Photo of hungry pelican snapped in the act at 1/1,400 sec with a Nikon Z9 gets major awards recognition
Emma Parker caught the precise moment a fish flew into the gaping mouth of an opportunistic pelican, later gaining an honorable mention at the Australian Photography Awards 2026
In a remarkable photograph, Sydney-based photographer Emma Parker captured an Australian pelican in the act of snatching a fish with a Nikon Z9, paired with a Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens. Shot at a blistering 1/1,400 sec, the image showcased the pelican's swift action in astonishing detail. Parker explained that a fisherman's discarded fish triggered the pelican's opportunistic behavior, resulting in the freeze-frame moment.
"Fishermen's Friend" by Emma Parker was honored with an honorable mention in the "Open" category of the 2026 Australian Photography Awards (APA), marking the first time this category was included in the event's history. The judges appreciated the effective use of shutter speed, the compelling angle of the frame, and the enhanced textures in post-production.
Parker's image, featuring the pelican under a stormy sky on a moonscape rock face, brought out the intricate details of the bird's feathers and the textured surface, creating a dramatic and captivating composition.
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