Photo Contest Archives - My Modern Met https://mymodernmet.com/category/photography/photo-contest/ The Big City That Celebrates Creative Ideas Fri, 28 Jun 2024 17:22:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-My-Modern-Met-Favicon-1-32x32.png Photo Contest Archives - My Modern Met https://mymodernmet.com/category/photography/photo-contest/ 32 32 Funny Early Entries of the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards https://mymodernmet.com/comedy-wildlife-2024-early-entries/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:15:44 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=680135 Funny Early Entries of the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards

With just one month left before the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards closes for entries, they've given us a sneak preview of some of the hilarious images submitted thus far. From clingy kids to a three-headed giraffe, these photos are sure to bring a smile to your face. The Awards, founded in 2015, caters to both […]

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Funny Early Entries of the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards
Brown bear mother walking with cubs clinging to her back

“Holding on for a ride” by Alexander Fine.
Animal: Brown Bear
“Mother brown bear trying to go and her cubs want a ride instead of walking.”

With just one month left before the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards closes for entries, they've given us a sneak preview of some of the hilarious images submitted thus far. From clingy kids to a three-headed giraffe, these photos are sure to bring a smile to your face.

The Awards, founded in 2015, caters to both professional and amateur photographers and uses humor to bring attention to conservation issues. Each year, the photo contest supports a sustainable conservation organization. This year, the Whitley Fund for Nature will receive that support. The UK-based non-profit supports local conservation leaders working in their home country and has assisted more than 200 conservationists in 90 countries over the past 30 years.

“It’s a pleasure to be working with the Comedy Wildlife team—fantastic partners who share our commitment to generating vital awareness of conservation through the power of photography,” says Stefan Maier, Nikon Europe senior general manager marketing. “With only one month to go to enter the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, we’ve loved seeing all the hilarious entries so far, and look forward to receiving more entertaining wildlife shots over the next month.”

The contest is free to enter and is accepting submissions until July 31. So, if you have a humorous wildlife photo you'd like to share, what are you waiting for? The winner will receive a safari in Kenya's iconic Maasai Mara, while other prizes include Nikon photo equipment. And, for the first time, all of the finalists will see their work on display in a special exhibit in London.

Check out some silly early entries for the 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards.

Newborn seal rolling in sand on the beach

“Laughing outloud” by Ingo Hamann.
Animal: Seal
“This newborn seal seems to be laughing at a good joke.”

Three giraffes at the Green Kalahari in South Africa

“Three heads are better than one” by John Mullineux.
Animal: Giraffe
“Two male giraffe were fighting shortly after drinking some water in the green Kalahari. They again started sizing each other up but ended up scooching over to a third giraffe. In a single moment, the three formed one body with three heads.”

Two polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

“Did You Hear the One About The….?” by Wendy Kaveney.
Animal: Polar bear
“Anthropomorphic antics of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) telling each other jokes and laughing hysterically.”

Three toed sloth hanging on a branch in Costa Rica

“Slow hands” by Harry Collins.
Animal: Three toed sloth
“A sloth in Costa Rica that looks like he may have been a guitar player in a previous life. This image gives new meaning to Eric Clapton's nickname ‘slowhand.'”

Male mallard flying behind a tree

“Watch Out For That Tree” by Mark Koster.
Animal: Male mallard duck
“A male mallard flying appears to be running into a tree at Chaparral Park in Scottsdale, actually was flying behind it!”

Open to both professionals and amateurs, the photo contest is open for entries until July 31.

Sea turtle swimming underwater

“Pick Me Pick Meeeeee” by Thomas Van Puymbroeck.
Animal: Sea turtle
“Who wants to live in a plastic-free ocean? Meeeee.”

Group of chinstrap penguins in Antarctica

“Three's A Crowd” by Deena Sveinsson.
Animal: Chinstrap penguins
“When we finally arrived at Half Moon Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica our unassuming expedition ship was greeted by a beautiful white and snowy landscape. We zipped across the cold ocean waters, and upon disembarking the zodiacs, the group was careful to follow the increased biosecurity measures that were put into effect in Antarctica due to the bird flu. Arriving in the spring and the very early tourist season, we didn't have the large number of chinstrap penguins I had imagined we would. I expected thousands of them, but we were only greeted by a few hundred. As this was our first stop in Antarctica, I quickly started to take the usual photographs we all seemed to see. But then, in the distance, I saw these three chinstrap penguins hanging out with one another, having a good time. I walked as quickly as I could with a torn meniscus and a sprained MCL on my right knee. When I reached the penguins, it happened suddenly, there seemed to be a slight ruckus and some disagreement. Shortly after that, the penguin pair briskly walked off leaving the poor little lone fella wondering why he was left. I couldn't help but laugh when I viewed this photo on the back of my camera. How humanlike. And how awful it must be to be that third wheel.”

Funny wildlife photo

“Not a good idea” by Anton Pretorius.
Animal: Buffalo and cattle egret
“This western cattle egret thinking of having a go at the male organ of a buffalo.”

White-breasted waterhen on a branch

“Peak A Boo!” by Tilan Weerasinghe.
Animal: White-breasted waterhen
“A water cock giving a hilarious action.”

Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards.

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READ: Funny Early Entries of the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards

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Pair of Resting Cuckoo Bees Wins the Royal Entomological Society’s Insect Photo Competition https://mymodernmet.com/2023-royal-entomological-society-contest/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Thu, 27 Jun 2024 19:20:37 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=679920 Pair of Resting Cuckoo Bees Wins the Royal Entomological Society’s Insect Photo Competition

The UK's leading insect science charity has announced the winners of its annual photo competition. Each year, the Royal Entomological Society asks amateur insect photographers to bring the miniature world of bugs to life, and this year was no exception. Luke Chambers was named the overall winner for his interesting look at two bees and […]

READ: Pair of Resting Cuckoo Bees Wins the Royal Entomological Society’s Insect Photo Competition

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Pair of Resting Cuckoo Bees Wins the Royal Entomological Society’s Insect Photo Competition
Two cuckoo bees (Epeolus variegatus) fast asleep on a blade of grass

“Sleeping cuckoos” by Luke Chambers (UK). First Place, Over 18.
Species: Black-thighed Cellophane-cuckoo bees, Epeolus variegatus
“Two cuckoo bees (Epeolus variegatus) fast asleep, grasping onto the grass with their mandibles. Still with a few drops of morning dew on them.”

The UK's leading insect science charity has announced the winners of its annual photo competition. Each year, the Royal Entomological Society asks amateur insect photographers to bring the miniature world of bugs to life, and this year was no exception. Luke Chambers was named the overall winner for his interesting look at two bees and their unusual sleeping habits.

Sleeping insects also netted 17-year-old Gustav Parenmark the win in the under 18 division. His winning image shows a banded demoiselle damselfly at rest. Parenmark, who is also a previous winner, shared the secret to his success in capturing the damselfly at rest.

Waking up early is the key to photographing sleeping odonates,” he shares. “This species of damselfly is usually very skittish, but I went out at 4 a.m. to capture them inactive, making them easier to photograph.”

While macro photography is often used to capture insects, the competition's smartphone category proves that this type of photography can be accomplished without expensive equipment.

