine standing at the edge of a thundering waterfall, mist swirling around you, and suddenly spotting a hidden world of nesting birds. This is the magic Stefan Gerrits captured in his award-winning photograph, part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum. But here's where it gets fascinating: Gerrits didn't just stumble upon this scene—he patiently waited for the perfect moment, battling strong winds and a constant veil of spray that threatened to obscure his view and damage his equipment.
On the day of his visit to Skógafoss, Iceland, a blustery wind whipped up a relentless mist, coating his camera lens with tiny water droplets and hiding the northern fulmars nesting in the nearby cliffs. These seabirds, known for their graceful flight, navigate the 60-meter-high (197-foot) waterfall to reach their nesting sites—a spectacle that Gerrits was determined to capture. After what felt like an eternity, the mist finally parted just enough for him to snap this breathtaking image.
But here’s the part most people miss: While fulmars are widespread across northern latitudes, their populations in Europe have been declining since the mid-1980s. This raises a critical question: What does this decline tell us about the health of our planet’s ecosystems? Gerrits’s photograph isn’t just a stunning visual—it’s a subtle reminder of the fragility of wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts.
Behind the lens, Stefan Gerrits is a master of capturing cold, Arctic-like landscapes, where snow becomes a key element in his high-key, minimalistic compositions. His work highlights the beauty of wildlife in its natural environment, and in recent years, he’s begun sharing his passion by organizing photo tours to his favorite Arctic destinations, including Iceland, northern Finland, and Norway. These tours not only inspire others to appreciate the wild but also foster a deeper connection to nature.
For those curious about the technical details, Gerrits used a Canon EOS R5 with a 500mm f4 lens, shooting at 1/2500 at f4.5 (-1.33 e/v) and ISO 250. The image was captured at Skógafoss, Skógá, Iceland, and remains the intellectual property of the photographer. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited, but media inquiries are welcome.
And this is where it gets controversial: As we marvel at such photographs, we must ask ourselves—are we doing enough to protect the very landscapes and creatures that inspire us? Gerrits’s work not only celebrates nature but also challenges us to act. What’s your take? Do images like these inspire you to support conservation efforts, or do they simply serve as beautiful reminders of a world we’re losing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you’re moved by the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, raise awareness, and nurture a global love for nature, consider supporting the important work of the Natural History Museum. Your donation can help harness the impact of images like Gerrits’s to make a real difference. Donate now at https://www.nhm.ac.uk/support-us/make-a-donation.html.
