Name: Lili Sztrehárszki
Picture title: Tiny Details
Category: Animals
Nationality: Hungarian
Occupation: Student

Lili says:
‘I took my picture on the last day of winter in 2020, in an abandoned mine of Börzsöny Hills in Hungary. Although it’s permanently closed to visitors for the protection of its inhabitants, I was allowed to enter accompanied by a professional guide.

The photo shows the smallest horseshoe bat in Europe, the lesser horseshoe bat. Composing the picture in the silent darkness I only used a single flashlight with great care trying not to disturb the hibernating mammal. I attempted to frame the picture to highlight the delicate feet of the bat as it hung upside-down, clinging to the rock with its tiny fingers and claws, using special locking tendons. The backlight emphasises the veins under the thin skin and the light hair on the tiny feet.

The lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) can be found in several abandoned mines of Börzsöny Hills, but the population is decreasing throughout Europe. The species is currently considered endangered.’

Technical information:
Nikon D500
Tamron 60mm f/2 Macro
ISO 400
1/200sec at f/16
Accessories: Flashlight
Post processing: Basic adjustments in Lightroom

Instagram: lili_sztreharszki_photography
Facebook: lilisztreharszki