An award-winning Associated Press photographer, Emilio Morenatti, from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, renowned for his work spanning over 30 years across more than 50 countries, recently captured a breathtaking moment above a human tower competition. Morenatti, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, shared his insights on covering the “Castells” tradition in Catalonia, Spain.
The “Castells” event, where teams known as “collas” compete to build the tallest human tower in an old bullring in Tarragona, is a significant cultural spectacle. These towers can soar over 16 meters in height, requiring the precise coordination of over 1,000 individuals. Morenatti’s striking photograph of the event was not taken with a drone as it may appear but was captured from a vantage point 30 meters high on a narrow catwalk using a wide-angle lens on a Sony Alpha 1 camera.
For Morenatti, who battles vertigo after losing his leg in a Taliban attack in Afghanistan, navigating the shaky catwalk to take the photo was an added challenge. The captivating image showcases a ray of light illuminating the top of the human tower, creating a contrast with the darker surroundings. Morenatti meticulously timed the shot as the tower intercepted the sunlight, culminating in a climactic moment when a 6-year-old girl crowned the tower, her hand raised in victory.
The photographer’s attention to detail and patience in capturing this unique perspective exemplifies his artistry and dedication to his craft. Morenatti’s ability to transform a traditional cultural event into a visually stunning spectacle through his lens is a testament to his skill and passion for storytelling through photography. For more captivating images and stories, explore the world of AP photography to witness extraordinary moments frozen in time.