May 21 : 2026
Arne Bivrin
Henri Cartier-Bresson's 'Decisive Moment' was born out of the study of human subjects, but in Arne's winning image, it finds an unexpected and entirely convincing new home in this photograph.
by Lily Fierman
Q:
Can you please tell us more about creating your winning image, “Defensive”?
A:
I was in a hide primarily hoping for buzzards and kites, when this pretty aggressive grey heron showed up. Due to its sheer size, it intimidated these buzzards and scared them off. It was an early morning, so the light was poor, but I'm very happy with the result.
Q:
Many of your images are in color. Why black and white for this image? Did you know you would share it in black and white when you took it?
A:
I felt that choosing black and white enhanced the drama and focused more on the action and the difference in size between the two birds.
Q:
What does removing color force you to pay attention to in your winning image?
A:
It's always tricky to find the right balance between light and dark areas.
Q:
You create work across different subjects. What is your favorite subject matter you work with and why?
A:
I mostly work with birds, but find it meditative to create landscape images using a drone. I wish I were a better portrait photographer, but I guess you can't have it all. Birds come in such an amazing variety of sizes, shapes, and colours. Their behaviour can be very interesting and offers so many chances for an interesting display of action and beauty. Since they are found all over the world, this also gives me a reason to see the world.
Q:
When photographing in nature, how do you decide when a moment is worth capturing versus simply experiencing?
A:
Often, I try to capture action if it's worth bringing the camera to my eye. I think I'm experienced enough to know when just relaxing and enjoying the moment is better than spoiling a good situation by trying to find the right angle. If I got a series of good images and feel taking more would just be replicating, I prefer to just watch and enjoy.
Q:
What's the image you almost didn't take?
A:
A barn swallow drinking in flight.
Q:
What's the photograph you're still trying to make?
A:
A lot of them, I actually don't know what I want to make until it's done.
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