“Photography like this provides a window into the astonishing complexity and beauty of the insect world,” shares head judge Dr. Tim Cockerill, who is a broadcaster, photographer, and senior lecturer at Falmouth University. “It’s so often that technological advances destroy our engagement with the natural world, but the results of our competition show exactly the opposite trend can be possible. At a time when insects face huge threats, I hope this collection of stunning images helps to showcase just how important—and beautiful—they really are.”

Scroll down to see our favorite winners and finalists of the 2023 Royal Entomological Society photo contest.

Here are the winners of the 2023 Royal Entomological Society photo contest.

Banded demoiselle on a blade of grass

“Tranquility” by Gustav Parenmark (Sweden). First Place, Under 18.
Species: Banded Demoiselle damselfly, Calopteryx splendens, male
“I was able to find many of these gorgeous banded demoiselle by a river near my home in Gävle, Sweden. With the help of the nearby blades of grass I could create foreground and background elements in order to create depth in the image.”

Caddisfly larvae in a jelly egg sac

“Caddisfly larvae in a jelly egg sac” by Tim Jonas (UK). Second Place, Over 18.
Species: Mottled Sedge caddisfly, Glyphotaelius pellucidus
“Photographed in-situ on a leaf overhanging water, this image shows recently hatched caddisfly larvae inside a transparent gelatinous egg sac. The larvae will drop into the water where they live as aquatic insects throughout the larval and pupal stages.”

Wavy-lined Emerald Moth sitting on a mossy log

“A forest gem” by Alexander McKerracher (Canada). Environment Specially Commended.
Species: Wavy-lined Emerald Moth, Synchlora aerata, male
“This photo features a beautiful Wavy-lined Emerald Moth sitting on a mossy log. Taking a break from its adventures through the trees, this moth is displaying all of its beauty for us to appreciate.”

Leafcutter bee sleeping in some greater knapweed, (Centaurea scabiosa).

“Purple Fire” by Gustav Parenmark (Sweden). Under 18 Specially Commended.
Species: Leafcutter bee, Megachile lagopoda
“The nature reserve of ”Södra Hällarna”, located on the western coast of Gotland, Sweden is home to a very delicate fauna of bees, such as this Megachile lagopoda, a powerfully built insect that I found sleeping in some greater knapweed, (Centaurea scabiosa).”

Portrait of a damselfly

“Look into my eyes” by Pete Burford (UK). Portraits Specially Commended
Species: Damselfly
“Here is a Damselfly covered in Dew in the middle of the night. Insects are cold blooded, so as the temperature cools at night, they are unable to move. Dew then sticks to the Damselfly and covers it completely.”

Bumble bee pollinating a flower

“Pollinator” by Michael Wood (UK). Over 18 Smartphone Specially Commended.
Species: Common carder bumble bee, Bombus pascuorum
“A bee doing bee things.”

Close-up portrait of a digger wasp

“Gold digger” by Paul Fraser (UK). Portraits Specially Commended.
Species: Digger Wasp, Crabonidae
“A close-up portrait of a digger wasp species that I found excavating chambers in a raised bed planter at my work.”

“Photography like this provides a window into the astonishing complexity and beauty of the insect world.”

Fly eating another fly on lavendar

“Robber fly breakfast” by Jamie Smart (UK). Second Place, Under 18.
Species: Slender-footed robber fly, Leptarththrus brevirostris
“I was up early one morning and decided to have a wander around our wild garden with my camera when I saw this fly on grass. I didn't realize until looking on the computer that he was actually eating another fly! Double whammy!”

Crimson speckled moth perched on a flower

“Crimson-speckled moth perching” by Abdullah Shehabuddeen (Saudi Arabia). Under 18 Smartphone Specially Commended.
Species: Crimson Speckled moth, Utetheisa pulchella
“A white moth, spotted all over with beautiful red, orange, yellow, and black patterns, is perched onto delicate white flowers that contrast against the lush background greenery. This photo reflects nature's astounding colors and beauty.”

German wasp flying in front of a coffee cup

“A wasp joined us for a cream tea” by Abi Batten (UK). Smartphone Specially Commended.
Species: German wasp, Vespula germanica
“Wasp who seemed to enjoy sharing a cream tea with us, favored raspberry jam over blackcurrant and was very polite.”

male Emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia) at rest on heather on the slopes of Meall Buidhe with the peak of Stuchd an Lochain in the background.

“Moths and mountains” by Marian Coburn (UK). Over 18 Smartphone Specially Commended.
Species: Emperor moth, Saturnia pavonia, male
“A male Emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia) at rest on heather on the slopes of Meall Buidhe with the peak of Stuchd an Lochain in the background. These are two Scottish mountains (Munros).”

A cluster of male harlequin bugs.

“Natures jewels” by Nikita Richardson (Australia). Behavior Specially Commended.
Species: Cotton harlequin bugs, Tectocoris diophthalmus, final-instar nymphs.
“A cluster of male harlequin bugs.”

Earwig lying on a leaf

“Earwig” by Zhang Yimeng (China). Under 18 Smartphone Specially Commended.
Species: Earwig, Eudohrnia metallica
“I took a walk in Yunnan in the evening to see it, very beautiful, lying on a leaf so I took a picture.”

Junk Bug

“Junk bug” by Rosa Dunbar (Australia). Behavior Specially Commended.
Species: Lacewing larva, Chrysopa sp.
“The junk bug, a voracious predator in the insect world, earns its name by wearing plant matter and the exoskeletons of past victims on its back as part of an intricate camouflage to deceive predators.”

Royal Entomological Society: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Royal Entomological Society.

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READ: Pair of Resting Cuckoo Bees Wins the Royal Entomological Society’s Insect Photo Competition

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Solar Eclipse Photo Contest Winners Celebrate North America’s Recent Total Eclipse https://mymodernmet.com/kolari-solar-eclipse-photo-contest/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:15:59 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=679694 Solar Eclipse Photo Contest Winners Celebrate North America’s Recent Total Eclipse

Millions turned out to watch April 8's North American solar eclipse, and Kolari Vision helped photographers safely capture images of the total eclipse. To celebrate the big event, Kolari ran its inaugural Solar Eclipse Photography Contest. Now, they've announced the winners and several exceptional honorable mentions. Ryan Spangenberg won the competition with his unique image […]

READ: Solar Eclipse Photo Contest Winners Celebrate North America’s Recent Total Eclipse

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Solar Eclipse Photo Contest Winners Celebrate North America’s Recent Total Eclipse
Airplane flying next to solar eclipse

“Plane In Front Of Eclipse” by Ryan Spangenberg. First Place.

Millions turned out to watch April 8's North American solar eclipse, and Kolari Vision helped photographers safely capture images of the total eclipse. To celebrate the big event, Kolari ran its inaugural Solar Eclipse Photography Contest. Now, they've announced the winners and several exceptional honorable mentions.

Ryan Spangenberg won the competition with his unique image of a plane hugging the side of the total eclipse. Two incredible moments of totality by Keith Double and Justin Castel took home second and third place, respectively. For the honorable mentions, two standouts are cool composite images by both Joe Luther and Jonathan Sullivan that clearly show all the phases of the eclipse.

Kolari, known for its infrared filters and camera conversions, used the photo contest to educate the public about documenting such an event. Its 15-stop and 20-stop ND filters allow photographers to safely take photos of the solar eclipse without ruining their camera equipment.

