The “Small Stuff” Challenge 2023
Below you will find all the images that we chose as Highly Commended and the ultimate winner in The Small Stuff Round of The 2023 Pangolin Photo Challenge….along with the camera settings!
Celebrating the smaller members of the animal kingdom, this round encouraged entrants to take photographs of subjects no bigger than a tennis ball. This is not strictly a macro wildlife photography round, but most submissions would fit into a macro photography-themed contest.
Thank you to everyone who took part, and if you would like to join in the fun this year, then click here to learn about how to take part in the Pangolin Photo Challenge. It’s free and easy, and there are plenty of safari prizes to be won!
Didn’t catch the Small Stuff Finalists video?
Watch the video here and share your thoughts on who deserves to win. Check out our highly commended images below to see if your predictions were correct!
Highly Commended
A Snail’s World Unveiled, by Brian Kelly
NIKON Z 9 with a NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
f/3.3 | 1/500 | 105 mm | ISO 100
Brian captured a breathtaking image of a snail gracefully ascending the smooth edge of a birdbath. The snail’s shell shines with opalescent colours, mirroring the captivating hues that play on the water’s surface.
His exceptional attention to detail and talent for capturing the perfect moment shine through in this remarkable photograph. It stands as a touching reminder of the beauty found in the smallest creatures, which is why it was selected as one of our top highly commended images in this year’s photo challenge.
Highly Commended
Emerald Glass Frog, by Mateusz Jurecki
NIKON Z 7 with a NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
f/9 | 1/100 | 200 mm | ISO 18000
Mateusz photographed the elegance of the emerald glass frog in its natural environment, highlighting its flashy colours and distinctive characteristics for everyone to admire. The focus is on the frog’s eyes, which capture a glimpse of its soul and add depth to the image.
Highly Commended
Butterfly Dance, by Marjon Meinders
Canon EOS R7 with a RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
f/7.1 | 1/320 | 500 mm | ISO 100
Marjon has skillfully depicted a captivating image that at first appears to be a reflection of a butterfly. Yet, upon closer inspection, it reveals two butterflies vying for the same beautiful flower in the garden. The photograph conveys a mood of beauty, capturing the graceful dance of nature.
Highly Commended
The Next Generation, by Frank Begun
NIKON D850 with a 105.0 mm f/2.8
f/40 | 1/125 | 105 mm | ISO 64
The arrow shrimp, commonly known as the ghost shrimp, typically grows to about 2 centimeters in length. Capturing its image poses a photography challenge because of its small size and translucency. Frank captures the arrow shrimp’s transparent body, allowing for a unique glimpse into its internal structures—in this case, the visible eggs it appears to be carrying. The resulting image is truly striking.
Highly Commended
Vantage Point, by Panagiotis Dalagiorgos
SONY with a ILCE-7
1/180 | ISO 100
Panagiotis captured a mesmerising photograph showcasing a dragonfly gracefully resting on a branch. The enchanting scene evokes a magical atmosphere, with the soft, diffused lighting on a cloudy day beautifully highlighting the dragonfly’s iridescent wings, reminiscent of stained glass.
Winner
Courting Green Toad, by Diana Widmann
Canon EOS R5 with a EF400mm f/2.8L IS III USM
f/2.8 | 1/80 | 400 mm | ISO 2500
Diana is the winner of our Small Stuff Challenge! Her winning photograph captures a courting green toad during the peak phase of mating season. The composition of the image is striking, with the street lamps’ light creating flares that enhance the overall mystical and magical ambience of the photograph. Not only does her photo showcase the wildlife’s beauty, but it also showcases Diana’s artistic flair and photography skills. Congratulations to her on this achievement!
