Bird Photo Competition 5 2018 : Results

  • Competition Winner : First Prize
  • $602.00
  • Judges Comment
  • In the 40+ I Shot It Bird Photo Competitions to date, numerous Kingfisher images have been awarded Marks of Excellence but, until last time, none had been selected as the overall Competition Winner. This is partly because Kingfisher images are now so common that it's difficult for such an image to stand out. In this case, the photographer has achieved this feat simply by showing the diving kingfisher against a white background. For most bird species, this wouldn't be effective, but the vivid plumage of this species really stands out well with such a graphic treatment. Even so, the bird and it's reflection would have just looked wrong without the inclusion of the plant (try covering it up to confirm this). The reflected plant is needed to provide a spatial 'anchor' and a more balanced, aesthetic composition. Overall, a highly accomplished image.
  • Photographers Comment
  • My name is Mario Cea. I want to thank the jury for choosing my image as the winner of this contest. I wanted to show a different kingfisher image, in which the almost perfect reflection created a symmetrical photograph and the white background created a clean and minimalist image with the center of attention in the bird.
  • www.mariocea.net
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • An effective 'rear-curtain-effect' action shot of a flying Swallow.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • The initial impression is of a nicely-lit tern feeding amongst the water-lilies, but hidden depth is revealed when you spot the doomed insect.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This creative composition of owl and lightning makes for an arresting image.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A dynamic action shot of this American Kestrel with rodent prey.
  • Photographers Comment
  • This male Kestrel was feeding 5 babies in a nesting box. He attempted to get this mouse into the hole in the box, but was unable to, much to the frustration of the hungry babies. So the dad flew away with the mouse, circled around and then flew back, and this time, in an amazing move, he stopped short and flung the mouse right through the hole! I got this shot from a blind as he was circling around for his 2nd attempt. Many thanks for the honor. My name is Judi Dressler, and I shot this photo in Colorado, with a Nikon D4S and Nikon 300mm lens plus 2X extender. f/8, ISO 1250, 1/2500 second
  • www.judiphotography.com
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Nicely timed shot as this Purple Sandpiper shook the snow off its head.