ND filters work by reducing the amount of light that enters the camera lens without compromising the color or hue of the image. This makes them perfect for photographing eclipses. However, just because these filters keep cameras safe, it doesn't mean they are safe for the human eye.

“Do not look through the optical viewfinder on your DSLR camera when pointing it at the Sun, even when using an ND filter, and DO NOT look directly at the Sun through an ND filter,” Kolari warns. “These filters are not rated for your eyes, and your eyes will be damaged if you do this. However, it is perfectly safe to use live view or look through the EVF on a mirrorless camera.”

If you are looking for another eclipse opportunity, an annular eclipse will take place on October 2, 2024. It will be fully visible in South America and appear as a partial eclipse in North America.

Scroll down to see more winning solar eclipse photography and get ready to enter Kolari Vision's next photo competition. Its fourth biannual Infrared Photo Contest is now open for submissions.

Here are the winning images of Kolari Vision's Solar Eclipse Photography Contest.

Solar Eclipse Photo

“Dark Day” by Keith Double. Second Place.

Total solar eclipse

“Moment Of Totality” by Justin Castel. Third Place.

Composite photo of total solar eclipse phases

“Total Eclipse Chrono” by Joe Luther. Honorable Mention.

Composite of eclipse phases over an open field

“Eclipse IRChrome” by Jonathan Sullivan. Honorable Mention.

Composite of various phases of total solar eclipse

“The Diamond Rings” by Noah Cote / Noah Cote Photography. Honorable Mention.

Bird flying by solar eclipse

“Phoenix” by Thomas Streiff. Honorable Mention.

Kolari Solar Eclipse Photography Contest 2024

“Solar Glow” by Travis Brooks. Honorable Mention.

Composite photo of total solar eclipse phases

“2024: An Eclipse Odyssey” by Mike Denison. Honorable Mention.

Kolari Vision: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Kolari Vision.

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READ: Solar Eclipse Photo Contest Winners Celebrate North America’s Recent Total Eclipse

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High-Flying Gymnast Wins the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards https://mymodernmet.com/2024-world-sports-photography-awards/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Wed, 26 Jun 2024 17:30:55 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=679731 High-Flying Gymnast Wins the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards

A dynamic image of Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto has won the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. The image, shot by Belgian photographer Eric T'Kindt, shows Hashimoto twisting in the air during his horizontal bar routine at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. The routine netted Hashimoto a gold, so it's only fitting that the image […]

READ: High-Flying Gymnast Wins the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards

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High-Flying Gymnast Wins the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards
Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto on the high bar

“Untitled” by Eric T’Kindt. Overall Winner and Gold, Gymnastics.

A dynamic image of Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto has won the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. The image, shot by Belgian photographer Eric T'Kindt, shows Hashimoto twisting in the air during his horizontal bar routine at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. The routine netted Hashimoto a gold, so it's only fitting that the image also garnered T'Kindt the top prize.

The Belgian photographer's image beat out more than 9,000 that were submitted to the photo contest by more than 1,400 professional sports photographers from over 80 countries. It also topped the Gymnastics category, one of 24 in the competition. From aquatics and equestrian to baseball and basketball, a full range of sports are represented in what is the only global award for sports photography.

I am once again astounded by the exceptional talent showcased in this year’s entries,” says Sophie Collins, chief marketing officer at MPB. MPB, the world’s largest platform to buy, sell, and trade used photography and videography equipment, is the contest's primary sponsor. 

“Photography has the unique ability to capture the raw emotions and intense moments of sports, telling stories that resonate deeply with viewers long after the moment has passed,” she continues.

Scroll down to see some of our favorite winners across the 24 categories, then hop over to the official gallery to view all the winners and finalists.

Here are the winners of the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards.

Artistic photo of woman diving underwater on a surfboard

“Duck Dive” by Ryan Pierse. Overall, Third Place and Gold, Aquatics.

Deadlifter

“A new superhero? The perfect match between a spotlight and a head” by Issac Julián Morillas Sánchez. Overall Runner-up and Gold, Other.

Professional ping pong player in action

“Untitled” by Benjamin Lau. Gold, Racquet Sports.

Women's college basketball

“Rainbow Hair” by Steph Chambers. Gold, Basketball.

Football tackle

“Dobbsanity” by Kevin Sabitus. Gold, American Football.

Hockey goal with puck in the frame

“50th Anniversary Score” by Bruce Bennett. Gold, Ice Hockey.

Novak Djokovic lying on the court at Wimbledon 2023

“Tennis” by Marc Aspland. Gold, Tennis.

Over 9,000 images by more than 1,400 professional sports photographers were entered into the contest.

Boxing match

“The Dynamic Duo” by Andrew Moss. Gold, Boxing.

Luciano Benavides in action

“Luciano Benavides” by Pavol Tomaskin. Gold, Motor Sports.

Mikaela Shiffrin at the Ski Weltcup

“Mikaelas World – Ski Weltcup” by Alexander Hassenstein. Gold, Winter Sports.

Person sprinting

“The Sprint” by Tetsu Lee. Gold, Athletics.

Aerial shot of people cycling in a competition

“Untitled” by James Startt. Gold, Cycling.

Rugby maul

“Maul” by Morgan Treacy. Gold, Rugby.

“World Sports Photography Awards tell compelling stories of the emotion, passion, athleticism, and focus that are at the heart of sport.”

Woman swimming underwater

“Submerged” by Sean M. Haffrey. Gold, Swimming & Diving.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating on the field

“Cristiano Ronaldo Odyssey” by Marcelo Guelber Goes. Gold, Football (Soccer).

Baseball player with water splasing over their head

“Dunk” by Lindsey Wasson. Gold, Baseball

 Judo Paris Grand Slam 2023

“Upside down – Judo Paris Grand Slam 2023” by Victor Joly. Gold, Martial Arts.

Mud covered woman riding a horse in an equestrian competition

“Glorious Mud” by David Davies. Gold, Equestrian.

Artistic sports photography

“Reflection” by Volodya Voronon. Gold, Urban & Extreme.

World Sports Photography Awards: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to publish photos by the World Sports Photography Awards.

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READ: High-Flying Gymnast Wins the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards

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2024 Audubon Photography Awards Celebrates the Beauty of North American Birds https://mymodernmet.com/2024-audubon-photography-awards/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:35:43 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=678818 2024 Audubon Photography Awards Celebrates the Beauty of North American Birds

Now in its 15th year, the Audubon Photography Awards is celebrating the magic of bird photography. Run by the National Audubon Society, the competition is open to professional and amateur photographers of all ages. This year, Mathew Malwitz came away with the top prize for his delightful portrait of two Blackburnian warblers facing each other […]

READ: 2024 Audubon Photography Awards Celebrates the Beauty of North American Birds

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2024 Audubon Photography Awards Celebrates the Beauty of North American Birds
​​Two Blackburnian Warblers face each other in profile, their gray and white wings outstretched behind them.

Blackburnian Warbler by Mathew Malwitz/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Grand Prize Winner
Location: Promised Land State Park, Pennsylvania, USA
“​​Two Blackburnian Warblers face each other in profile; their gray and white wings outstretched behind them. Their yellow heads and orange necks stand out against a blurred gray background, and their bills and feet are entangled.”

