Bird Photo Competition 2 2013 : Results

  • Judges Comment
  • Anyone can take a photo of a cygnet on its parent's back and most such photos would be pretty cute. In this case, though, by timing the shot with the baby apparently snuggled down asleep in the sun, the photographer has created a heart-warming image with universal appeal. It's all about watching for the opportunity and then making sure you don't miss it!
  • Photographers Comment
  • I have been an avid photographer for about 11 years. I have become addicted to the challenge of becoming familiar enough with my subjects that I can overcome the limitations of my budget and equipment in order to capture intimate and hopefully captivating photographs. In the case of this photograph I spent a number of days with this family of Mute Swans, taking time to ensure they became familiar with my presence in order to ensure that the family did not become stressed and leading to a more intimate experience with greater photographic opportunities. My aim was portray a common subject in a new light whilst highlighting the intimacy shared between these beautiful creatures. Capture Details. 11.6.2009 Nikion D80 Nikon 70-300 VR F8 1/1000 ISO 200 @ 300mm Helsinki, Finland. Post processing Selective application of levels. Sharpening. Noise reduction. Cropped to improve framing. Thanks to Mr Atkinson, the I-shot-it team and Leica. Peter Byrne.
  • www.flickr.com/photos/41154261@N07/
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Superb timing and lighting as this owl lands on a snowy conifer make for a real 'wow' image.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Powerful action shot with the extreme poses of the eagles giving the impression of an aircraft dog-fight.
  • Photographers Comment
  • I'm Kurt Wecker and live in PA. These Bald Eagles were shot in Maryland in the fall. The Eagle with its talons out just lost a fish and the other came out of nowhere to chase it down. I used a Canon MKIV with a 500mm & 1.4x to take this shot. All my post processing is done in Lightroom 4. Mostly cropping and a little sharpening was done to this shot. Thanks, Kurt Wecker
  • www.thrukurtslens.com
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Brilliantly executed reflection shot framing the stilt in between the reflected pelicans.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • The winding road and wild flowers give a strong sense of place and season and form an ideal backdrop for the Red-winged Blackbird, which is placed according to the Rule-of-Thirds to complete an evocative composition.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thank you so much for the kind comments! I am proud to be included among these talented photogs! I shot this w/ my Canon 7d last Spring. I had never seen a Redwing Blackbird before and a dear friend who knew I wanted to see them took me to a spot he knew of. I was mesmerized watching and listening to their calls sounding like a cross between kittens and water drops. The little bird in this picture looks so lonesome and forlorn. He stole my heart. If you are interested, you can see more of my photography on Facebook at PhotOptions. Thank you again! -Jolyne L. Harris
  • www.facebook.com/PhotOptions
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • These puffed-up chicks huddled together are incredibly cute and make you want to know more about their story.
  • Photographers Comment
  • I am a very amateur photographer. Just began about 7 years ago when my husband bought me a Nikon D-40x for Christmas. Fell in love with it. This photo was taken in a small aviary in Salt Lake City. I now shoot with a Nikon D7000 and the lens I used for that shot was a Nikor 70-300mm. I love your site and I'm tickled and flattered that you liked my photo. My name is Leona Veltkamp. I'm 62 years old, and I live in Bozeman, MT. I love taking pictures.. I've noticed how much more I stay in the present moment and notice my surroundings more when I have my camera with me. For me, that's a huge gift. Thanks again
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A well-posed flight shot with the sun at the perfect angle to bring out the rich plumage colors of this ibis.
  • Photographers Comment
  • I am Dennis E Kirkland, a freelance photographer. I took this image of the White-faced Ibis attempting to land into a marsh area alongside a road in late morning light near Burns, Oregon. I was using a Canon 600 mm f4 lens on a Canon EOS 1d Mark III camera on tripod.
  • www.Hisimages.com
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Radical composition with the reflected stumps forming chevrons while the small kingfisher provides a colorful focal point.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Good application of the montage technique to show the full sequence of the swan's landing.
  • Photographers Comment
  • My name is Carissa Bousfield, and I'm a photographer from Brockton, MA. I've loved photography since I have my first camera as a toddler. I do portrait photography now, but nature photography was my first love, and still a great passion. This photo was taken at D.W. Field Park in Brockton wit a D5000 and 70-300mm lens. I was able to capture the swan landing in burst mode, and then used Photoshop and blending layers to combine the shots into a composite to show the entire progression.
  • photos.carissalyn.com