Bird Photo Competition 2011/12 : Results

  • Competition Winner : First Prize
  • $1,647.00
  • Judges Comment
  • Occasionally, someone takes a photograph that really transports the viewer into the world of birds. In this flight shot of a party of cranes, the eye-level viewpoint allows you to imagine you're flying along with the flock. Great lighting, poses and background clouds add up to a hugely engaging image.
  • Photographers Comment
  • One of my photographic highlights this past year was visiting Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in northern Indiana during the fall Sandhill Crane migration. It is a most wondrous experience with thousands of these magnificent cranes filling the sky and the farm fields in the area. I'm honored that this photograph was chosen from among all of the wonderful photos submitted! Jan Crites - Geneva, Illinois Nikon d90, Nikon 70-300mm lens, Post processing with Adobe Lightroom
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This composition makes great use of color and lines: the contrasting yellow and purple against a green backdrop evoke the promise of Spring, whilst the line of the branch leads the eye in to the beautifully-posed bird.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thank you for the "Mark of Excellence Award", it is quite an honor to be recognized among so many amazing images. I shot this image from a portable blind in my backyard using beautiful perches I setup near a feeding station. Sony A700, Minolta 600mm APO.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Real creativity here: it's unusual to see bird photos in panoramic format, and the feeding action way off-centre makes for a compelling focal point.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thank you for our second "Mark Of Excellence" award... One may generalize a 'bird photo' as being just that: A simple yet beautiful documentation of a feathery friend. Here we break the rules a bit and migrate more into fine art. The main subject is still a bird, yet the surreal background and poetic story-line brings the viewer more than originally expected... Made up of over 50 separate exposures, "Lost Feathers" prints at 24x60 at 300ppi. (See more at www.TheDreamingState.com)
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Extreme tonal manipulation makes this a striking monochrome image, whilst the placement of the tree and bird result in a powerful composition.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Hi, my name is Cindy and I live in Missouri. First of all thank you so much for this honor, I am thrilled. This photo was taken in Potrero Guanacaste, Costa Rica while vacationing last fall. A Canon EOS T2i with a Tamron 18-270mm lens was used. Black and white conversion with Topaz, some lighting and contrast adjustments applied. Again, Thank You
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A classic example of an image that has been attempted many times, but is rarely done well. Perfect pose and a complementary background create a harmonious result.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Amazing timing as this egret was frozen in alignment with the reflected poles. The white bird and black poles stand out starkly from the misty grey scene.
  • Photographers Comment
  • My name is Carlos Plaza — I am a graphic designer by trade who has had a lifelong interest in photography. I took this photo at the Guana Wildlife Preserve in Saint Augustine, Florida, on a very foggy morning on January 1st, 2006. I used my first digital camera to take this shot, a Canon Rebel 300D. Thank you I SHOT IT judges for giving a Mark of Excellence to my photograph. To see more of my work please visit www.carlosplazaphotography.com or ‘Like’ me on Facebook at Carlos Plaza Photography.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A wonderfully atmospheric scene as a perfectly-positioned pair of ducks take off into the dawn mist.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Two ducks came swimming toward what would become the frame of my composition, so I waited patiently for them to add that finishing touch to my photo. As they came into the viewfinder, I slipped on the frosty dock and made quite a bit of commotion trying to maintain my balance and, in doing so, scared the ducks out of the water. My only reaction was to push down on the cable release in my hand as they flew off, which allowed me to capture this image. Tom Czerwinski Fenton, MI - Canon 7D
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A brilliantly executed shot that tells the story as this majestic eagle carries off the fish it has just plucked from the surface of the water.
  • Photographers Comment
  • This image was shot over the Thanksgiving weekend on the Susquehanna River in Maryland. Shot by Stuart Dahne www.stuartdahnephotography.com with a Canon 1D MkIV and a 500 f/4. Thanks for the recognition. Peace & Blessings, Stuart
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Great timing, lighting and a killer reflection against a uniform background add up to an excellent action shot.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Kevin Morrison K. Morrison Images, Round Rock, TX. I appreciate being recognized with the Mark of Excellence. I was fortunate enough to capture this image in Port Aransas, TX. I have been back a couple of times since and have photographed Skimmers but I have never had the same result as that particular morning. The water has not been that smooth and the lighting has not been as perfect. I have to think that God had it all orchestrated. I used my Canon 5D MK 1 and Canon 100-400mm lens.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A natural setting and strong backlighting make the most of the exquisite plumes of this elegant bird.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Alain Boniec, Orlando FL. Great White Egret during Matting season. This male is attracting a female to mate and build a nest. Gatorland in Florida is the place to be which gives up close and personal to these Beautiful wild nesting birds. Shot on a Nikon D-200, 18-200 Zoom. No really post production except a little shadow detail brought back in CS3.