Nikon D300, Nikon 2.8/70-200 op 200mm, iso 400, f/5.6, s 1/500

After a busy period with workshop in Autumn, I thought it would be a quieter time. But the opposite is true. What a rush! One of the projects I’m working on is a book assignment and the deadline is in sight. More news about this book next year. The new workshop dates are also on the workshoppage.

The last period in the Netherlands we had some heavy storms. During one of those days I walked through the floodplain area Millingerwaard. The strong winds lashed the water and created a beautiful structure. A pair of Mute swans drew about anything and they swam against the strong wind. A moment later, lots of rain fell from a dark sky.

Nikon D300, Tamron 90 mm, F/11, S 1/3, iso 400, tripod, flash.

Last Friday, the winners were announced from this prestigious contest. The jury had a tough job with less than 14.000 entries form 38 countries. And my termites picture had won the first prize in the category “other animals”. I still have a big smile on my face. My girlfriend Misja also won a prize in the plants category. Here is the story behind my image.

In 2010 my girlfriend Misja and I visited the Malaysian part of Borneo: Sarawak. During a trip through the jungle of Kubah National Park we discovered a Waggler Pit Viper, a poisonous snake. And as you know: ladies first! So Misja had the first snake shoot. When I patinetly waited I saw a few yards away a huge colony of termites. To emphasize the movement I shot this image with a slow shutter speed. The soldiers, on both sides, were protecting the colony and didn’t move. Also curious about the snake image. Just take a look at the Borneo gallery.

Nikon D300, Nikon 70-200 mm op 110mm, iso 320, f/5.6, 1/4000, EV-1.7

Last summer I visited the largest national park in Austria: HoheTauern NP. Besides photography of the alpine flora, insects and landscapes also the alpine marmots were a daily topic. Near a visitor center, at an altitude of 2369 meters, the marmots are accustomed to people. It was wonderful opportunity for all sorts of behaviors to observe, but one of the best moments was  playtime moment. Marmot overlapping diving, running, and as a sort of sumowrestlers trying to push down each other. Well I could not restrain the laughter but luckily I also have photographed some of this funny moments.

Orangutan Outreach Netherlands holds on sunday 9 october its annual day in Primate Park “ the Apenheul”. There are several interesting lectures including one lecture of Willie Smits. I will also give a presentation on Borneo. Hope to see you! Follow this link to more information: click here

Nikon d300, 90 mm macro, iso 400, f/4.5, s 1.60.

It took a little longer to publish a new blog but as a surprise I can show you this new website, thanks to Rene from www.digitalman.nl. Besides a new and fresh look, I can update the website much easier. New galleries are added and old ones are filled with mainly new images. Also you can view the pictures in my blog in a larger format. Have fun and I love to hear what you think of the new look!

I am also very pleased with a 12 page portfolio of my mushroom pictures in the september issue from BBC Wildlife magazine. Through the following link you can see the article: Click here

And feel free to take a look on their website www.discoverwildlife.com

O yes, the following blog is about the Wrestlers of the Alps, as promised.

Nikon D300, Lens 105 mm, iso 250 s 1/60s, f /10.0, flash, white paper.

I just returned home from a lovely trip in Austria. A few weeks ago I photographed for one week in Viroinval/Belgium. The area is well known for his butterflies and orchids. On some spots you can usually find up to 11 different orchid species. This year was different. Because of the drought in the spring no orchids occurred. But fortunately the butterflies flew in great numbers. Alongside a picture of mating black-veined white butterflies.

Sumo wrestlers from Austria? Keep an eye on the next blog.