1st Prize at Nikon Pro Days 2015 – Automotive Photography at Golf de Courson
This image won the 1st prize at the Nikon Pro Days 2015 photo contest in the Automotive category, held at the Golf de Courson near Paris. A memorable experience in a lush setting where passion for photography met technical challenges.
The photograph features a Land Rover Defender set against a backdrop of greenery, bathed in soft, natural light. The image is straight out of camera, with no editing, no retouching, and no color correction. It was shot using a Nikon D810 with a Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8 G lens wide open. The strength of the image lies entirely in its composition, ambient light, and one clever little trick.
AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
The flare visible in the top left corner, often sought after for its cinematic aesthetic, was not added in post-production. It was created by simply holding a chandelier crystal pendant in front of the lens by hand. This small detail adds a dreamy, almost surreal quality to the image without sacrificing sharpness.
This competition provided a creative and technical playground for professional photographers.
Organized by La Boutique Photo Nikon and the Nikon Pro Service, the contest brought together many professionals and focused on three themes: automotive, golf, and nature. Each participant had limited time and a set environment to create a striking image. The goal was to deliver a powerful and original vision of a vehicle on location.
The jury selected this photograph for its mastery of natural light, its precise composition, and the subtle emotion it evokes. The 1st prize was a Nikon Coolpix AW130, a rugged compact camera designed for adventurers.
Nikon Coolpix AW130
This remains a highlight in my photographic journey, combining technique, improvisation, and a personal visual approach. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a simple piece of glass—well-placed—can turn an ordinary scene into a timeless image.
Photo: Sebastien Desnoulez – Nikon D810, 85mm f/1.8 G
Contest: Nikon Days 2015 – Automotive Theme
Location: Golf de Courson, Essonne (France)
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About the Author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a photographer specializing in architecture and automotive subjects. He explores natural light and clever in-camera techniques to craft expressive and refined images.
All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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