Talent and patience have officially triumphed over the latest technology in the world of photography. Rithved Girish, a 14-year-old prodigy, has secured the top prize in the prestigious Close-Up Photographer of the Year competition. He managed to beat out thousands of entries while using camera gear that many professionals now consider outdated. His victory serves as a powerful reminder that the person behind the lens matters far more than the equipment in their hands.
Capturing The Guardians Of The Hive In India
The winning image is titled “Guardians of the Hive” and it transports viewers into the miniature world of nature.
Rithved captured a mesmerizing shot of stingless bees protecting their home in Kerala, India. The subject of the photo is the Tetragonula iridipennis, commonly known as the dammer bee. These small creatures construct intricate tube-like entrances to their nests using a mixture of resin, wax, and mud. The photograph displays incredible symmetry and detail that judges found impossible to ignore.
The Close-Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) competition is a global event founded by Tracy and Daniel Calder. It celebrates macro and micro photography across several categories. The “Young” category specifically highlights talent under the age of 18. This year saw fierce competition with over 12,000 entries flooding in from 63 different countries.
macro photography close up of stingless bees on hive entrance
Key Facts About The Win:
- Photographer: Rithved Girish
- Age: 14 Years Old
- Image Title: “Guardians of the Hive”
- Competition: Close-Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY)
- Subject: Stingless Bees (Tetragonula iridipennis)
Rithved is no stranger to high-level competition. He previously earned recognition as a runner-up in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards. This consistent performance proves that his eye for detail is a developed skill rather than just beginner’s luck.
Proving Skill Beats Expensive New Camera Gear
The most talking point of this victory is the equipment Rithved used to secure the win.
He shot the image using a Nikon D850 DSLR camera. This camera was originally released back in 2017. In the fast-paced world of technology, an eight or nine-year-old digital camera is often considered a dinosaur. Most modern professionals have migrated to mirrorless systems that boast advanced eye-tracking autofocus and lighter bodies.
Rithved paired this older body with a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens. This lens is also a legacy piece of glass that has been around for many years. By winning with this setup, Rithved demonstrated that older DSLR technology is still capable of producing world-class professional results.
Many aspiring photographers fall into the trap of “Gear Acquisition Syndrome” or GAS. They believe they cannot take good photos without spending thousands of dollars on the newest release. This win shatters that illusion completely. The Nikon D850 remains a powerhouse with its 45.7-megapixel sensor. It captures immense detail which is critical for macro photography.
“The camera is merely a tool. The vision comes from the photographer who understands the light and the subject.”
This victory has sparked conversations across online photography forums. It validates those who stick with their trusty DSLRs instead of upgrading every year. It shows that learning how to use your current tools to their maximum potential is the best investment you can make.
How The Winning Shot Was Created Details
Capturing a sharp image of tiny, moving insects requires technical mastery and extreme patience.
Rithved explained that he spotted the nest on a wall during a summer vacation. He did not simply walk up and snap a picture. He spent time observing the bees to understand their movement patterns and behavior.
Technical Settings For The Shot:
- Shutter Speed: 1/160 second
- Aperture: f/11
- ISO: 400
- Lighting: Rollei Flash 58F with a radiant diffuser
The choice of aperture was crucial here. Shooting at f/11 provides a deeper depth of field. This ensures that the bees at the front and the texture of the nest tube remain in sharp focus. The use of a flash with a diffuser was also a smart move. It froze the action of the bees and provided soft, even lighting that eliminated harsh shadows.
The ethics of the shot are equally impressive. Rithved stated to the judges that no bait or attractants were used. He waited for the natural behavior of the bees to unfold. This adherence to ethical wildlife photography standards ensures that the animals were not stressed or harmed for the sake of a picture.
The composition draws the viewer straight into the hive. The dark background contrasts perfectly with the texture of the nest and the metallic sheen of the bees. It creates a sense of drama and intimacy that is rare in photos taken by someone so young.
Tips For Aspiring Young Wildlife Photographers
Rithved’s success provides a roadmap for other young people who want to enter the world of nature photography.
The first step is moving away from smartphone cameras. While phones are getting better, they simply cannot match the physics of a dedicated macro lens and a large sensor. You need a dedicated camera to control light and depth of field effectively.
Actionable Advice for Beginners:
- Start with Affordable Gear: You can buy used DSLRs like the Nikon D850 or even older models for a fraction of their original price.
- Study Your Subject: Knowledge of animal behavior is more important than camera settings. You need to know when an animal is active.
- Master Patience: Wildlife does not run on a schedule. You might sit for hours to get one good frame.
- Get Low: Photos often look better when taken at the eye level of the subject rather than looking down on them.
Experts recommend investing in good glass over a new camera body. A sharp macro lens will open up a hidden world in your own backyard. You do not need to travel to exotic locations to find bugs or spiders.
Understanding light is the final piece of the puzzle. Rithved used a flash to control the scene. Learning how to balance artificial light with natural light will set your images apart from snapshots. The journey to becoming an award-winning photographer begins with observing the small details that everyone else ignores.
Rithved Girish has shown the world that age and gear are secondary to passion and persistence. His photograph of the dammer bees is not just a beautiful image. It is a testament to the power of artistic dedication. The global photography community will be watching closely to see what this talented teenager captures next.
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