1st Place Winner: “True Love,” by Alex Pansier

European ground squirrels are classified as vulnerable, mainly due to habitat loss. These two were busy eating a faded poppy on a lawn in Vienna. I really enjoyed watching them working together, like father and son. For me, observing and photographing nature is a great way to unwind and share the beauty that’s all around us. I prefer compositions that are simple and pared back, and I usually shoot on dark and moody days, although this image has a lighter feel.
Technical information:
Camera: Sony A9
Lens: Sony 400mm f/2.8
ISO: 400
Aperture: f/3.5
Shutter speed: 1/500sec
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