17-Year-Old Wins Photo Contest | How He Captured a Rare Shot

Three Years of Patience in Norfolk

Maksym Breus, a 17-year-old photographer, spent 200 hours waiting in the wetlands of Norfolk, England. His goal was specific. He wanted to capture the exact moment a hobby—a small, agile species of falcon—caught a dragonfly mid-air. Most wildlife photographers accept that such interactions happen in a fraction of a second. Breus kept his camera ready at Redgrave and Lopham Fen for three years to ensure he was prepared when the birds eventually appeared.

His persistence paid off during a recent trip to the fen. He caught the bird with its wings spread wide and its talons reaching toward its prey near the water’s surface. The shot displays high technical precision and keen awareness of avian patterns. Breus says he doesn't just want to document an animal; he wants to show the specific behaviors that define a creature's life. This image earned him the top prize in the 2026 Nature Photography Competition hosted by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

The Competition and Selection Process

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust received over 1,200 entries for the annual event. Judges evaluated submissions based on clarity, composition, and the ability to capture natural behavior. Out of the total pool, only 12 images were selected for inclusion in the trust’s 2027 calendar. Breus stood out because his work demonstrated the result of long-term field study rather than a lucky snapshot.

The judges also recognized other talent within the regional photography community. Tia Pardon, aged 16, won the Young Person category for her image of a little egret. The lighting in her photo highlighted the bird's feathers against the backdrop of Hickling Broad. Clifford Wicker took the top spot in the Mobile Phone category by photographing a banded demoiselle damselfly at the Ingoldisthorpe Water Recycling Centre. These wins indicate a high level of engagement among local photographers across various age groups and equipment setups.

Future Exhibitions and Industry Impact

The winning images serve as a marketing tool for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. By showcasing the biodiversity of the region, the group encourages visitors to explore the local fens and marshes. The calendar featuring these 12 winning entries will be sold at visitor centers and online starting in late September. Sales from these items help fund the conservation efforts of the trust.

A public exhibition featuring the winning shots will run throughout October at the NWT Cley Marshes. This gallery space allows the public to view the high-resolution prints in a physical setting. ZEISS sponsored the contest, providing prizes for the winners. For young photographers like Breus and Pardon, these accolades provide a platform to build a portfolio. The broader significance here is the continued interest in local wildlife monitoring through the lens of digital photography. People remain invested in the natural health of their local landscapes when they see these images.