Water birds

When I look at this photograph, I’m reminded of a group portrait at a wedding—the kind with too many guests to orchestrate neatly, and where laughter and chatter pull everyone’s focus away from the camera. You can almost hear the photographer on the zodiac calling for attention, trying to wrangle the group into place. There’s a real beauty in that disarray—a charming, organised chaos that works delightfully well.

The true star of the performance is the character on the far right, stretching to full height as if calling for silence or delivering a punchline. This little moment of drama adds both humour and personality.

The low angle of view is a critical element in the image’s success. It brings us eye-level with the penguins, creating a sense of intimacy and inclusion—as though we, too, are floating in the freezing water beside them. It also enables the mirror-like reflection that delivers such pleasing visual symmetry. The bold contrast between the penguins’ black-and-white plumage and the cool, bluish-grey tones of the ice and water further enhances this effect.

The central placement of the waterline helps reinforce the tranquil mood—calm and composed despite the group’s lively energy. Personally, I feel a wider horizontal crop might have strengthened the composition further, but ultimately, we each view photography through our own lens—and that’s part of its enduring magic.

This photograph is a powerful reminder that it’s entirely possible to create arresting images of captive animals when creativity overcomes circumstance. It’s another excellent example of how contrast—between light and shadow—can be harnessed to produce something truly artistic and memorable. Here, the bright light reflecting off the penguin’s sleek, tightly interwoven feathers creates an exposure value far beyond that of the surrounding background. By exposing for the highlights, the photographer has effectively painted the subject onto a black canvas, eliminating all distractions and allowing the bird’s shape and form to take centre stage. The gentle ‘S’ curve of the penguin’s body, arcing through the centre of the frame, is a classic compositional tool that draws the viewer in and adds elegance. The striking colour divides of its plumage pop beautifully against the dark void, while the outstretched wing helps to balance the lower portion of the frame, adding structure and harmony. But the winning element—the stroke of genius—is that trail of air bubbles rising above the penguin like glistening jewels, catching the light as they ascend. This small but powerful detail situates the bird in its aquatic world, lending essential context and reinforcing its natural grace beneath the surface. This is a beautifully considered and executed image—proof that artistry is as much about vision as it is about setting.

Throughout the judging process, I kept coming back to this image. There's something quietly magnetic about it. The photographer’s use of underexposure to create a clean, deep black background lends a dramatic, almost theatrical quality. It isolates the subject beautifully, allowing the lighter tones in the heron’s plumage to stand out with striking clarity.

But it’s the inclusion of the rusted metal ladder that elevates the shot beyond the ordinary. The rectangular aperture formed by the rails and rungs frames the bird with geometric precision, bringing a sense of symmetry and control that perfectly complements the organic form of the heron. Its position on the lower rung is perfectly judged—balanced and deliberate, without feeling overly staged.

There’s also a subtle harmony in the palette: the warm, earthy rust tones echo the yellow hues of the bird’s legs, creating a quiet colour connection that draws the elements together.

This is a bold and beautifully different image—graphic, refined, and expertly composed.

One of the things I enjoy most about judging contests is the sheer variety of images on display. Photography has the unique ability to reveal what the naked eye might miss, freezing fleeting moments in time for us to explore and appreciate in detail. This image is a perfect example—an instant suspended, filled with energy, elegance, and technical excellence. The first standout element is the low angle of view. It's a crucial compositional decision that creates intimacy between the subject and the viewer—something a higher perspective simply wouldn’t achieve. That connection is amplified by the swan’s direct eye contact, which anchors the entire composition and draws us immediately into the frame. The handling of exposure and contrast is also superb. The photographer has deliberately underexposed the image to preserve delicate detail in the white plumage and enrich the tones in the swan’s bill—particularly effective in what is otherwise a mostly monochromatic scene. The resulting deep black background eliminates distractions and provides the perfect stage for the subject to shine. But what truly makes this photograph sing is the shape and posture of the swan. Caught mid-motion as it twists and showers itself in water, the bird’s head is perfectly positioned at the compositional centre, framed by a swirl of dynamic curves and arcs. The frozen droplets, scattered like jewels, bring a sense of movement and drama, elevating the image from a static portrait to something far more vivid and alive. This is a striking, well-executed photograph—beautifully timed and thoughtfully crafted.

