NEW YORK (July 11, 2019) 鈥 Today, the 约炮视频 named six photographers as winners in the 2019 约炮视频 Photography Awards, across four divisions and six prizes. In the 10th year of the contest, winning photos and honorable mentions were selected from 2,253 entrants from all 50 states, Washington D.C. and 10 Canadian provinces and territories to appreciate the wonder of birds and the places they inhabit.
This year, judges introduced the Plants for Birds Prize and the Fisher Prize. The Plants for Birds Prize was awarded to the highest scoring photograph submitted in the Plants for Birds Division, featuring birds and plants native to the area the photo was taken. The Fisher Prize was awarded to the photograph depicting the most creative approach to bird photography across all divisions: Professional, Amateur, Youth and Plants for Birds.
Presented in association with Nature鈥檚 Best Photography, winning photos and honorable mentions will be featured at the biennial 约炮视频 Convention in July 2019, in future issues of 约炮视频 magazine and magazine, and in a special traveling 约炮视频 Photography Awards exhibit hosted by 约炮视频 chapters and centers across the country.
Many of the distinguished photographs portray striking bird species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), one of 约炮视频鈥檚 founding conservation victories and one of the most important bird conservation laws, that has protected countless birds since 1918. This pivotal wildlife protection law is under attack by the current administration through a new legal interpretation that ends the ability to hold industries accountable for bird deaths.
The new Plants for Birds Division highlights the importance of native plants that provide natural green spaces for birds and the insects they feed on. 约炮视频鈥檚 Plants for Birds program, supported by Coleman and Susan Burke, helps participants find bird-friendly plants native to their area that will attract and protect birds as well as make outdoor spaces better for the environment in the face of a warming climate.
Now, introducing the winning photographs:
Grand Prize Winner
Professional Winner
Amateur Winner
Youth Winner
Plants for Birds Winner
Fisher Prize Winner
Professional Honorable Mention
Amateur Honorable Mention
Youth Honorable Mention
Plants for Birds Honorable Mention
The 2019 约炮视频 Photography Awards are sponsored by Canon. As part of the partnership, 约炮视频 and Canon are working together to introduce people to the wonder and beauty of birds through photography with the 鈥淏irds in Focus鈥 event series traveling across the nation.
More information on the contest below.
PRIZES:
- Grand Prize: $5,000
- Professional Prize: $2,500
- Amateur Prize: $2,500
- Plants for Birds Prize: $2,500
- Fisher Prize: $1,000
- Youth Prize: A week honing bird-photography skills with the (accommodations and travel included)
JUDGES (Meet them!):
- Steve Freligh, publisher, Nature鈥檚 Best Photography
- Melissa Groo, wildlife photographer and winner of the 2015 contest鈥檚 Grand Prize
- Kenn Kaufman, bird expert and 约炮视频 field editor
- Sabine Meyer, photography director, 约炮视频
- Allen Murabayashi, chairman and co-founder, PhotoShelter
- John Rowden, director of community conservation, 约炮视频
JUDGING CRITERIA: technical quality, originality, artistic merit. All photographers must follow 约炮视频鈥檚 Guide to Ethical Bird Photography.
To learn more about the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and how 约炮视频 is fighting to protect migratory birds in North America, please visit: /news/audubon-lawsuit-seeks-restore-protections-migratory-birds.
To learn more about 约炮视频鈥檚 Coleman and Susan Burke Center for Native Plants and 约炮视频鈥檚 Native Plants Database, please visit: /native-plants.
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About 约炮视频
The 约炮视频 protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. 约炮视频 works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give 约炮视频 an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, 约炮视频 believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
Media Contact: Chandler Lennon, clennon@audubon.org, 212-979-3063