Wildlife

Well, I can finally spill the beans...I won First Place in the Amateur category in the 2023 Audubon Photography Awards competition, out of over 9,000 entries. (I co-own Eagle Eye Safaris, a Photo Safari company, but they define "amateur" as someone who doesn't make a living from photography. I'm retired so my company is just for fun.)

If you'd like to read more about the photo, we are on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EagleEyeSafaris, www.Instagram.com/Eagle_Eye_Safaris, and our website is www.EagleEyeSafaris.com We'd be happy if you'd like to follow us on social media.

I'm so happy about this accomplishment. I've come so close in so many contests--Top 5, Top 10, Honorable Mention--and to win this prestigious competition is such a validation of the hard work I've put in over the years. Yet I'm shocked that they chose my photo over everyone else's--there are some fantastic photos in the contest!

I absolutely fell in love with Antarctica during my trips. Thus, we have added Antarctica and the Arctic to our worldwide safari itinerary for 2024 and beyond. If you have interest in going, let me know! It'll be a full Photography Workshop if you want to join, or you can just enjoy the expedition--same cost as if you booked directly through the expedition company. We lead all of our safaris, designed to make you completely comfortable with your camera, offering workshops, suggestions, advice, instruction and a lot of fun. Ernest is a Master Lightroom and Photoshop instructor and teaches you how to use both programs as time allows.

If you can find a copy of the Summer 2023 Audubon Magazine, my photo appears in the feature about the competition. It's a good magazine with lots of interesting articles, including one about AI in which they use the winning photos. You can also see it on Audubon's Facebook page, website, and Instagram. I'll try to bring a copy to the July meeting if you'd like to see it.

I have a HUGE THANK YOU to the MHWPC digital editing workshop team, the monthly lecturers, and the interesting and supportive members of our fantastic club--I have learned so much from you. You've all helped me refine my vision, sharpen my technique, and just be a better all around photographer, whether via chatting or seeing your inspiring and remarkable photos during our competitions. No matter what impassions us, when we stop learning, we stop growing, and I'm happy that I can continue learning from all of you!

Congratulations, Karen!! Well-deserved and a fantastic image!

Well done, Karen. Great accomplishment in a prestigious competition.

What a thrill Karen! Congratulations on your award for such a unique image!

That's fantastic, Karen. Thanks for letting club members know about this great accomplishment. I agree with the comment that yours is a unique image. Well done!

That's fabulous, Karen, congratulations! Love the photo!

Congratulations, Karen! Fabulous image.

Congratulations Karen! What a great image!

Karen – well-deserved award. Has anyone noticed the fantastic repetitive cross shaped elements in the ice, the same as from the animal?

Karen – well-deserved award. Has anyone noticed the fantastic repetitive cross shaped elements in the ice, the same as from the animal?