Now in its 15th year, the Audubon Photography Awards is celebrating the magic of bird photography. Run by the National Audubon Society, the competition is open to professional and amateur photographers of all ages. This year, Mathew Malwitz came away with the top prize for his delightful portrait of two Blackburnian warblers facing each other in a wonderful symmetrical pose.

Last year's grand prize winner, Liron Gertsman, was once again celebrated this year. His interesting photo of a flock of willow ptarmigans in flight, with their white feathers melting into the white sky, won the professional category. These winning entries were chosen from more than 2,300 entrants from all 50 U.S. states, nine Canadian provinces, and one territory.

The photo contest has also expanded its scope, adding the Birds in Landscapes Prize for the first time. Designed to draw attention to how birds connect with their broader surroundings, the inaugural prize was handed out to Kevin Lohman for an atmospheric photo of a California quail perched on a small bush in a field.

Sadly, birds like the California quail and the Blackburnian warbler are facing increasing obstacles to their survival. The National Audubon Society's climate science report, Survival by Degrees, states that two-thirds of North American birds are facing extinction due to climate change. A special climate change visualizer even lets you see how the birds in your area will be impacted.

By taking in these photos and learning more about what the future holds, there's even more motivation to make the necessary changes on a small and large scale to delay the effects of climate change.

Here are the winners of the 2024 Audubon Photography Awards, which celebrates exceptional bird photography.

A Forster’s Tern is in the air, its head turned almost 180 degrees so that its bill is pointing almost straight up, and its tail is twisted.

Forster’s Tern by Kevin Lohman/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Professional Honorable Mention
Location: Shoreline Lake, Mountain View, California, USA
“A Forster’s Tern is in the air, its head turned almost 180 degrees so that its bill is pointing almost straight up, and its tail is twisted. The bird’s outstretched wings give the impression the bird is floating upside down. Water droplets appear in a stream from the bird’s bill and also below it.”

​​Seven Willow Ptarmigan are staggered throughout the image in various stages of flight

Willow Ptarmigan by Liron Gertsman/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Professional Winner
Location: Kluane National Park, Yukon, Canada
“Seven Willow Ptarmigan are staggered throughout the image. Each is in various stages of flight. Their white bodies blend in with the completely white background; only their black eyes, bills, and tail feathers stand out.”

A Barred Owl hangs upside down from a thin tree branch, its body horizontal, its face turned and looking at the camera. Above it hangs a squirrel on a branch.

Barred Owl by Erin Boisvert/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Amateur Honorable Mention
Location: Deep Brook Preserve. Newtown, CT, USA
“A Barred Owl hangs upside down from a thin tree branch, its body horizontal, its face turned and looking at the camera. Above it hangs a squirrel on a branch. Its head is nearly completely severed and is held in the owl’s talons. Its fur is bloodied.”

Two adult Red-necked Grebes face each other in the water.

Red-necked Grebe by Edwin ​​Liu/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Youth Honorable Mention
Location: Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke, ON, Canada
“Two adult Red-necked Grebes face each other in the water. The entire grebe’s body on the right is visible, and two black and white-headed chicks sit on its back. One is leaning to receive a small fish from the bill of the parent.”

A tiny russet brown Sedge Wren grasps two long, parallel stems as if they were stilts.

Sedge Wren and Gray-head Coneflower by Trisha Snider/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Plants For Birds Honorable Mention
Location: John E Pearce Provincial Park, Wallacetown, Ontario, Canada
“A tiny russet brown Sedge Wren grasps two long, parallel stems as if they were stilts. The bird’s head looks to the left of the frame. Green grasses surround the bird, and yellow flowers are at the bottom of the image.”

n American Kestrel stands on a post in profile, and a male kestrel is on her back with his wings stretched behind him

American Kestrel by Parham Pourahmad/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Youth Winner
Location: Calero County Park, San Jose, California, USA
“An American Kestrel stands on a post in profile, and a male kestrel is on her back with his wings stretched behind him. The birds are both in profile facing the left of the frame, the male above appearing to be an extension of the female below.”

A Black-capped Chickadee clings to a single beige hook-shaped stem filled with seeds.

Black-capped Chickadee and Broad-leaf Cattail by Linda Scher/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Plants For Birds Winner
Location: Wood Lake Nature Center, Richfield, Minnesota, USA
“A Black-capped Chickadee clings to a single beige hook-shaped stem filled with seeds. The bird’s black legs appear to be spread at a 90-degree angle to hold the stem. The bird’s black bill is full of seeds.”

A female Wild Turkey stands in profile, and her head is held high and wings are fanned out behind her.

Wild Turkey by Travis Potter/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Female Bird Prize Winner
Location: Roseville, Minnesota, USA
“A female Wild Turkey stands in profile, and her head is held high and wings are fanned out behind her. She stands between railroad tracks littered with leaves that extend into the distance.”

 Common Gallinule’s green feet stick straight out of the surface of water, while its body is submerged and not visible.

Common Gallinule by Douglas DeFelice/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Fisher Prize Winner
Location: Tarpon Springs, FL
“A Common Gallinule’s green feet stick straight out of the surface of water, while its body is submerged and not visible. Splashes of water are outlined in gold against a black background and dark surface, making it difficult to distinguish between the feet and water.”

A California Quail perches on top of a small bush in a field. The scene is a muted brown and orange, with layers of light and dark.

California Quail by Kevin Lohman/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Birds in Landscapes Prize Winner
Location: Santa Cruz, California, USA
“A California Quail perches on top of a small bush in a field. One row of bushes and trees in the foreground is in focus, along with the quail, while other bushes are out of focus or blurred. The scene is a muted brown and orange, with layers of light and dark.”

Silhouetted grackles perch on power lines that bisect the image, with their tails nearly all pointing in the same direction.

Great-tailed Grackle by Tristan Vratil/Audubon Photography Awards/2024 Amateur Winner
Location: Corner of Slaughter Lane and Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, USA
“Silhouetted grackles perch on power lines that bisect the image, with their tails nearly all pointing in the same direction. The sky is purple and pink. Through the whole of the photo are blurry figures of grackles flying through the air.”

National Audubon Society: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the National Audubon Society.

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Winner of AI Photo Contest Disqualified After He Reveals He Actually Took the Photo https://mymodernmet.com/miles-astray-ai-photo-trick/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Tue, 18 Jun 2024 19:20:30 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=678645 Winner of AI Photo Contest Disqualified After He Reveals He Actually Took the Photo

When the 1839 Awards contacted photographers with the results of its Color Photography Contest, they could never have guessed Miles Astray‘s response. Not only had the photographer won third place in the AI category, but he'd also won the People's Vote for an image of a flamingo whose head appeared to be missing. The only […]

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Winner of AI Photo Contest Disqualified After He Reveals He Actually Took the Photo

Real photo wins AI photo contest category

When the 1839 Awards contacted photographers with the results of its Color Photography Contest, they could never have guessed Miles Astray‘s response. Not only had the photographer won third place in the AI category, but he'd also won the People's Vote for an image of a flamingo whose head appeared to be missing. The only problem? Astray's photo was not AI-generated but is actually a photo he shot in Aruba.

