Gear
SUMMARY
French underwater photographer Gaël Modrak captured the image 'Dead Chick of the Pond' in a suburban pond near Paris using a Nikon D300s DSLR and a 10.5mm fisheye lens. The photograph, which won third place in the Close Up Photographer of the Year 'Death & Decay' challenge, uses light rays filtering through murky water to create a haunting, almost reverential atmosphere around the waterfowl chick's body. Modrak utilized two Ikelite underwater strobes to illuminate the subject while preserving the mood of the ambient light. The composition elevates the scene from a mere document to an artwork, emphasizing the chick's vulnerability in its dark, aquatic environment.
TAKEAWAYS
Gaël Modrak's photo 'Dead Chick of the Pond' won an award in the Close Up Photographer of the Year competition.
The image was captured underwater in a suburban pond near Paris using a Nikon D300s and fisheye lens.
Two strobes were used to light the subject, while ambient light preserved the ethereal rays.
The photograph is noted for its atmospheric portrayal of stillness and decay.