Capturing intimate portraits of birds is a deceptively difficult skill to master. When including only a fraction of the bird in the frame, the challenge lies in highlighting small details without leaving the viewer uncertain about the subject. This photograph is an excellent example of how to strike that balance to great effect. The vibrant pink plumage immediately signals that we’re looking at a flamingo—there’s no ambiguity. The richness of the colour leaps off the page, further elevated by the beautifully intricate texture of the tightly arranged feathers surrounding the head. The detail is superb, drawing us in to admire the craftsmanship of nature. The eye is clearly the focal point, placed with care on the intersection of the rule-of-thirds, anchoring the composition and commanding attention. But it’s the graceful sweep of the larger feathers—obscuring much of the facial features—that adds a touch of mystery. It evokes the image of an elegant woman at a masquerade ball, cloaked in a feathered gown and playfully concealing her gaze behind a delicate mask. This is not just a portrait—it’s characterful, intimate, and laced with narrative flair. A stunning example of how restraint and detail can combine to create a powerful visual impression.

Simplicity often delivers some of the most powerful images. Adopting a high-key approach, as we see in this example, is a simple yet highly effective technique—particularly when applied in the right conditions. By deliberately overexposing the scene, the photographer has eliminated background distractions and subdued the unsightly, murky water these birds are likely wading in. The result is a crisp, clean canvas on which to paint this elegant avian portrait. What makes this image truly sing is the interaction between the two Avocets and their precise positioning. The photographer has captured a fleeting, perfect moment—where the heads interlock like dovetail joints, the bills harmonise in opposing alignment, and the mirrored bodies create a striking, almost sculptural symmetry. It’s the kind of timing that speaks of both patience and deep visual awareness. The subtle blue of the legs offers a gentle but effective contrast, adding just enough visual tension to lift the composition. And then there’s that delightful tuft of feathers on the bird to the right, caught gently in the breeze—a small, serendipitous detail that brings life and softness to the image. This is more than a well-executed bird portrait—it’s a carefully composed, visually poetic moment. A true work of art.

Negative space is one of the most powerful tools in visual art. It’s not emptiness—it’s breath, stillness, invitation. In bird photography, it can be the very element that lifts an image from the technically competent to the emotionally transcendent. In this example, the photographer has harnessed negative space masterfully—not only to focus our attention on the stilt, but to create an almost dreamlike canvas upon which the bird appears suspended. The soft tones of sky and cloud, reflected on the water’s surface, blur the boundaries between earth and air, leaving us momentarily disoriented—in the best possible way. It feels as though the bird is tiptoeing through the clouds. The composition, too, is particularly effective. The stilt is placed neatly at the intersection of the left and middle vertical thirds, while its legs and feet align beautifully along the central horizontal. This precise balance contributes to the calm, meditative quality of the scene—an image not just seen, but felt.

Mute Swans are the quintessential waterbird—elegant in form and striking in presence—and no collection of winning images would feel complete without their inclusion. Their graceful curves and pristine white plumage offer endless photographic opportunities, both artistic and compositional. This image is a particularly strong example of how contrast can be harnessed to great effect. The interplay between the sunlit plumage and the shaded background allows for a striking underexposed composition that isolates the subjects beautifully. The dark water provides a natural canvas, drawing our attention entirely to the birds while enhancing the swan's delicate form.

At the heart of the image is the adult swan, posed with classic serenity and reflected with near-perfection across the horizontal axis. This symmetry contributes a deep sense of calm and stillness. But what truly elevates the image is the family of cygnets. Their spacing is impeccable—each one contributing to a sense of order within the natural scene. The trio at the rear are subtly balanced by the single youngster leading the way, its posture mirroring that of the adult in front. It’s a moment of harmony and visual poetry. This is a beautifully crafted photograph—technically accomplished, emotionally resonant, and full of quiet storytelling.

