Florian Schulz, Special Mention, 2004 Banff Mountain Photography Competition

"Over the last few years, I have had several encounters with the majestic great grey owl. I had observed this particular bird the day before as it hunted in a meadow bordering the forest. The next day, I was out at dawn and discovered the owl silhouetted against the deep blue morning sky. This magnificent sight brought joy to my heart. Just as the first rays of the sun started to light up the silhouette, the owl lifted off and disappeared in the forest. I was disappointed. Then the idea that the owl might return to its perch got my hopes up. It was a gamble, but I decided to wait. After one and a half hours, the owl suddenly appeared again at the forest’s edge. My heart rate rose in anticipation. Just as I located the bird in my viewfinder, it dropped off the branch and glided towards me with a few strokes, rewarding me with a series of images of which I had hardly dared dream."

Nikon F5; 500mm f4 Nikon AFI lens; Fuji Velvia 50 Film; tripod

Florian Schulz is a professional nature photographer based in southern Germany who spends eight to ten months a year photographing in the field. His travels have led him from Mexico north to Alaska, as well as through southern Africa. Florian’s work has been published in magazines and calendar series and is featured in multimedia slideshows. His photographs have also won several awards in international photography competitions.

Florian has recently been dedicating his time to a conservation book project in partnership with the Blue Earth Alliance. Published by The Mountaineers, his book, tentatively titled North America’s Wild Heart: From Yellowstone to Yukon, is due out in the fall of 2005.