Bird Photo Competition 5 2015 : Results

  • Competition Winner : First Prize
  • $207.60 plus a Leica C worth $700
  • Judges Comment
  • This is definitely an image for the connoisseurs. Black birds are challenging subjects to photograph well and most photographers use front lighting to maximise color and tone detail. Shooting into the light is a popular technique amongst more advanced photographers, who seek to enhance outlines through the use of 'rim lighting'. This technique, though, depends on capturing transmitted light, which is much easier to achieve with white or pale birds. Successfully shooting a black Raven in flight against a dark background is a rare accomplishment. In this case, perfect angles, golden backlighting and expert treatment have produced an exquisite result.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thank you so much, I'm really honored about this award, and the comments from you Mike really made me proud. My name is Vinni Bruhn, I'm a nature photographer in my sparetime, and spend a lot of hours in the nature, both in my home country Denmark, but also in the other Scandinavian countries. This Raven is photographed in Norway (Flatanger - Norway Nature) in 2014, and it was quite difficult to capture the bird in the right position and the right light at the same time. Luckily he was coorporating quite well, so I got the chance several times ;-) I have used a Canon 1DX + a Canon 300mm f/2,8 EXIF: ISO 400, f/5,0, 1/1600 - handheld Thank you again for giving me the first price, I'm looking so much forward to receive the Leica camera.
  • vinnibruhnphotography.zenfolio.com/
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A powerful, artistic composition that draws the eye up the twisted tree and across the frame through the departing birds.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thanks for the Mark Of Excellence - I'm very honored. My name is Peter Helmut Larsen and I'm from Denmark. Nikon d7100, Sigma 150-500mm VR, iso 640, 290mm, f/7.1, 1/400s
  • www.plarsen.com
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A classic repeating-pattern composition enhanced by the high-contrast monochrome treatment.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • After years of trying to isolate birds from their backgrounds, bird photographers are increasingly working at showing them in their natural habitats. This image of a Sora in its aquatic environment is a great example.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thanks Mike for selecting three of my images! I'm Linda Freshwaters Arndt from Winter, Wisconsin. This Sora (Porzana carolina) was a real treat to photograph as they can be so elusive. The image was shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark III and a Canon 300mm f/2.8 II USM & 2X III. The ISO was 1000 at 1/5000 sec @ f/5.6. Congratulations to Vinnie for her beautiful first place image!
  • freshwaters-arndt.com
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Coots spend much of their time squabbling and fighting, but the action is difficult to photograph. This well-timed action shot captures their aggressive behavior perfectly.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thank you kindly for the Mark of Excellence! My name is Fraida Gutovich and I spend a lot of time watching birds and observing their behaviors and patterns. I use a Nikon D7100 with the Nikkor 70-300 telephoto for all my bird and wildlife shots. Thank you again for the recognition.....it is much appreciated!
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A strong illustration of the use of multiple subjects to add greater impact (try covering one up to see the difference).
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thank you very much for selecting this image for a mark of excellence. This image was taken in Kenya near lake Bogoria. The camera was was a Cannon 7DMark11 and a 500mm lens. Right place right time i guess.
  • www.merrittimages .com
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A sunlit songbird in full song amongst lush foliage always sums up the essence of Springtime.
  • Photographers Comment
  • This male American Redstart was singing at the edge of our forest trail in northern Wisconsin. I hear redstarts far more often than I see them. I shot the image using a Canon 5D Mark III with a 300mm f/4L IS USM Canon lens. The ISO was 3200, 1/3200 sec @ f/7.1.
  • freshwaters-arndt.com
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A good depiction of the harsh conditions many birds have to survive to get through the winter.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • There are many photos of owls around, so it's refreshing to see something a little different.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Did you ever get the feeling someone was watching you? This short-eared owl blended in nicely with the dried grass but that large bright yellow eye was a dead giveaway. Hi, I'm Linda Freshwaters Arndt. This image was taken in Winter, Wisconsin. I used a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi and a Sigma 50-500mm lens at 1/1600 sec @ F/10.
  • freshwaters-arndt.com