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I'm proud to announce that one of my images was successful at the Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards.

I had promised myself to never ever wear a tuxedo, but this seemed a good reason to break that promise. I looked ridiculous - everybody in a tux does - but my smiley face more than made up for that. :-)

My image 'Moonlight over Aloba' was selected from over 41,000 entries (the judges deserve an award as well). It was shot at night in the Ennedi region in eastern Chad, close to the border with Sudan.

I had timed my visit there with a good amount of moonlight to be able to use it as the main light source, while at the same time still be able to see some stars. There is no light pollution in this region (I never even saw another vehicle during my three week expedition), and full moon would have been way too bright.

This natural rock arch is over 120 meters high and one of the prettiest I have ever photographed. It is also one of the most remote large arches in the world. I had to drive through the Sahara for three full days to reach this area, and it was not a pleasant drive. In the end it was all worth it though, because I've been able to photograph places that have never been photographed or even visited before.

D3s, AF-S 24-70/2.8, 15s @ f/2.8, ISO 2500

If you would like to join me on any of our photo tours, please have a look at our website: www.squiver.com

©2011 Marsel van Oosten, All Rights Reserved. This image is not available for use on websites, blogs or other media without the explicit written permission of the photographer.