Africam’s Virtual Wildlife Photography Competition: January 2026 Winner!

Posted in: Competitions

Congratulations to this Month’s Winner!

We are delighted to announce Katelyn Mae as the January winner of Africam’s Monthly Photo Competition, themed “All Things Africam.” Her striking image, titled A Defassa Waterbuck in the Darkness, was captured at Lentorre and perfectly embodies both the spirit of the theme and the magic of live wildlife viewing.

Why This Photo Stood Out

From a technical perspective, this photograph is beautifully executed. The low-light conditions are handled with great skill, resulting in a clean, atmospheric night scene that feels immersive rather than overexposed. The waterbuck is sharply in focus, standing out against the deep, dark background, while the surrounding darkness is used intentionally as negative space. This draws the viewer’s eye straight to the subject and enhances the sense of solitude and stillness that defines nighttime sightings on Africam.

One of the most captivating elements of this image is the reflection in the water. The near-symmetry created between the waterbuck and its mirrored form adds depth, balance, and visual intrigue. Reflections are notoriously tricky to capture well, especially at night, yet here it is crisp and clear, elevating the composition from a simple wildlife portrait to something truly special.

Beyond its technical strengths, this image is a perfect fit for the “All Things Africam” theme. It captures an authentic, unscripted moment – a quiet nocturnal visit to a waterhole – exactly the kind of experience that makes Africam so special. It reminds us that some of the most memorable sightings happen after dark, when patience is rewarded and the bush takes on an entirely different character.

Read more on how to enter our photo competitions here