Astray disclosed to the organizers that his photo was not actually AI and at that point, was disqualified from the competition. But as word got out about the mishap, many saw it as a win for photography. While Boris Eldagsen made headlines for his AI photo fooling judges at the Sony World Photography Awards, this is the first time we're seeing photography beating new technology in such a large public forum.

In a world where the presence of AI is increasing, and creatives are wary of what it means for their livelihoods, Astray's win can be seen as a victory for photographers.

“I entered this actual photo into the AI category of 1839 Awards to prove that human-made content has not lost its relevance, that Mother Nature and her human interpreters can still beat the machine, and that creativity and emotion are more than just a string of digits,” Astray shares.

After seeing recent instances of AI-generated imagery outshining actual photos in competitions, it occurred to me that I could twist this story inside down and upside out the way only a human could and would, by submitting a real photo into an AI competition.”

For their part, the Creative Resources Collective, which manages the 1839 Awards, has been quite open to the debate that Astray's win sparked.

“We fully appreciate the powerful message Miles relayed with his submission, F L A M I N G O N E,” to the AI category,” Creative Resources Collective founder and co-director Lily Fierman tells My Modern Met. “We agree that it is an important, relevant, and timely statement.”

Fierman also emphasized that Astray's disqualification was decided after an internal debate out of fairness to all the entrants. “There are no hard feelings on either end, and we're excited about working together to share this wider message with photographers,” Fierman says.

For his part, Astray has been overwhelmed by the positive response, which even included a funny exchange with Eldagsen on Instagram. And he was pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction that the photo contest had to his experiment. Overall, he's just grateful that “nature still outdoes the machine.”

This surreal photo of a flamingo won Miles Astray a prize in the AI category of a photo contest.

1839 Award - AI Category - People's Award

The only problem—Astray's photo was real. This led to his disqualification.

1839 Awards Winner's gallery before disqualification

Winner's gallery before disqualification.

1839 Awards Winner's gallery after disqualification

Winner's gallery after disqualification.

That was ok with Astray, as he was hoping to prove that regular photography can still outshine technology.

The reaction has been positive, even leading to an exchange with Boris Eldagsen, whose AI photo tricked judges at a different contest.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Miles Astray (@milesastray)

Miles Astray: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Miles Astray.

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READ: Winner of AI Photo Contest Disqualified After He Reveals He Actually Took the Photo

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Exceptional Winners of 1839 Awards’ Photo Contest Celebrating the Power of Color Photography https://mymodernmet.com/1839-awards-color-contest-winners/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Tue, 18 Jun 2024 17:30:50 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=678574 Exceptional Winners of 1839 Awards’ Photo Contest Celebrating the Power of Color Photography

Named for the year that photography was first made widely available to the public, the 1839 Awards holds a series of photo contests to highlight the medium. Photographers from 55 different countries entered the Color Photography Contest, which is open to both professional and non-professional photographers. The results, which were just announced, are extraordinary. In […]

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Exceptional Winners of 1839 Awards’ Photo Contest Celebrating the Power of Color Photography
Kids jumping rope in front of a building

“Unsupervised” by Alexandrena Parker. Overall Professional Winner and Professional Winner, Conceptual, People, Storytelling.
“The sight of children engaged in unsupervised play, left to their own devices in the streets, has become increasingly rare. Set in outback Australia, the scenes weave together the past and present, symbolizing the relationship between the landscape and the timeless essence of childhood.”

Named for the year that photography was first made widely available to the public, the 1839 Awards holds a series of photo contests to highlight the medium. Photographers from 55 different countries entered the Color Photography Contest, which is open to both professional and non-professional photographers. The results, which were just announced, are extraordinary.

In the end, two different conceptual series won the overall prize. For the professionals, Alexandrena Parker was named the overall winner for her images of unsupervised children playing outside, a rare sight these days. Astrid Reischwitz‘s fascinating look at her heritage, which combines photography and embroidery, won her the top prize in the non-professional competition.

There are many hidden gems among the category winners. From a playful plate of pasta to a striking look at the war in Ukraine, the competition highlights the impact that color photography can have on our view of the world.

The winner's announcement, however, was not without controversy. In an effort to keep up with technology and its impact on the medium, the contest has a category to award the best AI imagery. What the contest organizers didn't expect, however, was for a photographer to not only enter a regular photo into that category but to win the People's Vote Award. Though the photographer was subsequently disqualified when he revealed that the image was not AI, the news brought a lot of eyes to the contest.

This event, together with the high quality of the winners, should assure any photographer that technology, while wonderful, is still no match for the creativity and artistry that comes with a human touch.

Scroll down to see some of our favorite winners and check out the full gallery on the 1839 Awards official website.

The 2024 Color Photography Contest celebrates the power of photography.

Showered by molten, firework-like sparks, people in Meizhou, China performa fire dragon dance to celebrate the Lantern Festival on the first full moon of the Lunar Calendar

“How to train your dragon” by Leo Kwok. Winner, Professional, Event, People.
“Showered by molten, firework-like sparks, people in Meizhou, China perform a fire dragon dance to celebrate the Lantern Festival on the first full moon of the Lunar Calendar. This celebration was performed over 200 years ago and was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in China in 2008.”

View of wildfire on K’gari, the world's largest sand island

“Dark Beauty” by Robyn Finlayson. Winner, Professional, Landscapes.
“In late 2020, a wildfire broke out on World Heritage-listed K’gari, the world’s largest sand island. It swept through more than 87,000 hectares, or almost half the island. It burned for more than 2 months. During this time I discovered an unexpected and alluring beauty amongst the devastation.”

Tiger standing on a bed in Buenos Aires, Argentina

“Tiger” by Sofia Lopez Mañan. Professional Runner-up and Professional Winner, Animals, Conceptual, Storytelling.
“Tiger standing on a bed in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This image is part of the project ” The Book of Nature” that explores the concept of ‘Nature' as a manmade construction.”

Run by the 1839 Awards, the photo contest is divided into professional and non-professional categories.

Plate of spaghetti with a braid

“Spaghetti Stylist” by Yuliy Vasilev. Winner, Professional, Still Life.

Award Winning Portrait

“Gitano” by Arianna Angelini. Winner, Professional, People.
“I met him once, trying to find my way. The solitude of the highlands was what I sought. Unbidden, he sat beside me on a log one day As I was caught up with some restless thought.”

1839 Awards - Color Photography Contest

“Nations of the Atlantic” by Kim Lang. Winner, Professional, Travel.
“Nations of the Atlantic explores the ocean as a vessel to connect cultures and focuses on the universal experience of places that rely on the sea for their everyday lives. It shifts the attention to small island nations, often overlooked in the greater discussion of climate change.”

Conceptual photo with embroidery stitching

“Spin Club Tapestry” by Astrid Reischwitz. Overall Non-Professional Winner and Winner, Non-Professional, Conceptual, Other.
“By following the stitches in fabric from my village in Germany, I follow a path through the lives of my ancestors – their layout of a perfect pattern and the mistakes they made. The patterns I have stitched myself into the paper represent fragments of memory.”

Teenagers in Bhutan playing baseball in front of a Buddha statue

“Baseball in Bhutan” by Matthew Desantis. Non-Professional Runner-up.
“With Buddha (symbol of inspiration) in the backdrop, Bhutanese teenagers engage in a spirited game of baseball in the capital of Thimphu. Clad in the nation's traditional noble attire, they embody the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that defines Bhutan.”