I've seen and awarded this image before in other contests, but it remains a truly outstanding photograph—one that consistently stands out for its exceptional quality. In the context of this contest on Waterbirds, it fits the brief perfectly, showcasing both the water element and an iconic American wading species. Let’s begin with the colour palette, and in particular, the background. There are certain images where a clean, uncluttered background isn’t just desirable—it’s essential. This is one of them. The success of this shot hinges on the complete absence of distractions in both the background and foreground. The soft, complementary pastel tones provide the perfect supporting canvas for the two protagonists, and the use of negative space is nothing short of masterful—a textbook example of how to use simplicity to amplify impact. The deliberate overexposure has gently washed out the tones, rendering the scene with the delicacy of a pencil drawing. This approach not only enhances the ethereal quality of the image but also brings out exquisite detail in the plumage, lending the birds a subtle three-dimensional presence against the flattened backdrop. But the real power of this image lies in the positioning and timing. The direct eye contact between the birds as they square off is utterly compelling. The open bill of one and the closed bill of the other is a delightful contrast, and the small gap between them is crucial—it creates just the right amount of visual tension. The flowing symmetry of their curved necks, adorned with fanned-out breeding plumage, is beautifully observed and perfectly captured. All of this combines to create what may well be the definitive image of the Reddish Egret. I can't recall seeing a stronger one anywhere.

Lake Kerkini in Greece has become something of a pilgrimage site for bird photographers. The combination of cool, blue waters, majestic mountain backdrops, and large, charismatic birds makes for an irresistible cocktail. With popularity, however, comes saturation—and over the years, I’ve seen these Dalmatian Pelicans photographed in just about every conceivable way. Close portraits and flight shots tend to dominate, so it’s a real pleasure to encounter an image like this that takes a step back and delivers a broader, more narrative-rich view. The first thing to note is the low angle—there’s simply no substitute for the intimacy it creates. The photographer has likely leaned precariously over the side of a boat, camera skimming the surface, risking both a soaking and their kit. But it’s exactly this kind of commitment that separates the exceptional from the ordinary. Every compositional element here feels finely tuned. The thin strip of water grounding the image is mirrored by the peaks of the mountains above, creating a visual bracket. Between them lies a central band of morning mist—a soft veil of negative space that adds depth and mystery. The pelicans themselves are lined up boldly within the lower third, a deliberate and unconventional choice that works beautifully. What truly elevates this image, though, is the spatial choreography of the birds. Our eye is immediately drawn to the central figure, presented head-on with its long, iconic bill and symmetrical reflection dividing the frame almost perfectly. On either side, pairs of birds offer balance—the duo on the right, facing one another, introduces a touch of gentle interaction. The space between them is near-perfect. While the pair on the left overlap slightly, there’s a quiet charm in that imperfection—a reminder that nature rarely conforms to symmetry, and that’s part of its beauty. This is a thoughtful, finely judged image that demonstrates restraint, creativity, and compositional finesse. A standout entry among a well-trodden genre.

If you're looking for a masterclass in the use of symmetry in photography, look no further than this image. The photographer has cleverly exposed for the whites in the gull’s plumage, naturally darkening the shaded background and allowing for a transition to black in post-production. This stark contrast pulls all attention to the bird and its beautifully mirrored reflection. Timing is another standout feature here. While fast frame rates on modern cameras certainly help, capturing a moment this precise still demands anticipation and technical skill. A fast shutter speed ensures that every detail is tack sharp—crucial when dealing with fast-paced action sequences. The real magic lies in the symmetry. The gull’s positioning and its reflection in the water create a near-perfect balance that is both striking and serene. I particularly love how the beak cuts through the water like the bow of a ship—it's a small detail, but one that adds dynamism and intent to the frame. The water splashes and droplets inject a sense of movement and energy that animates the stillness beautifully. Here’s a fun twist: tilt your head 90 degrees to the right and the image transforms—it’s almost like a visual mind game.

