‘Spring’ by Andres Luis Domínguez Blanco
At just 14 years old, Andres Luis Domínguez Blanco was named Young Close-up Photographer of the Year.
Besides stunning the selectors of the sixth edition of the competition, his award-winning image ‘Spring’ caught the eye of the RPS Journal team. We were shortlisting our annual feature ‘Young photographers to watch’ for the July-September 2025 issue of the RPS membership magazine and there was no question, Blanco was up there with the best.
His breathtakingly perfect image of a bee-eater hovering in the morning light is the very definition of the decisive moment.
“It was one of those rare moments where everything comes together – the timing, the subject, the light, the feeling,” says Blanco, now 15 years old. “I didn’t even have time to overthink it. I just followed my instinct and pressed the shutter.”
Here, Blanco describes his passion for nature and shares some favourites from his already impressive body of work.
‘Andalusian dawn’ by Andres Luis Domínguez Blanco
Where does your interest in photography come from?
It started from a love of nature and a desire to slow things down. I was always fascinated by the small, easily overlooked details – the light hitting a leaf just right, or the way an animal moves when it doesn’t know it’s being watched. Photography became a way for me to capture those fleeting moments and share them with others.
What’s the story behind the photo ‘Spring’?
That moment felt like pure magic. I had been observing the bee-eaters for several days, trying to understand their rhythm – the way they flew, where they perched, how they hunted. It was spring, and the landscape had just come to life. Wildflowers in full bloom, warm light filtering through the air, and the constant buzz of insects. I found a spot near a field where the bee-eaters often passed through and I waited patiently, camera ready.
Suddenly, one of them took flight right above a patch of colourful blooms, wings outstretched, perfectly catching the golden morning light. That moment became ‘Spring’, a snapshot of movement, colour and the pure joy of the season.
‘Blue’ by Andres Luis Domínguez Blanco
Tell us about some of your favourite moments, experiences or species.
Some of my favourite moments have come from very different parts of Europe, each with its own kind of magic.
In Finland, photographing birds in the frozen silence of winter was unforgettable. The light is so soft there, and everything feels still – except for the sudden burst of movement from a bird in flight. Spending hours in a hide, surrounded by snow, just waiting for that one perfect moment felt both peaceful and intense.
In Andalusia, I had the incredible opportunity to observe and photograph the Iberian lynx. It's such a rare and elusive species, and every encounter feels like a privilege. I remember holding my breath as one silently emerged from the underbrush, golden eyes locked onto something in the distance. Moments like that stay with you forever.
And then in Asturias, Spain, watching brown bears in the wild was something truly special. Seeing them in their natural habitat, roaming the hills at sunset, felt like stepping into another world.
Each of these experiences reminded me of the quiet beauty of nature, and why I fell in love with wildlife photography in the first place.
‘Puffin’ by Andres Luis Domínguez Blanco
What do you enjoy most about photography?
I enjoy being able to experience nature so closely and intensely. There’s something incredibly special about being near the powerful gaze of a large bird of prey, witnessing the curiosity of a fox, or observing the agility of a lynx as it moves through its environment. I’m also fascinated by the vibrant plumage of birds – they're like nature’s own artworks. Photography allows me to connect with these moments and share their beauty and uniqueness with others.
What do you hope to achieve with your photography?
I hope to use photography as a way to tell meaningful stories, especially about the natural world. If my images can help someone care a little more about wildlife or think twice about how they impact the environment, then I’ve achieved something important. Beyond that, I want to keep growing as an artist and continue learning from both the world around me and the people I meet along the way.
‘Red fox’ by Andres Luis Domínguez Blanco
What are your plans for image-making this year?
I’m really excited about my trip this summer to South Africa, especially to Kruger National Park. It’s a dream come true to have the chance to photograph the Big Five in their natural habitat. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the big cats – there’s something incredibly powerful and captivating about their presence. I hope to come back with images that not only show their beauty but also reflect the feeling of being there, in such a wild and iconic landscape.
How does it feel to have been recognised as an award-winner from a young age?
It’s honestly a mix of surreal and deeply humbling. It’s encouraging to know that others see value in the way I see the world. But it also makes me want to work harder, stay grounded and keep pushing myself to grow. I see it as a responsibility, in a way – an opportunity to use this recognition as a platform to share stories that matter.
‘Eurasian nuthatch' by Andres Luis Domínguez Blanco
Discover more young photographers to watch in the July-September 2025 issue of the RPS Journal.
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