Dynamic range and exposure

Above: capture histograms with overlays giving an impression of how dynamic range is distributed across the histogram

International Garden Photographer of the Year 2020

Robin Williams was announced in February as the overall winner of the prestigious International Garden Photographer competition that attracts up to 20,000 entries annually. He was thrilled, naturally

Robin’s winning entry used macro photography to immortalise the culturally iconic and ancient lotus species. His image was shot at the Blue Lotus Water Garden in Victoria, Australia. Commenting on the image that sits almost as if in the window of the world’s finest patisserie, head judge Tyrone McGlinchey enthused: ‘The composition, intention and novelty invite us in with a delicious allure and promise of sensory satisfaction – like the countless tiny creatures that are drawn onto its warm golden façade, we cannot help but stop, stare and absorb the sense of potential delight.’

Robin said: ‘I am always inspired by the beautiful work submitted by photographers all over the world [to this competition] and am humbled to think that my work can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with theirs. We all celebrate the beauty of the natural world and, in doing so, hope to protect it.’

Robin has had a distinguished career as a photographic practitioner, researcher and teacher. He worked briefly as a scientific photographer at GEC Marconi then as a medical photographer at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, and Westminster Medical School London, becoming head of the largest medical illustration department in Europe – Charing Cross & Westminster Medical School. He moved to Australia in 1992 to take up the inaugural Professorial Chair in Photography and Head of Department at RMIT University, Melbourne – a position he held for more than 20 years.

He continues his commitment to photographic education as a member of the Governing Council of the Photography Studies College in Australia and Chairs its Academic Board. Robin tells us about his image: ‘I captured this macro shot of the golden reproductive parts of a Nelumbo nucifera (white lotus) flower head – which was ready for pollination. This plant can use thermoregulation to self-heat the flowers to aid in fertilisation.

The sacred lotus is a rhizomatous aquatic perennial and is a “living fossil” dating to pre-history, having been domesticated in Asia about 7,000 years ago. It is believed that its main pollinators are mostly bees, flies and beetles.’

Spot check > Nikon D850 | 28-300mm | 1/500 sec | f/16 | iso 800

Spot check > Highly Commended

The Gate: Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana, United States ‘One of the last remaining untouched natural places, and home to a multitude of bird species, turtles, alligators, poisonous snakes and spiders, Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river swamp in the United States. Every morning, the place turned into pure magic, as if I had suddenly entered a primordial and unexplored world.

At this spot, cascading Spanish moss created a curtain, and the incredible roots from swamp cypress trees blocked the way, like a barrier.’

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | 100-400mm | 1/200 sec | f/8 | iso 400

Spot check > Highly Commended

Magic Tree: Uman, Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine ‘I captured this bird’s-eye view of this small, tree-packed island, which uncannily resembled a tree itself when photographed from above.’

DJI Mavic Air | 4.5mm | 1/230 sec | f/2.8 | iso 100