When judging a competition, I’m always drawn to images that dare to be different—those that step away from the literal and lean into the artistic. This is a perfect example. The high-key treatment transforms what would have been a complex, potentially cluttered scene into something serene and poetic. By isolating the key elements and washing out the background distractions, the photographer invites us to focus entirely on shape, light, and mood. The monochrome conversion furthers this sense of abstraction, allowing the delicate forms of the birds to come forward without the pull of colour. Our eye is guided immediately to the heron—its darker plumage creating a striking contrast against the ethereal whiteness of the spoonbills in flight. There’s a quiet tension between stillness and motion, and that sense of narrative—the moment of lift-off—is beautifully captured. One particularly elegant touch is the subtle emphasis on the spray of droplets and the trace of ripples where the heron has just taken off. It’s a minor detail, but an expressive one, anchoring the composition and grounding the moment in physical space. This is an exceptional image: minimal yet dynamic, unconventional yet deeply considered. A bold artistic interpretation that speaks to the creative potential of avian photography. The beauty of photography lies in its subjectivity, and for me, this is the standout image of the contest—for all the reasons expressed above.

This image wholeheartedly embraces bold compositional choices—decisions that many photographers shy away from—and I applaud it for that. Most bird photographers understandably gravitate towards close, frame-filling portraits. There's an immediate visual impact in seeing feathers, colour, and expression rendered in crisp detail—something we rarely experience in the field. But like a sugar rush from a chocolate fix, that initial hit can quickly fade. Contrast that with the richness of a gourmet meal—layered, varied, and built to linger. This photograph is just that: a wide, atmospheric scene composed of multiple elements that invites us to slow down and explore. Compositionally, it’s very strong. The central line of trees provides structural weight to the image, acting as the backbone around which everything else orbits. The top and bottom thirds are washed out through intentional overexposure, creating spacious negative space that simplifies the frame and lends it a delicate, almost pencil-drawn quality. This technique not only eliminates visual clutter but also mutes the colour palette to lovely, subtle effect. The placement of birds throughout the frame—scattered delicately like notes on a stave—adds rhythm and interest without overwhelming the scene. The panoramic crop is a masterstroke, giving the composition a cinematic feel that adds depth and elegance. If I were to offer one suggestion, it would be to revisit the crop slightly—trimming a sliver from both the left and right edges to avoid birds being bisected. It’s a minor detail, but one that would make an already beautiful composition feel even more refined.

I love the use of the word “whimsical” the photographer uses to describe this image—it’s the perfect nod to the slightly playful appearance of the puffin, with its clown-like features and endearing personality. That whimsical quality is placed perfectly within this setting of dreamlike colour wash. The bright, pastel tones that provide the negative space around the subject feel almost like they belong on the walls of a kindergarten—joyful, soft, and evocative of innocence. The use of out-of-focus foreground and background elements is masterful, focusing all attention on the puffin itself. This is a prime example of how a long focal length and shallow depth of field can be used to isolate a subject with precision. Every element outside the plane of focus melts into a soft blend of colour, hinting at the coastal summer landscape where these birds breed, without ever competing for our attention. Compositionally, it’s solid too—the rule of thirds is applied with surgical accuracy, giving the image balance and elegance. The eye is drawn straight to the puffin, and it stays there, held by both technical clarity and emotional charm. I love this photographic approach—and I’d be delighted to have taken this image myself.

The use of slow shutter speeds in bird photography remains surprisingly underutilised—an unfortunate oversight, given the creative potential it unlocks. When fully embraced, this technique can reveal scenes that transcend what we’re capable of perceiving with the naked eye. It’s one of the reasons I love photography: its power to uncover the unseen. This image is a wonderful example of slow shutter success. The rich, warm tones of the background immediately evoke autumn (or fall, depending on your preference), and the motion blur has smoothed away any visual distractions to create a painterly texture. It’s the perfect tonal canvas for the heron, with its cooler, contrasting plumage bringing definition and focus. Effective slow shutter work should preserve the form of the subject—making it instantly recognisable—while blurring the edges enough to invite a sense of mystery and impressionism. That balance is beautifully struck here. The sharpness in the head, eye, and beak anchors the image, giving us a clear point of connection. Meanwhile, the trailing blur of the wings, feet, and tail creates a dreamlike quality that pulls us into something almost surreal. While I might have opted for a slightly different composition—the central placement isn’t my personal preference—it doesn’t diminish the image’s impact. After all, subjectivity is one of photography’s enduring charms. This is slow shutter technique at its best: evocative, imaginative, and expertly executed.