Tell us the story behind your photograph ‘Soaring above the ice’.
I visited Gemmi Pass in Switzerland with my father hoping to see Lammergeier for the first time in my life.
How did you go about getting that shot?
We spent long days waiting for one to appear. When it finally did it was much larger then I thought.
How long did you have to wait for this shot?
Many hours sometimes but when one finally appeared it would sometimes reappear within the same hour.
Did you use any particular equipment?
Lots of layers of clothes as it was bitterly cold at high altitude in winter.
What are the difficulties of wildlife photography you face?
Freezing fingers: I had several gloves over my hands and when we saw the bird approaching in the distance I had to quickly remove the gloves to be able to photograph.
What does your close examination of wildlife tell you about human nature?
Despite all the bad news this lammergeyer shows that we can do good: it was reintroduced to the Alps after being wiped out by us.
What would you like people to think about when they see your work?
I hope they can see how beautiful these birds are and maybe it could help to better understand and protect the remaining wildlife.
How long have you been a photographer?
About 4 years now.
What would you advise someone wanting to start taking photos of wildlife in their local environment?
Just look at and enjoy your subjects first…then photography will follow.
What have you been up to since the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015 competition? What projects are you working on now?
I am only sometimes taking pictures because I have to attend school but last summer I was lucky enough to photograph different lemur species in Madagascar while travelling with my parents and brother.
What are your favourite animals to photograph?
It depends: I love all kinds of animals but one day I hope to photograph orangutans in the wild in Borneo (before they have disappeared)