Missile stuck in the middle of a deserted road in Ukraine

“The Price of Freedom” by Lenka Klicperová. Winner, Professional, Photojournalism.
“Ukraine has been defending itself against Russian aggression for two years. Thousands of soldiers and civilians are paying a terrible price for their freedom. But they are still fighting.”

Circular swimming pool at Lake Zurich

“The Circle” by Mauro Caviezel. Winner, Non-Professional, Architecture, Minimalism.
“Early morning long exposure shot of the ‘The Circle,' a public swimming pool at Lake Zürich.”

Total solar eclipse

“Total Solar Eclipse” by Edward Panjaitan. Winner, Non-Professional, Nature.
“The sequence of a total solar eclipse from the 2nd contact (diamond ring just before totality), totality, and just after totality (diamond ring just after totality).”

Cluster of koi and goldfish

“Passion” by Sandra Paul. Winner, Professional, Animals.

Photographers from 55 countries entered the contest, which also included a category for AI photography.

Award winning AI image

“Untitled” by Robyn Finlayson. Winner, Professional, AI.

Man with dog curled up in front of a house in Sri Lanka

“Lipton Hill” by Anton Mischenko. Winner, Non-Professional, Photojournalism.
“Sri Lanka”

Aerial view of basketball court

“Playfield” by Bragi Thor Josefsson. Winner, Professional, Architecture.

Man wearing a yellow dress standing in front of a house

“M” by Scarlett Coten. Winner, Professional, Storytelling.
“M brings together three series that explore from the Mediterranean basin to Trump's America and France, contemporary masculinities, and the determination to express who one really is. The challenge is of introducing into the collective imagination these singular yet shared experiences.”

Blue mushrooms growing out of moss

“Sky Blue” by Robyn Finlayson. Winner, Professional, Nature.

Boat on a lake in a foggy landscape

“Morning on the River” by Proshin Vladimir. Winner, Non-Professional, Travel.

Arctic expedition in Svalbard

“Arctic Expedition” by Kari Peltola. Winner, Non-Professional, Minimalism.
“Arctic expedition in Svalbard.”

1839 Awards: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by 1839 Awards.

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READ: Exceptional Winners of 1839 Awards’ Photo Contest Celebrating the Power of Color Photography

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Winners of the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024 Contest https://mymodernmet.com/2024-pink-lady-food-photographer-winners/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Fri, 07 Jun 2024 20:15:12 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=676792 Winners of the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024 Contest

A striking image of preparations for China's Spring Festival won the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024 competition. Yang Zhonghua's image shows a woman entering a room filled with steaming red bean paste balls in a glorious ode to tradition. “This wonderful, perfectly balanced image is full of light, shadow, mystery, and poignancy,” […]

READ: Winners of the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024 Contest

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Winners of the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024 Contest
Woman with red bean dumplings in China

“Red Bean Paste Balls” by Yang Zhonghua (China). Overall Winner and Winner, Champagne Taittinger Food for Celebration, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“In the rural area of Xiangshan, Zhejiang people are busy with preparations for a feast to celebrate Spring Festival, also known as Lunar New Year. This includes the tradition of making dim sum, such as red bean dumplings, steamed rice cakes, and glutinous rice cake, each of which has a legacy of traditional craftsmanship.”

A striking image of preparations for China's Spring Festival won the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024 competition. Yang Zhonghua's image shows a woman entering a room filled with steaming red bean paste balls in a glorious ode to tradition.

“This wonderful, perfectly balanced image is full of light, shadow, mystery, and poignancy,” says Caroline Kenyon, founder, Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year. “It is clear a celebratory feast is being prepared. The food is exquisitely made, its circular shapes contrasting with the angularity of the fretwork screens, through which the light pours. Meanwhile, the woman who has made the food, weary, carries in yet another tray. Her role is to labor and to serve while the guests party and enjoy.”

Yang is one of 36 winners honored across a wide array of categories. Selected from thousands of entries submitted by photographers from 65 countries, the winners highlight food stories from around the world. From glimpses of a grape harvest to portraits of delectable cakes, the images look good enough to eat.

“Despite the challenges of an ever-changing world, we never cease in growing, gathering, cooking, eating, and celebrating with food,” says Phil Turnbull, CEO of APAL, owner of Pink Lady® and headline sponsor of the Awards. “Each year, the remarkable photographs serve as a reminder of the fundamental role of food in every culture and every people around the world.”

Scroll down to see some of our favorite winners, and then head over to the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year website to see the full gallery of finalists and winners.

Check out the winners of the 2024 Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year competition.

Three colorful cakes decorated with edible flowers

“It's Raining Cake – Hallelujah!” by Ming Tang-Evans, Stylist: Tarunima Sinhaa (UK), Winner, Tiptree Cake Award, category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“A celebration of cake with ‘My Little Cake Tin's' signature colourful and stylish edible floral decoration.”

Portrait of Chris Lilly, the multi-award-winning pitmaster at Big Bob Gibson's in Decatur, Alabama

“Pitmaster, Big Bob Gibson's, Decatur, AL” by Simon Urwin (UK), Winner, The James Beard Foundation Photography Award, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Chris Lilly is the multi-award-winning pitmaster at Big Bob Gibson's in Decatur, Alabama. Big Bob (Lilly's great-grandfather-in-law), opened the business in 1925 and found fame for his revolutionary white barbecue sauce (at a time when most BBQ sauces were red and tomato or chilli-based.) His recipe of mayonnaise, black pepper, vinegar and lemon has since become hugely popular worldwide.”

Family in France gathering around truck during grape harvest

“Les Liens du Vin” by Jonathan Thevenet (France), Winner, Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year – People, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“A Moment captured at the Aegerter estate in Burgundy, France. The children, the family, all gathered around the harvest. The transmission is running.”

Blood orange cardamom cake surrounded by orange slices and peels

“Blood Orange Cardamom Cake” by Barbora Baretic (Slovakia), Winner, Food Stylist Award, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Creating this image as a symbol of long-awaited spring was pure joy. Blood oranges are incredible by their texture, color, and shine, and that's what I wanted to capture.”

Young rice farmer carrying rack of rice sprouts across a paddy field in Thailand

“A Day in the Field” by Natnattcha Chaturapitamorn (Thailand), Winner, Tenderstem® Bring Home the Harvest, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“At the beginning of the rice farming season, a young farmer carries a rack of rice sprouts across a paddy field in Sakon Nakhon province, Thailand.”

Elderly Italian man butchering a pig

“The Pig's Testament” by Diego Marinelli (Italy), Winner, Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year (Europe), a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“The killing of the pig is a real ritual of Italian rural culture. I was struck by the elderly man's sense of respect towards the sacrificed animal, and I hope that the image makes us reflect on how man's relationship with food has changed in the last 70 years.”

Radish Salad

“Radish Salad” by Raewyn Epps (New Zealand), Winner, Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year (New Zealand), a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Playing with shapes, colors, and texture.”

Handmade sourdough bread

“Oh Beautiful Crumb” by Antonia Larrain Eyzaguirre (Chile), Winner, Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year (Chile), a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Handmade sourdough bread with a crispy crust, fluffy and airy crumb, and with the perfect humidity. Just feeling its smell makes your mouth water and you cannot leave it or change it just like that. It's a deep, unconditional, and loyal love.”

