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NANPA Showcase Winners

Learn more about the 2024 NANPA Showcase prize-winning photographers and their work.

The Top 24 consists of the Best in Category Winner, the First Runner-Up, and Two Judges’ Choice images per category. Also, there are two additional levels of recognition, the Top 100 and the Top 250. 

2024 Judges’ Choice Winner / © Andy Wolcott

2024 Showcase
Competition Winners

The Top 24 is comprised of a Best in Show winner for each of the six categories, a First Runner-Up for each category, and two Judges’ Choice winners in each category.

Click each winning image to view as a larger size and read the caption. Jump to the Top Four Images of each Category by clicking the buttons below.

2024 Birds Category

Best in Category

Tim W. Oliver

As an Arizona creative with careers in broadcasting, graphic design and information technology, art and photography have always been a part of me, but my creative muscles atrophied over the years in lieu of a family and full-time technology career.  NANPA, KelbyOne, and OM System online resources rekindled my love of photography recently focusing on “Suburban Wildlife” capturing birds and animals within local parks and preserves.  Nature, wildlife, and the outdoors lift my spirits and feed my goal to celebrate and share this wondrous and beautiful planet we inhabit; doing what I can to help keep it that way.

Instagram:  @OliverImagesAZ

Website:  www.OliverImages.com

First Runner-Up

William Halladay

Having spent 30 years as an advertising Art Director, I’ve had a chance to meet and learn from some of the nation’s top photographers. After retirement I was able to put that knowledge to good use in my own photography to help the conservation efforts for many of the local conservation organizations in Southern California and Oregon. I’ve found photography to be an indispensable tool to educate and improve the appreciation of birds and nature in our communities. As well as an excellent therapeutic tool for my own sanity.

Judges’ Choice

Owen Deutsch

Owen Deutsch had a twenty-year career as a fashion photographer before retiring in 1986 to devote his time to his second business, Loft Development Corporation—a company with a rich history as an early pioneer in the practice of renovating old urban industrial warehouses and converting them into loft-style office spaces and other solutions. In 2002, he was introduced to birding by a close friend who asked for some help with his bird photography. A whole new world opened up to him –  he was hooked. He was back in the beauty business again, but this time it was birds, butterflies, and all the magnificent creatures of nature in front of his lens. In between trips all over the world in pursuit of his passion, Deutsch updates his extensive website and his popular Facebook page to share his love of birds with friends. A Chicago native, he continues to call Chicago home.

Photographer Biography and
Image Coming Soon!

Judges’ Choice

John Ehrenfeld

Born and raised in New York City, John attended the High School of Music & Art. After college John became a film and video content producer, eventually starting his own company and moving it to Los Angeles where it prospered for two decades.”I will always appreciate the film business and some wonderful mentors for giving me the technical and creative foundation that has served me so well.”

Photography which was once a hobby, turned into a passion throughout the years and helped shape the path John would take going forward. Settling in Napa County in Northern California, he has been totally dedicated to the photographic arts,  particularly nature and wildlife photography.

John is currently working on his first book, “Silently Into The Wild,” and has shot for numerous organizations and publications. His prints are for sale through this web site, and he conducts private and group workshops, photo tours and teaches photography.

Nikon Professional Services member. Call for information on individual lessons, guided trips & workshops. NANPA jurist. Published by Audubon, Wild Lens & Wild Hope Magazines, Ojai Raptor Center, Central Valley Birds, and International Bird Rescue. Keynote Speaker 2022 Winter Bird Festival, 2021 Napa Photographers Association, 2022 Nevada County Photography Club, 2022 NANPA Webinar.

Website: www.johnehrenfeldphotography.com

2024 Mammals Category

Best in Category

Kevin Dooley

Kevin Dooley is an award-winning Wildlife and portrait Photographer who grew up in Placitas, New Mexico. At the age of 18, he enlisted into the Navy and served on an aircraft carrier. After he completed his service he returned to New Mexico and opened his own photography studio in Albuquerque which he just retired after 40 years. His passion for wildlife photography and Africa, led him to his safari adventures and he eventually opened Idube Photo Safaris. Kevin is a certified FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa), Wildlife Guide, a PPA Master and Craftsman Photographer and takes guests from all over the world on amazing photographic safaris in Africa, Alaska, Brazil, India, and Sri Lanka . Kevin teaches wildlife and portrait photography workshops on both tours and speaking engagements. Kevin is the author of Wild Faces in Wild Places, a photographic journey into the stories and inspirations of wildlife photography. Kevin has been chosen five time to represent the USA in the Photographic world cup.

First Runner-Up

Jennifer Smith

Brought up and raised in or around Yellowstone National Park, Jennifer has always had an interest in wildlife photography.  Moving to Alaska in 1989 to teach, Jennifer found an environment rich in new subjects and few people.  After retiring Jennifer found herself able to pursue wildlife photography full time, not as a business but as a passion.  She began to branch out to other places throughout Alaska and the world.  The past several years has found her guiding and camping in Katmai National Park and documenting the wonderful lives of bears.

Website: jfsmithphotography.com

IG: @jfogle02

FB:  Jennifer Fogle Smith

Judges’ Choice

Carol Grenier

I began wildlife photography during my first job after college as a surveyor in Yellowstone National Park. Using slide film, my nature photography was mostly limited to landscapes and wildflowers during numerous hiking and backpacking trips. Digital photography allowed me to expand my love of nature to include wildlife, especially birds, and action. Nature photography feeds my soul and is a wonderful way to appreciate and connect with the world around us and share experiences with other enthusiasts.

