#52weeksofnature Photo Contest Week 4 Winner

The winner of Week 4 of our #52weeksofnature photo contest is Alexandre Loureiro (@aloureiro8). We've seen a lot of photos of Horseshoe Bend, but it takes a wide angle lens and a perfectly clear day to really do it justice. Alexandre has won $150 and is getting his winning image printed on a HippyTree t-shirt. Explore the Nature Photography Collective section on our site to view t-shirts of past winners.

Where was the image shot?
Horseshore Bend, AZ

What camera did you use and what were the settings?
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: Nikon 18-35mm
Shutter Speed: 1/200
Aperture: f/10
ISO: 64

Was there any special preparation required to capture the photo?
It was extremely hot, and my wife and I barely got the kids all the way down to the bend. I waited a while to get the photo because there were so many people there. I didn't like the shot originally because the sun was so harsh at the time, but eventually I learned to love it.

How long have you been shooting?
About fifteen years. I've been fortunate enough to get paid to shoot people's portraits for the last eight. Nothing really excites me like getting out there and capturing all the beauty in nature though.

What's your favorite subject matter to shoot?
Without a doubt anything having to do with nature, landscapes especially.

Where would be your dream location to take photos?
Anywhere there is beauty in nature. National parks especially have been such a great way to bond with my kids. Yellowstone will forever be in our hearts because it just blew us away with the diversity of animals and terrain. Alaska is definitely on the wish list as well.

Who are some photographers that inspire you?
I would have to say Ansel Adams. Besides him all the great photographers who respectfully capture all the beauty in nature and leave no trace.

What excites you about photography?
Getting to bond with my kids, and sharing something with them that I get so much joy out of.