Crested dove with chestnuts on a table

“Chestnut Season” by Tailai Obrien (Australia), Winner, Hotel Art Group Cream of the Crop, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Chestnuts symbolize Autumn harvest. In our family with strong Celtic roots, they are considered guardians of men and animals. The antique chestnut roaster is a family heirloom and a nod to our farming heritage. The crested dove symbolizes harmony and virility. Chestnuts are highly nutritious and a delicious food for celebrations.”

Selected from thousands of entries submitted by photographers from 65 countries, the winners highlight food stories from around the world

A Burmese fisherman attempts to make a catch in a mangrove forest.

“Mangrove Fisherman” by Teo Chin Leong (Singapore), Winner, Food in the Field, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“A Burmese fisherman attempts to make a catch in a mangrove forest. The early morning rays of the sun create a magical atmosphere.”

A man selling the catch of the day in the vibrant fresh market in Pondicherry, India.

“Fisherman” by Hein van Tonder (South Africa), Winner, On the Phone, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“A man selling the catch of the day in the vibrant fresh market in Pondicherry, India.”

Overhead shot of a biscuit cake

“Biscuit Cake” by Winifred Harms (South Africa), Winner, Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year (African Territories), a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Biscuits at their best.”

Boats creating a floating fruit market in Bangladesh

“Tribal Farmers Sell Their Fruit” by Azim Khan Ronnie (Bangladesh), Winner, unearthed® Food For Sale, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Boats fan out across a stretch of the lake, creating a floating market selling an array of fresh fruit. This is a floating market of seasonal fruits such as jackfruit, pineapple, mango etc. at Rangamati, Bangladesh. The tribal farmers sell their fruit every early morning at minimum price on a wholesale basis.”

Brokpas eating breakfast

“Breakfast with the Brokpas” by Debdatta Chakraborty (India), Winner, Pink Lady® Moments of Joy, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“The Brokpas are a small ethnic group mostly found in the union territory of Ladakh, India. The Brokpas traditionally claim themselves to be descendants of Alexander's lost army. The Brokpa diet is based on locally grown barley and wheat, prepared most often as tsampa (roasted flour) and Gur-Gur Cha, a brewed tea made of black tea, butter, and salt.”

Autumn cocktail with pumpkin juice and maple syrup.

“Autumn Cocktail” by Viktoriia Kondysenko (Ukraine), Winner, MPB Award for Innovation, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Taste of autumn. Autumn cocktail with pumpkin juice and maple syrup.”

Hanging buri fish in Japan

“Hanging Buri (Yellowtail)” by Matteo Alberti (Italy), Winner, Food Influencer, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Buri is Japanese for the fish Seriola quinqueradiata, known in English as ‘yellowtail'. For centuries, fishermen filleted buri, salted them, dried them for about ten days, and finally wrapped them in leaves and long rice-straw ropes before hanging them in front of their houses, exposed to the sea breeze.”

Award winning wedding photography

“Let Them Eat Cake!” by Lynne Kennedy (UK), Winner, Champagne Taittinger Wedding Food Photographer, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Lucy and Tony and their children made the long journey from Kent to the Isle of Skye to get married. They didn't want to transport a traditional wedding cake all that way, so their cakemaker produced these fabulous little ‘cakes in containers' for them. We found a spot by the historical Sligachan Bridge and they tucked in!”

Family in China making dumplings

“New Year in Old Cave Dwelling” by Ren Xiuting (China), Winner, Food for the Family, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Photographed in Licheng County, Shanxi Province. During the Chinese New Year, families gather around to make dumplings and have a good time talking and laughing.”

Woman in a robe eating a BLT

“B.L.T. Contemplation” by Delaney McQuown (USA), Winner, Claire Aho Award for Women Photographers, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“This photograph is part of my ongoing self-portrait project, urging women to find liberation through unidealized self-images. Excessive self-documentation fosters familiarity, enabling women to exist unapologetically in photos. Capturing myself eating a B.L.T. without inhibition felt fitting, given the complex relationships women often have with their bodies and food. I'm passionate about women embracing their cameras, leading to liberation and self-love.”

Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year.

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Adorably Funny Winners of the 2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards https://mymodernmet.com/2024-comedy-pet-photography-awards/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Fri, 07 Jun 2024 17:30:29 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=676734 Adorably Funny Winners of the 2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards

An adorable dog trying to make his way through a cat flap (without much success) took home the win at the 2024 Comedy Pet Photography Awards. Now in its fifth year, the contest asks photographers to capture the silly sides of their pets as a way to promote the positivity they bring to our lives. […]

READ: Adorably Funny Winners of the 2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards

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Adorably Funny Winners of the 2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards
Dog with head stuck in doggie door

“Not just for cats” © Sarah Haskell/Comedy Pets (UK). Overall Winner & Dog Category Winner
“Hector saw the cat do it…so thought he would give it a try ….and this is about as far as he got before reversing out the way he came. But the cat made it look so easy……”

An adorable dog trying to make his way through a cat flap (without much success) took home the win at the 2024 Comedy Pet Photography Awards. Now in its fifth year, the contest asks photographers to capture the silly sides of their pets as a way to promote the positivity they bring to our lives.

Sarah Haskell, who took the photo of her 14-year-old dog Hector, was named Comedy Pet Photographer of the Year for her efforts. The fact that she could share the experience with Hector, a beloved part of her family, makes her victory all the more satisfying.

Hector is a much-loved member of my extended family, and has been my (unwitting, unknowing) muse for a few years now,” she shares. “I have carried a camera pretty much in some form since school days, but it is only recently that I have worked out that pet photography, dog photography in particular, is what I like doing. The interaction with these expressive, clever, often comical characters, when I am doing ‘pawtrait' shoots, can only make me (and others, hopefully) smile!”

In addition to Haskell, whose photo also won the Dog Category, six other exceptional photographers were also celebrated. This includes Kazutoshi Ono, whose photo of a high-flying cat won the People's Choice Award.

Scroll down to see all the winners, as well as the eight photographs that were singled out as highly commended.

Here are the exceptional winners of the 2024 Comedy Pet Photography Awards.

Cat butt sticking out of a crack in the wall

“Cat in a trap. Like Super Mario” © Kenichi Morinaga/Comedy Pets (Japan). Cat Category Winner.
“Cat in a trap it looks like video game Super Mario world.”

Gelding leaping off the ground

“I think I saw a mouse” © Debby Thomas/Comedy Pets (USA). Horse Category Winner.
“This beautiful and athletic gelding loves to try to fly off the ground! This is one of the series of leaps he performs.”

Potrait of a donkey

“Tired Donkey” © Charlotte Kitchen/Comedy Pets (UK). Junior Category Winner.
“After sprinting around with Noah and completing some training, Benji was exhausted almost wanting an afternoon nap!”

