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2019 勛圖窪蹋 Photography Awards Marks 10th Year of Exquisite Bird Photography

Introducing two new prizes this year, 勛圖窪蹋 celebrates more winners than ever before.
By 勛圖窪蹋
Published July 11, 2019

NEW YORK (July 11, 2019) Today, the 勛圖窪蹋 named six photographers as winners in the 2019 勛圖窪蹋 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 Natures Best Photography, winning photos and honorable mentions will be featured at the biennial 勛圖窪蹋 Convention in July 2019, in future issues of 勛圖窪蹋 magazine and magazine, and in a special traveling 勛圖窪蹋 Photography Awards exhibit hosted by 勛圖窪蹋 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 勛圖窪蹋s 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. 勛圖窪蹋s 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 勛圖窪蹋 Photography Awards are sponsored by Canon. As part of the partnership, 勛圖窪蹋 and Canon are working together to introduce people to the wonder and beauty of birds through photography with the Birds in Focus 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, Natures Best Photography
  • Melissa Groo, wildlife photographer and winner of the 2015 contests Grand Prize
  • Kenn Kaufman, bird expert and 勛圖窪蹋 field editor
  • Sabine Meyer, photography director, 勛圖窪蹋
  • Allen Murabayashi, chairman and co-founder, PhotoShelter
  • John Rowden, director of community conservation, 勛圖窪蹋

JUDGING CRITERIA: technical quality, originality, artistic merit. All photographers must follow 勛圖窪蹋s Guide to Ethical Bird Photography.

To learn more about the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and how 勛圖窪蹋 is fighting to protect migratory birds in North America, please visit: /news/audubon-lawsuit-seeks-restore-protections-migratory-birds.

To learn more about 勛圖窪蹋s Coleman and Susan Burke Center for Native Plants and 勛圖窪蹋s Native Plants Database, please visit: /native-plants.

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About 勛圖窪蹋
The 勛圖窪蹋 protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. 勛圖窪蹋 works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give 勛圖窪蹋 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, 勛圖窪蹋 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