Belgian photographer Marc Costermans endured five nights camping in the Swedish snow to capture his award-winning image, "Sunrise Hop." The photograph, which received a Highly Commended honor, shows a male black grouse perfectly silhouetted against the rising sun during its unique mating ritual.
Key Takeaways
- Photographer Marc Costermans camped for five nights in the snow to capture his photograph, "Sunrise Hop."
- The image features a male black grouse performing a mating display, perfectly aligned with the sunrise.
- The photograph was taken in Långträsk, near Piteå, Sweden, a known lekking site for the species.
- Costermans used a Canon EOS R6 Mark II with a 100–300mm lens to achieve the shot.
The Pursuit of a Vision
Wildlife photography often requires immense patience and dedication, a principle clearly demonstrated by Marc Costermans. To create the image he had envisioned, Costermans traveled to the snowy landscapes of northern Sweden. His goal was to photograph the dramatic mating display of the black grouse, but with a specific artistic element: capturing one of the birds directly in front of the rising sun.
Achieving this required more than just being in the right place at the right time. Costermans committed to camping out for five consecutive nights. This allowed him to be in position before dawn each day, minimizing disturbance to the wildlife and maximizing his chances of success. The conditions were challenging, involving cold temperatures and long waits in the snow.
A Moment of Perfect Alignment
The location for the shoot was a lek, a specific area where male black grouse gather in the spring to compete for mates. These gatherings are known for their energetic displays, where the males posture, call, and sometimes fight to establish dominance. Costermans observed a group of approximately 15 birds on the lek.
On the final morning, his persistence paid off. Lying flat on his stomach in the snow, he watched the birds' activity. After about an hour of waiting as the sun began to climb above the horizon, one of the male grouse moved into the exact position he had hoped for. The bird performed its characteristic hop, creating a dynamic silhouette against the brilliant orange and yellow hues of the sunrise.
Technical Details of the Shot
The photograph was captured with a Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera and a 100–300mm f/2.8 lens. The settings were a fast shutter speed of 1/5000 of a second at an aperture of f/13 and an ISO of 200. These settings were crucial for freezing the bird's motion while capturing the intense light of the sun.
Understanding the Black Grouse
The subject of the photograph, the male black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), is known for its striking appearance and elaborate courtship behavior. The birds have a glossy, blue-black plumage that appears iridescent in certain light. During their display, they raise their lyre-shaped tails to reveal bright white feathers underneath, creating a stark contrast that is meant to attract females.
These displays occur at traditional lek sites for only a few weeks each spring. The competition is intense, as females, known as greyhens, observe the males and select mates based on their performance and status within the group. Costermans's image captures a key moment in this natural spectacle, blending animal behavior with dramatic environmental lighting.
The Photographer: Marc Costermans
Based in Belgium, Marc Costermans's passion for nature photography was ignited during his honeymoon in the great American parks. Upon returning, he purchased his first camera and began dedicating significant time to the craft. Since 2018, he has been guiding photography trips for the Starling Voyages agency, sharing his expertise with other enthusiasts.
The Art of Patience in Wildlife Photography
The story behind "Sunrise Hop" highlights a fundamental aspect of successful wildlife photography: patience is as important as technical skill. Many celebrated nature images are the result of extensive planning, research, and long hours spent waiting for a specific moment to unfold. Photographers must understand animal behavior, weather patterns, and light conditions to anticipate where and when a shot might be possible.
"I lay on my belly, waiting and hoping that one of the 15 black grouse would move into line with the sun. An hour later, one obliged." - Marc Costermans
Costermans's effort—camping for five nights in the snow—is a testament to this dedication. It is this commitment that separates a snapshot from a carefully composed work of art that tells a story about the natural world. His work not only showcases the beauty of the black grouse but also inspires an appreciation for the effort involved in documenting these fleeting moments.
The photograph serves as part of the wider Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, which aims to use the power of imagery to foster a deeper connection with nature and advocate for its protection. Each image in the collection represents a unique story of an animal, a place, and often, a photographer's unwavering commitment.