Bird Photo Competition 3 2015 : Results
- Competition Winner : First Prize
- $204.00 plus a Leica C worth $700
- Judges Comment
- There are places where it is possible to get very close to various photogenic bird species, such that even head-and-shoulders close-ups aren't too difficult to obtain. However, that doesn't remove the need to think about how to create a compelling image from such a situation. In this case, covering up the left half of the image shows what most people would have settled for: a detailed head-shot of a stunning Gannet. Instead, this photographer has seen the opportunity to capture something different, and has made the most of this opportunity through thoughtful composition. As soon the basics of camera operation have been mastered, the most important skill to develop is an eye for image design.
- Photographers Comment
- Hi, my Name is Reiner and I'm very grateful my photo has been choosen. I try to travel at least once a year to the marvelous little Island of Helgoland in the German bight. There are lots of birds and of course the famous Grey seal colony to observe. Gannets are so common to birdwatchers and photographers that they can be approached easily. Thank you so much!
- Mark Of Excellence
- Judges Comment
- An eerie twilight scene made hugely more arresting by the perfectly-placed stork
- Photographers Comment
- Thank you once more.... My name is Stefan Betz (GDT) and I am from germany. More pics of the stork-project can be seen on my website.
- www.betz-naturfoto.de
- Mark Of Excellence
- Judges Comment
- This night-time shot of a clock tower would be interesting even without the owl, but the counter-balancing focal points of owl and clock face make it doubly so
- Photographers Comment
- Thank you once more.... My name is Stefan Betz (GDT) and I am from germany. More pics of the owl-project can be seen on my website.
- www.betz-naturfoto.de
- Mark Of Excellence
- Judges Comment
- Perfect timing and pose, together with ideal flight angle and low shooting position, make this a stand-out Skimmer image
- Photographers Comment
- I tool this image with a Canon 1D Mk IV using a Canon 500mm F4 with 1.2 Extender. The image was taken at Estero Beach in Fort Myers Florida. I used a tripod whilst sitting in the water and panning with the bird which is a Black Skimmer.
- Mark Of Excellence
- Judges Comment
- An extremely challenging flight shot made more interesting by the Swallow's focus on an unlucky spider
- Mark Of Excellence
- Judges Comment
- The twisted pose and tight crop turn this eagle flight shot into a highly dynamic image
- Photographers Comment
- Donn Walgamuth Alaska, Nikon d200 300mm f2.8 VR, hand held, not cropped.
- Mark Of Excellence
- Judges Comment
- It's unusual enough to capture a bird riding on another bird's back, but this one is even on the other bird's head!
- Mark Of Excellence
- Judges Comment
- The plain gray backdrop emphasizes the stunning colors of the toucan's bill and breast
- Photographers Comment
- Hello from Germany and thanks for choosing two of my photos! This keel-billed toucan was taken in Northern Costa Rica with my Canon 100-400 last year. It's has been kind of a controlled situation as the birds were attracted by a bird feeder. I'm very glad for the honour.
- Mark Of Excellence
- Judges Comment
- A beautiful illustration of how the 'cryptic' plumage of the Nightjar provides wonderful camouflage
- Mark Of Excellence
- Judges Comment
- Most bird photographers give up when it rains, but this image shows why 'poor' weather should be seen as a chance to capture more atmospheric images