Sometimes, the best wildlife photographs aren’t about luck. They’re about patience, persistence, and being ready when nature finally decides to put on a show. That’s exactly what happened for 17-year-old photographer Maksym Breus, who has been crowned the overall winner of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s 2026 Nature Photography Competition.
His winning image captures an extraordinary split-second encounter: a small falcon, known as a hobby, chasing a dragonfly just above the water at Redgrave and Lopham Fen in Norfolk, England. The result? A seriously jaw-dropping wildlife photograph.
But here’s the kicker: Breus didn’t simply stumble across this moment.
He spent three years trying to capture it.
During that time, the young photographer dedicated more than 200 hours to observing the hobby’s behavior, learning its movements and waiting for the perfect opportunity. After all that patience, he finally got the frame he’d been dreaming about, a hobby with its claws extended, seemingly dancing across the surface of the water in pursuit of its tiny prey.
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#1. Overall Winner: Hobby chasing a dragonfly by Maksym Breus
#2. Young Person Prize: Little egret by Tia Pardon
#3. Mobile Phone photography Winner: Demoiselle damselfly by Clifford Wicker
“For three years I’ve attempted to capture a legendary shot of a hobby chasing a dragonfly,” Breus said. “After more than 200 hours spent observing, the delight of achieving my dream shot was absolutely indescribable!”
And honestly, that effort makes the photograph even more impressive.
#4. Bearded reedling by David Brooker
#5. Long-tailed tit by Sue Coy
The competition, organized by Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT), attracted more than 1,200 photographs submitted during June and July. Entries showcased Norfolk’s wildlife, landscapes, and plants, with photographers of all ages and experience levels taking part.
From those thousands of images, just 12 winning photographs were selected for inclusion in the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s 2027 calendar. Breus’s image ultimately took the overall title, following a public vote held at the end of August.
But the competition wasn’t only about the overall winner.
#6. Toad on a rock by Alice Redgrave
#7. Ruby-tailed wasp by Robert Canham
#8. Swallowtail by Carly-Ann Haxby
16-year-old Tia Pardon took home the Young Person prize with a beautiful photograph of a little egret backlit by sunlight at NWT Hickling Broad. Meanwhile, Clifford Wicker won the Mobile Phone category for his photograph of a banded demoiselle damselfly at Ingoldisthorpe Water Recycling Centre.
The judges had plenty of strong images to choose from, making the final selection a real showcase of photographic talent.
Breus’s win also highlights something pretty special about wildlife photography. You aren’t just photographing an animal—you’re trying to capture behavior, emotion, timing, and a story that may last for only a heartbeat.
#9. Ringed plover chick by Jon Kelf
#10. Little owl by Stephen Bornemann
That’s clearly the philosophy behind Breus’s work.
“For me, wildlife photography was never just about showing an animal,” he explained. “I want to show people the behaviour, story and fleeting moments that make each encounter special.”
Mission accomplished.
#11. Roe deer by Lucie Gregory
#12. Snow bunting by Vinnie Purdy
The overall winner will receive a prize donated by competition sponsor ZEISS, while the Young Person and Mobile Phone category winners will receive gift vouchers.
For anyone who wants to see these incredible images in person, a free exhibition featuring the winners and highly commended photographs will be held at NWT Cley Marshes throughout October. The 2027 calendar will also be available to purchase online and at Norfolk Wildlife Trust visitor centers from late September.
#13. Bracket fungus by Ferenc Szoradi
#14. Hawfinch by Russ Bartlett
Breus may only be 17, but his winning photograph is proof that great wildlife photography isn’t necessarily about having decades of experience. Sometimes, it’s about watching closely, waiting patiently, and being ready when that once-in-a-lifetime moment finally arrives.
And after three years and 200 hours of waiting, Breus was more than ready.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who won the Norfolk Wildlife Trust 2026 Nature Photography Competition?
17-year-old photographer Maksym Breus was crowned the overall winner of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s 2026 Nature Photography Competition. His winning photograph captures a hobby, a small falcon, chasing a dragonfly over water at Redgrave and Lopham Fen in Norfolk, England.
What does Maksym Breus’s winning photograph show?
Maksym Breus’s winning photograph shows a hobby chasing a dragonfly above the water at Redgrave and Lopham Fen. The remarkable image captures the falcon with its claws extended, creating a dramatic split-second wildlife moment after years of patient observation.
How long did Maksym Breus wait for his winning wildlife photograph?
Maksym Breus spent three years attempting to capture his dream photograph of a hobby chasing a dragonfly. During that period, he devoted more than 200 hours to observing the bird’s behavior before finally capturing the extraordinary moment.
How many entries were submitted to the competition?
More than 1,200 photographs were submitted to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s 2026 Nature Photography Competition during June and July. The entries featured Norfolk’s wildlife, landscapes, and plants, submitted by photographers of different ages and experience levels.
Where can people see the winning wildlife photographs?
The winning and highly commended photographs will be displayed in a free exhibition at NWT Cley Marshes throughout October. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s 2027 calendar featuring 12 winning images will also be available from late September.
