The world of macro photography often feels like a secret club reserved for those with the most expensive, cutting-edge mirrorless gear and decades of experience. However, a 14-year-old photography prodigy has recently shattered that glass ceiling. By clinching the top spot in the Close-Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) youth category, this young artist proved that vision and patience far outweigh the age of one’s equipment. While many professionals are migrating to the latest mirrorless systems, this teenager relied on a trusted DSLR camera kit to capture a level of detail that left international judges breathless.
A Masterpiece of Natural Engineering
The winning image, captured by 14-year-old Rithved Girish, is a masterclass in both technical execution and biological storytelling. Titled “The Guard of the Hive,” the photograph depicts a nest of stingless bees (from the Tetragonula family) in Kerala, India. The image focuses on the intricate, tube-shaped entrance the bees constructed from a mixture of wax, resin, and mud. At the mouth of this organic tunnel, a guard bee stands alert—a tiny sentinel protecting its colony. The clarity of the wax textures and the glint in the bee’s eye offer a perspective on nature that is rarely seen by the naked eye.
Mastering the DSLR in a Mirrorless World
What makes this victory particularly compelling is the gear used to achieve it. In an era where “new” is often equated with “better,” Girish utilized a Nikon D850, a professional DSLR that was first released nearly a decade ago. Paired with a third-party Sigma 105mm macro lens, the kit demonstrates that high-resolution sensors and quality glass remain formidable tools in the hands of a capable photographer. By mastering the manual settings of a traditional DSLR, the young prodigy was able to navigate the thin depth of field inherent in macro work, ensuring the subject remained pin-sharp against a soft, non-distracting background.
Technical Specifications of the Winning Shot
| Feature | Details |
| Photographer | Rithved Girish (Age 14) |
| Camera Body | Nikon D850 (DSLR) |
| Lens | Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art |
| Exposure Settings | 1/160 sec, f/11, ISO 400 |
| Lighting Gear | Rollei Flash 58F with Radiant Diffuser |
| Location | Mezhathur, Kerala, India |
The Importance of Ethical Fieldcraft
Beyond the technical settings, the judges were deeply impressed by the photographer’s commitment to ethical wildlife photography. The image was captured during a summer holiday without the use of baits, lures, or artificial attractants. This “hands-off” approach ensures that the natural behavior of the stingless bees remains undisturbed. For a 14-year-old to exhibit such restraint and respect for the environment is a testament to a growing movement of young “conservation photographers” who view their lens as a tool for protection rather than just a hobby.The Technical Challenge of Macro Lighting
Macro photography is notoriously difficult due to the lack of light at high magnifications. To overcome this, Girish employed a sophisticated lighting setup involving a flash and a specialized diffuser. This allowed for a controlled burst of light that revealed the microscopic details of the bee’s exoskeleton without creating the harsh, artificial shadows often seen in amateur work. Balancing the ambient light of the Kerala forest with the artificial flash required a level of “lighting IQ” that many adult photographers spend years trying to perfect.
A Rising Star on the Global Stage
This isn’t the first time the young prodigy has been recognized. Before his CUPOTY win, he secured a runner-up position at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards, often referred to as the “Oscars” of the photography world. His consistent performance across different global competitions indicates that he is not just a “one-hit wonder,” but a serious artist with a long-term future in the industry. His success serves as an inspiration to teenagers worldwide, proving that the barrier to entry isn’t a lack of expensive technology, but a lack of curiosity and persistence.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Artists
The victory of a 14-year-old in a competition that sees thousands of entries from 67 countries highlights a shift in the photography landscape. It proves that the “democratization of gear”—where high-quality DSLRs are now available on the secondary market for affordable prices—is allowing younger talents to compete at the highest levels. As Rithved Girish continues to document the tiny wonders of the natural world, he reminds us all that there is an entire universe of drama and beauty right under our feet, waiting for someone with enough patience to look.
FAQs
Q1. What camera did the 14-year-old use to win?
He used a Nikon D850, a high-resolution DSLR camera, paired with a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro lens.
Q2. Where was the winning photograph taken?
The photo was captured in Mezhathur, Kerala, India, during the photographer’s summer vacation.
Q3. What was the subject of the winning image?
The image features stingless bees guarding the tube-shaped entrance of their nest, constructed from wax and resin.
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