december
WELCOME TO THE WINTER ISSUE Dear Readers,
What makes a good photograph? Is it the light, the composition, or the subject matter? I recently judged a small photo contest in my hometown and asked myself these questions after selecting the winners. To me, the three best photos stood out from the group as soon as I spread out the prints. I was at a loss when asked to describe the quality that set these images apart.Many images are sharp, clear, pretty, and technically perfect. However, some images have an additional quality that it is difficult to pinpoint or label. These images keep your eyes interested and they make you want to fall into the scene. These are the images that elicit an “oh wow!” each time you share them. This month, I challenge you to create images with that extra quality. This issue features work by two young South African photographers: Kirsten Frost andWynand vanWyk.
Kirsten Frost is only 17, but has built up an incredible portfolio of his country’s rich natural history. Frost shares his advice on photographing wild animals in their environments. Fifteen-year-old vanWyk is this issue’s “Master in theMaking.” You will also find a gallery of the winning images fromourmost recent photo contest. Enjoy the issue and keep in touch!—Gabby Salazar, Editor, gabby@naturesbestphotography.com
