2020 Winners
The 2020 contest had two divisions. Adults were 18 years old or out of high school. Youth were 18 or under, or still in high school. There were three categories: (1) Wildlife Portrait, (2) Macro Abstract, and (3) Habitats and Landscape. Contest judge Alex Shipherd selected six winners who each received $200 and will have their photography on display in the Nature Center for one year - one from each division in each category. He also selected six youth finalists and six adult finalists which can be viewed below. His general comments about the contest are posted after the photographs.
Winner: Adult Division, Wildlife Portrait
""Fiery Throated Hummingbird- A Frontal Display," Anis Ansari, Lewisville, Texas, United States.
Winner: Adult Division, Macro Abstract
"Red Palm Weevil," Mofeed Abu Shalwa, Qatif, Eastern province, Saudi Arabia.
Winner: Adult Division, Habitat/Landscape
"Reflection of Mount Rainier in Tipsoo Lake at Sunrise," Anis Ansari, Lewisville, Texas, United States.
Winner: Youth Division, Wildlife Portrait
"Fox Pup," Caleb Alberghene, Nashua, New Hampshire, United States.
Winner: Youth Division, Macro Abstract
"The Resting Dragon," Emma Goodbody, Millington, New Jersey, United States.
Winner: Youth Division: Habitat/Landscape
"The Bass Rock," Katy Read, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom.
Finalists - Adults
Click a thumbnail to see a slide show.
Finalists - Youth
Click a thumbnail to see a slide show.
Notes From the Judge
I would like to begin by thanking everyone who submitted photographs to this year’s Nature Photography Contest through Audubon Community Nature Center in Jamestown, NY. Whether you are photographing common birds in your backyard, bison out west, or penguins in Antarctica beauty is everywhere you go! It was very exciting to view each and every photograph entered in the three categories for both the Youth and Adult divisions. There was such an incredible diversity of stunning photographs, which made the judging process challenging yet enjoyable. The amount of talent displayed in creating these images was remarkable.
The criteria used to determine the winners and finalists were as follows:
Composition - I looked to see if the photographs included a foreground that drew the viewer’s eyes towards the middle of the photo all the way to the background. This element is one of the most important elements for any subject you are capturing, whether it’s a landscape, animal, insect etc.
Lighting - In terms of light, I looked to see how it was used in the photographs based on the subject. We usually can’t control the light when photographing nature but by trying different angles and photographing in the morning, afternoon, and evening can yield interesting results.
Impact - In terms of impact, I looked to see how the photograph conveyed a feeling or expression when viewing the image. A sense of emotion allows the viewer to personally connect with the subject, which makes a stronger image.
Photography contests allow people to submit the best photos they have captured of various subjects throughout the course of different seasons and locations. The more time you’re able to spend in nature, the greater chance you’ll have at seeing and photographing an exciting moment! I encourage everyone to keep exploring and getting outside to enjoy all of the beauty the natural world has to offer.
One of the main reasons why I love photography is because it makes you slow down to take a closer look at the finer details. I appreciate nature and everything it entails, and photography reminds me how marvelous it truly is.
Thank you, again, for taking the time to submit your photographs to this contest. You help ACNC to educate all ages from youth to adults about all aspects of the natural environment, which in turn allows people to conserve and protect this amazing planet we are fortunate to call our home.
- Alex Shipherd
The criteria used to determine the winners and finalists were as follows:
Composition - I looked to see if the photographs included a foreground that drew the viewer’s eyes towards the middle of the photo all the way to the background. This element is one of the most important elements for any subject you are capturing, whether it’s a landscape, animal, insect etc.
Lighting - In terms of light, I looked to see how it was used in the photographs based on the subject. We usually can’t control the light when photographing nature but by trying different angles and photographing in the morning, afternoon, and evening can yield interesting results.
Impact - In terms of impact, I looked to see how the photograph conveyed a feeling or expression when viewing the image. A sense of emotion allows the viewer to personally connect with the subject, which makes a stronger image.
Photography contests allow people to submit the best photos they have captured of various subjects throughout the course of different seasons and locations. The more time you’re able to spend in nature, the greater chance you’ll have at seeing and photographing an exciting moment! I encourage everyone to keep exploring and getting outside to enjoy all of the beauty the natural world has to offer.
One of the main reasons why I love photography is because it makes you slow down to take a closer look at the finer details. I appreciate nature and everything it entails, and photography reminds me how marvelous it truly is.
Thank you, again, for taking the time to submit your photographs to this contest. You help ACNC to educate all ages from youth to adults about all aspects of the natural environment, which in turn allows people to conserve and protect this amazing planet we are fortunate to call our home.
- Alex Shipherd
