The Eye Of A Peacock Mantis Shrimp

The Eye Of A Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Nature, third prize stories

17-02-2008

The eye of a peacock mantis shrimp is one of the most complex in the animal kingdom. It enables exact calculation of distance and can perceive ultra-violet and polarized light. As different species have adapted to meet specific needs and inhabit varied environments, the eye has evolved with an extraordinary diversity of specialization.

Commissioned by: for Stern

LOCATION: Munich, Germany.

Photo Credit: Hans-Jürgen and Heid

The imagery of Heidi & Hans is inspired by the rhythm and sould of living beings. Since more than two decades the pretty independent husband-and-wife photographer team has created an extraordinary body of work. Their photographs and features are published worldwide in various media. The clients include – STERN – GEO- LE FIGARO MAGAZINE – PARIS MATCH – LIFE – THE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE – NATIONAL GEOGPRAHIC MAGAZINE – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC – FOCUS – SUNDAY TIMES – among others.

The photographers credo when it comes to animals: “However we all want to see animals one thing is for sure, animals are on the far side anyway – we only picture them”.

The works of Heidi & Hans were honored multiple times. The diversity of these awards and merits is a proof of their professional passion.

The couple was born in Giessen, Germany, the most grotesque town between Kassel and Frankfurt. After their studies and degrees at the University of Bielefeld in the in the middle of Germany’s backcountry, they moved right away to Cuxhaven at the North Sea Coast to get some fresh air. They got what they wanted. Windy years later, the Capitol City was calling. During this Berlin experience it was high time to look for the opposite. So, they have chosen to warmest spot in Germany: Freiburg, close to France, Switzerland and Italy. Years of warmth, good food and beer garden followed. But then the inner voice was speaking: Go North! Go Country! Heidi and Hans made their new home at the Baltic Sea.