The Water as an Element Challenge 2024

We’re excited to announce the highly commended, runner-up, and winning images selected for the Water as an Element category in the 2024 Pangolin Photo Challenge, along with the camera settings used to capture these remarkable shots!

The judging has now been completed, and this round celebrated the incredible diversity of wildlife that thrives in and around bodies of water, as well as the stunning and often dramatic interactions between water and wildlife.

From vast oceans and winding rivers to tranquil ponds and shimmering dewdrops, water is the essence of life. This round focused on images that showcased water as a key element of the scene—whether as a habitat, a playful splash, or a peaceful reflection.

The winner of this category will receive a 6-night stay for one person at The Pangolin Chobe Hotel or a $2,000 voucher to put towards any other Pangolin Photo Safari on our website!

View the video here, then share your thoughts on who you think should win. Afterwards, check out our amazing images below to see if your predictions were right.

ILCE-6700 with a FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II + 1.4X Teleconverter lens

f/5.6 | 1/2000 | 98 mm | ISO 1250

Captured in the early morning light, this stunning image showcases an Australian Darter as it greets the dawn, its wings outstretched in a graceful pose. The bird’s movements create a delicate spray of water droplets, which are beautifully illuminated by the first rays of the sun. The moment captures the serene yet dynamic relationship between water and wildlife, where light, water, and the bird’s natural behaviour come together in perfect harmony.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV with an EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens

f/8 | 1/80 | 100 mm | ISO 3200

Captured in a fast-flowing stream, this image shows a frog perched on a rock, perfectly at home in its watery habitat. The midday sun reflects off the water, creating patterns on the surrounding stone. Prajwal carefully kept his distance to preserve the frog’s natural behaviour. Using a macro lens, the photograph highlights the fine details of the frog and the interplay of light on the water, emphasising its camouflage in the dynamic environment.

OM-1 with an OLYMPUS M.40-150mm F2.8 lens

f/5.6 | 1/250 | 115 mm | ISO 1600

Taken during a heavy downpour, this image of a Blue-Tailed Damselfly was created using an 8-shot focus stack. Andrew aimed to bring the focus to the damselfly’s head and eyes, with the delicate grass stem it clung to also sharply defined. The result is a striking close-up that highlights the intricate details of the damselfly in its natural environment. The vivid blue colouration of the damselfly’s abdomen not only helps protect it from ultraviolet light but also plays a role in attracting potential mates during mating displays.

NIKON D850 with a 60.0 mm f/2.8 lens

f/22 | 1/250 | 60 mm | ISO 400

Named after the German word “Wunder,” meaning “marvel,” the Wunderpus octopus lives up to its name. This image captures a paralarval Wunderpus, with its transparent head and long arms curved like counting fingers. Taken while blackwater scuba diving in Anilao, Philippines, the photo showcases the unique critters encountered during their vertical migration at night over 100 m depths. The Wunderpus is typically found along rocky or sandy areas, but its early life stage makes this shot especially fascinating.

E-PL10 with an OLYMPUS M.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens

f5.6 | 1/60 | 42 mm | ISO 200

A small, translucent fish perches delicately on a coral branch, surrounded by a stunning array of white, star-shaped polyps. The arrangement of the coral polyps resembles a constellation in the night sky, creating a mesmerising scene that ties the underwater world to the stars above. Taken in Palau, this image underscores the fragility of our oceans and reminds us of the vulnerable beauty that exists beneath the waves.

Canon EOS R5 with a RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens

f/10 | 1/800 | 500 mm | ISO 6400

This image shows a Gentoo Penguin swimming gracefully through the emerald waters of Antarctica. Known for being the fastest swimming penguin, the Gentoo can reach speeds of up to 22 miles per hour (35 km/h) when hunting or evading predators. The clarity of the water and the penguin’s sleek movements highlight the beauty and serenity of life in one of the world’s most pristine and remote environments.

Canon EOS R5 with a RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM + EXTENDER RF1.4x lens

f/4 | 1/1600 | 560 mm | ISO 1000

This image captures Great Crested Grebes in the final moments of their “weed dance,” exchanging gifts from the lake bed to strengthen their bond. With limited vegetation in the lake, they often find leaves and sometimes mussels. The photograph highlights the grebes’ connection to their watery environment, showcasing water as both a resource and a stage for their unique courtship ritual.

Canon EOS R5mk2 with a Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

f/4 | 1/80 | 16-35 mm | ISO 12800

Taken at the Okaukuejo water hole in Etosha, this image captures giraffes reflected in the water under unique conditions. Late in the afternoon, with clouds covering the sky and the sun low on the horizon, the reflections of the animals and clouds create a surreal, almost dreamlike scene. Elize flipped the image upside down to add an extra layer of intrigue, transforming the already stunning moment into something even more captivating.

NIKON Z 9 with a NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens

f/4.5 | 1/1000 | 560 mm | ISO 400

This photograph was taken during a photography safari in Bandhavgarh National Park in April 2024. Capturing a split-second movement of a Bengal Tiger, Bircan perfectly froze the tiger’s reflection in the water, creating a stunning and dynamic shot. The moment showcases the beauty and grace of the tiger in its natural habitat, highlighting the skilful timing required to capture such a rare and fleeting scene.

Canon EOS R5 with an EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens

f/2.8 | 1/50 | 70 mm | ISO 16000

A group of giraffes cautiously approached the watering hole, initially socialising without drinking. As they slowly began to drink, Zita captured the moment when one giraffe lifted its head, creating a splash in the water. This unforgettable experience beautifully captures the grace and elegance of these majestic animals in their natural environment.

Congratulations, Zita, on the well-deserved win!

You have won a 6-night stay for one person at The Pangolin Chobe Hotel or a $2,000 voucher to put toward any Pangolin Photo Safari! Please contact challenge@pangolinphoto.com to claim your prize.

Explore our Photo Safaris today