Portrait of dog and owner

“The proud pup and his best friend” © Darya Zelentsova/Comedy Pets (USA). Pets Who Look Like Their Owner's Category Winner.
“Ludo von Lickenface, the sweetest 16-year-old rescue pup, strikes a pose alongside his beloved guardian, David – Snap Ludo von Lickenface, the sweetest 16-year-old rescue pup, strikes a pose alongside his beloved guardian, David – Snap”

Turtle eating snapdragons

“New Rose” © Jonathan Casey/Comedy Pets (UK). All Other Creatures Category Winner.
“Edgar loves to eat flowers, and her favorites are dandelions for spring, snapdragons for summer and here she can be seen gobbling as whole Gertrude Jekyll rose last September. We grow them for her and as she is elderly we handfeed her, sometimes snapping her in between bites as you can see…”

Cat jumping up to bite on a cord

“Tarzan” © Kazutoshi Ono/Comedy Pets (Japan). People's Choice Award Winner.
“It's like being in the jungle.”

The contest, now in its fifth year, also singled out several highly commended photographs of funny animals.

Dog jumping

“Dancing Queen” © Vera Faupel/Comedy Pets (Germany). Highly Commended.
“What can I say. This dog loves to jump! Pepper the pointer”

Two cats peeking over a green fence

“Nosey Neighbours” © Emma Beardsmore/Comedy Pet (UK). Highly Commended.
“These are my 2 cats during Covid Lockdown. They are spying on the neighbors who are breaking rules!! ‘Lets act like Meerkats; they'll never know its us'”

Funny Picture of a Yorkie

“Grumpy Dog” © Luiza Ribeiro/Comedy Pets (Brazil). Highly Commended.
“Meet Nick Barry, a 5-year-old yorkie with a special talent for hilarius expressions. This may not be his most flattering photo, but that frown is undeniably captivating – a true portrait of a dog who doesn't need smiles to win our hearts.”

Orange cat and calico cat

“You didn't hear this from me” © Kenichi Morinaga/Comedy Pets (Japan). Highly Commended.
“These cats are having secret talk about where do we fish on the Island.”

White dog leaping out of the snow to catch a snowball

“Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting” by Sylvia Michel/Comedy Pets (Switzerland). Highly Commended.
“I made this picture in Toggenburg. I threw a few snowballs and my dog jumped after them with great enthusiasm. That's how this picture came about.”

Cat resting in a pan on the stove

“Kitty in the kitchen” © Atsuyuki Ohshima/Comedy Pets (Japan). Highly Commended.
“He stayed at there as if one of a kitchen implements.”

White dog burried in the snow with ears sticking out

“Peek a boo” © Sylvia Michel/Comedy Pets (Switzerland). Highly Commended.
“I took this great picture in deep snow in Grindelwald. My dog Raasta, spontaneously hid so that only his ears were sticking out of the snow.”

Poodle jumping in the air

“I believe I can fly” © Julie Smith/Comedy Pets (Ireland). Highly Commended.
“The Flying Poodle.”

Comedy Pet Photography Awards: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Comedy Pet Photography Awards.

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21 Incredible Nominees From the 2024 Drone Photo Awards https://mymodernmet.com/2024-drone-photo-award-nominees/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:45:52 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=676289 21 Incredible Nominees From the 2024 Drone Photo Awards

Since 2018, aerial photography's most talented photographers have been recognized at the Drone Photo Awards. This photo contest, run by the Siena Awards, has recently announced the nominees for the 2024 edition. The nominees, spread across nine categories, are so skilled that it will be a difficult task for the jury to select the winners. […]

READ: 21 Incredible Nominees From the 2024 Drone Photo Awards

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21 Incredible Nominees From the 2024 Drone Photo Awards
Aerial photo of lava that looks like a dragon

“Elddreki / Fire Dragon” by Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove (Belgium). Abstract category.

Since 2018, aerial photography's most talented photographers have been recognized at the Drone Photo Awards. This photo contest, run by the Siena Awards, has recently announced the nominees for the 2024 edition. The nominees, spread across nine categories, are so skilled that it will be a difficult task for the jury to select the winners.

Abstract, Nature, Animals, Urban, Sports, Wedding, and People are some of the categories that give drone photographers ample opportunity to display their skills. Separate categories for Series and Video only enhance the competition. Among this year's nominees are photographers who captured molten lava, artistically documented athletes in motion, and gave lucky couples some memorable wedding imagery.

The nominees were culled from over 2,000 shots from 113 countries that were submitted to the competition. Now, it will be up to the judges to determine which of the five nominees in each category will rise to the top. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony in Siena, Italy, that is set for September 28, 2024.

This year is special for the Siena Awards, which also runs Siena International Photo Awards and Creative Photo Awards, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

“This year's edition promises to be extraordinary, combining well-loved traditions with exciting new features,” shares the organizers. “The event will showcase renowned international photographers and a series of captivating exhibitions, transforming Siena and its surrounding areas into a vibrant hub of photographic art from September 28 to November 24.”

Scroll down to see more of our favorite finalists and check out all of the 2024 Drone Photo Award Nominees on the official website.

Here are some of our favorite nominees from the 2024 Drone Photo Awards.

Aerial photo of highway over dried river bed

“Jiashao Bridge” by Sheng Jiang (China). Urban category.

Aerial photo of bride and groom laying on boxes of apples

“Apple dream” by Tim Demski (Poland). Wedding category.

Aerial portrait of Bulgarian shepherd with his flock

“Shepherd with herd” by Ivo Danchev (Bulgaria). People category.

Drone photo of polar bears curled up in the snow

“A Polar Romance” by Florian Ledoux (France). Animals category.

Drone photo of cranberry farmers

“Cranberry Harvest” by Brad Weiner (USA). People category.

Drone photo of landscape in Iceland

“Blika” by Brynjar Agustsson (Iceland). Nature category.

Drone photo of skateboarder on a halfpipe

“Minimalist action” by Alex Berasategi (Azerbaijan). Sport category.

Over 2,000 photos from 113 countries were submitted to the contest.

Drone photo of a village under snow

“Village under snow” by Hüseyin Karahan (Turkey). Urban category.

2024 Drone Photo Awards Nominees

“The Eye of the Dragon” by Miki Spitzer (Israel). Nature category.

Wedding photo of couple standing on a mountain

“Mariage au sommet” by Alexandre Clair (France). Wedding category.

2024 Drone Photo Awards Nominees

“Tree of Life” by Isabella Tabacchi (Italy). Abstract category.

2024 Drone Photo Awards Nominees

“Sea of pink” by Paul Mckenzie (Ireland). Animals category.

Aerial photo of a flock on pelicans

“Pelicanos Blancos” by Guillermo Soberón (Mexico). Animals category.

2024 Drone Photo Awards Nominees

“Drifting in space” by Gilad Topaz (Israel). People category.

The winners will be announced at a special ceremony in Italy on September 28, 2024.

Drone photo of city at night

“Bridge brings into the city” by Xu Zhang (China). Urban category.

Aerial photo of surfers

“Blue Adrenaline: The Surge of Pipeline” by Matt Dusig (USA). Sport category.

Aerial landscape photography

“Ground vein” by Xiaoying Shi (China). Nature category.

Aerial photo of molten lava surrounded by cooled lava

“Tongue” by Daniel Viñé Garcia (Spain). Nature category.

Whale and shark underwater

“Ocean Clean Up” by Toby Nicol (UK). Animals category.

2024 Drone Photo Awards Nominees

“Walking for a new Life” by Luis Acosta (Colombia). People category.

Drone Photo Awards: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Drone Photo Awards.

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