Israeli photographer wins prestigious World Nature Photography Award

The first prize in the Nature Art category of the annual World Nature Photography competition was awarded to Israeli photographer Miki Spitzer.

Spitzer won the prestigious prize for an image he captured while in Iceland showing sulphate-rich yellow water flowing across a black volcanic landscape.

“Icy blue watery veins, shimmering glacial braids and glistening golden sediment come together to provide a delightful mirage for the human eye,” the judges wrote about the winning photograph.

“Is it a beautiful elephant with a flowing lion's mane? Or a lion's head with luxurious flowing braids? It's up to you and your imagination. This is the gift of Iceland's magical topography.”

The World Nature Photography Awards “celebrate the world’s best nature photographers whilst showcasing nature’s beauty to a wider audience,” according to its website.

Spitzer explained how he captured his award-winning photograph.

“The melting icebergs create massive rivers flowing to the ocean. I sent up a drone to a certain location amid strong winds, to take this wonderful picture in which people see the image of an elephant or a lion, a dragon or a flower.”

In a 2020 article, Spitzer described in more detail the techniques he uses to capture images, including the use of drones.

“I take aerial photos… with a drone I send over the lava pools. Taken from a height of 200 meters, the photos look like they were taken in one of the fires of Gehinnom. When the drone comes back, its parts are fiery hot, and I almost get a burn when I touch it,” he wrote.

The artist describes himself as “chareidi”( ultra-Orthodox religious Jew) and his work as a celebration of God’s creation.

“I feel a sense of mission. My pictures bring the beauty of Hashem’s creations to those who aren’t there to see it, or weren’t blessed with the gift of discerning potential beauty in nature. We’re always surrounded by beauty — we just have to keep our eyes open to see it.”

Spitzer regularly travels to Iceland, a country he has visited no less than 13 times.

“Many have asked why I return there again and again, so the truth is I've become addicted,” he said. “With spectacular volcanos, giant icebergs, black beaches, strong wind northern lights and thousands of waterfalls, Iceland is like a different planet.”

Spitzer admitted to being a bit concerned about safety, given the pro-Palestinian bent of the country, but decided to go anyway.

“I was a bit apprehensive about traveling there because of the situation but ultimately found myself on a flight. Once, while photographing a waterfall at sundown, I met a large group from the Netherlands who asked where I was from. When I said Israel, they greeted me and inquired after the hostages. They said they were praying for us and were hoping to visit,” he said.

Spitzer was proud to have won the prize as an Israeli, telling Ynet news: “It makes me happy to represent Israel with honor, especially during these difficult times.”