Italian photographer Fortunato Gatto has earned high commendation in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 competition for his remarkable image titled 'The Frozen Swan,' which captures nature's artistic spontaneity in an unexpected location. The photograph, ranked as image 37 of 100 in the competition, was taken in a south Icelandic bog where frozen patterns in an icy puddle naturally formed the distinctive shape of a swan.
Gatto discovered this extraordinary natural phenomenon while exploring the landscapes of southern Iceland's Sveitarfélagið Hornafjörður region in the Eastern part of the country. The photographer was immediately fascinated by the intricate patterns and textures that had formed in the ice, creating what he describes as a 'meta-image' where nature serves as both the canvas and the artwork simultaneously. According to Gatto, the swan shape only becomes apparent when viewed through human eyes, demonstrating the unique relationship between natural phenomena and human perception.
The image falls under the 'Natural Artistry' category of the competition, which celebrates photographs that reflect either the simple beauty or complex artistry found in nature. This category accepts both color and black-and-white images that may not fit the criteria of other competition categories but must remain faithful to nature's authentic presentation. Gatto's entry represents the Northern Europe region and competes in the Adult Wildlife Photographer of the Year division.
The formation of such intricate ice patterns depends on several precise environmental conditions during the freezing process. Ice can take on numerous forms depending on factors including the speed at which it freezes, dissolved substances present in the water, the moisture content of the surrounding air, and the size and quantity of any air bubbles trapped within the ice structure. These variables combine to create unique artistic formations that occur naturally in the environment.
Gatto captured the image using professional equipment including a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera with a 24-70mm f4 lens, shooting at 1/50 second exposure time with an aperture of f13 and ISO 100. He utilized a polarizing filter to enhance the image clarity and employed a Leofoto tripod for stability during the shoot. The technical specifications demonstrate the careful consideration required to properly document such delicate natural artistry.
Born in Italy, Fortunato Gatto later relocated to Scotland to pursue his growing passion for wild landscapes and pristine natural environments. The dramatic Scottish surroundings, combined with his fearless approach to challenging weather conditions and his persistent dedication to learning and improving his craft, have helped establish him as a strong advocate for showcasing the beauty of the natural world. Over the years, Gatto has captured Scotland and numerous other wild locations through his distinctive photographic style, earning international recognition through various awards and features in publications and media outlets.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition continues to highlight the power of photography in advancing scientific knowledge, raising awareness about important environmental issues, and fostering global appreciation for nature. Gatto's 'Frozen Swan' exemplifies how unexpected natural phenomena can create profound artistic statements, encouraging viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world while recognizing the urgent need to protect these environments for future generations.