Website: Patrickpeveyphotography.com

Judges’ Choice

Bruce Taubert

Bruce Taubert has been photographing wildlife around the world for over 40 years. Although he loves to photograph anything that breaths his special interests are night animals, macro photography, and camera trapping. Bruce has a PhD in wildlife biology and is eager to work with wildlife researchers to help document their efforts.

Bruce has authored “Wild in Arizona: Photographing Arizona’s Wildlife: When, Where, and How” and co-authored with Amy Horne“The Art of Macro Photography, along with a book published by Arizona Highways Magazine on Arizona Wildlife. His work includes AZ Bat and Rattlesnake posters, and publications in many magazines, books, and research papers.

IG: @brucetaubert

Website: brucetaubert.com

2024 ‘Scapes Category

Best in Category

Chris Bartell

As a high school student, Chris stumbled upon the captivating world of photography, and it has been part of her journey ever since. Chris’s photography journey has evolved over the years from using film, classes in college developing black and white images, to a digital mirrorless camera. Based in the various landscapes of Portland, Oregon, she finds inspiration in the natural beauty that surrounds her. Chris has worked hard to improve her skills to what they are today. Through her lens, she aims for viewers to enjoy the breathtaking scenes and the beauty of the world.

IG: @cbartell42

First Runner-Up

Carl Johnson

Carl Johnson resides in Anchorage, Alaska. His photographic passion lies in fully understanding a particular location. Carl has been the artist-in-residence for four national parks, was the “Environmental Issues” winner for the Windland Smith Rice International Awards in 2010 and was awarded the Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award for Excellence in Still Photography, Film, or Video by the Alaska Conservation Foundation. His book, Where Water is Gold, was awarded a Silver Medal in the Nautilus Book Awards and a Gold Medal in the Independent Publisher Book Awards. Carl is an Associate Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers.

Website: www.arcticlight-ak.com

Judges’ Choice

Joyce Harman

I grew up in a darkroom and my camera has never been far from my side. I am a founding member of the Old Rag Photography Gallery in Rappahannock county, VA. Using my night sky photography, one of my current photographic passions, I helped my local county park become an International Dark Sky Park.

As a semi-retired veterinarian, I enjoy teaching photography, challenging myself in new photographic techniques (including drones) and using my overlanding skills to get into the back country searching for unique images. My images are in private collections and have won awards in local and national competitions.

www.harmanyinnature.com

www.oldragphoto.com

www.savingdarkskies.com

Judges’ Choice

Margaret Larkin

I grew up in Eastern Washington State. My grandfather gave me my first camera when I was seven, however did not begin to seriously explore photography until I was in my early 30s. From an early age, I was introduced to the birds and wildlife that lived around us. I enjoy more than one type of nature photography, from birds, plants, and wildlife to landscapes. I hope that my photographs can inspire people to protect and preserve the beauty and diversity of nature.

I am one half of the team of Larkin Nature Photograph, the other half being Don Larkin. Together we are Larkin Nature Photos.

Smugmug

Instagram

2024 Altered Reality

Best in Category

Stephanie Becker

Stephanie is an award-winning wildlife and nature photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. A sixth generation native Californian and Certified Naturalist, Stephanie grew up exploring the bay area ridgelines where her family’s love of nature were deeply-help values. Stephanie became serious about photography during the pandemic where being out in nature and capturing unique moments provided both physical and mental benefits. Her goal is to create a visual narrative that evokes emotions, raises awareness, and inspires connection and protection of the natural world.

Website: stephaniebeckerphotography.com

First Runner-Up

Joyce Harman

I grew up in a darkroom and my camera has never been far from my side. I am a founding member of the Old Rag Photography Gallery in Rappahannock county, VA. Using my night sky photography, one of my current photographic passions, I helped my local county park become an International Dark Sky Park.

As a semi-retired veterinarian, I enjoy teaching photography, challenging myself in new photographic techniques (including drones) and using my overlanding skills to get into the back country searching for unique images. My images are in private collections and have won awards in local and national competitions.

www.harmanyinnature.com

www.oldragphoto.com

www.savingdarkskies.com

Judges’ Choice

Marty Purdy

I am a wildlife photographer and self-taught digital artist living in Jensen Beach, FL. About ten years ago I picked up a DSLR and was hooked. I have a passion for nature and for capturing the essence of the animals I photograph. I also love editing my images to highlight their spirit and provide a glimpse into their daily life. I feel honored and privileged to be allowed to enter the world of these creatures and hope that the images I take connect viewers with their uniqueness and vulnerability. Gently educating interested people about wildlife and habitat conservation has become a natural offshoot of sharing my images. When not traveling long distances to cool places to photog, I feel very lucky to have lots of opportunity right here in my own backyard.

Website: https://martypurdy.myportfolio.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/marty.purdy.5

Judges’ Choice

Andy Wolcott

Andy Wolcott is an award-winning landscape, wildlife, and conservation photographer based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her father, an avid photographer and darkroom expert, gave her an Argus Argoflex Forty for her seventh birthday and she was immediately hooked.  His seemingly limitless collection of slides and photographs of a lifetime in the foreign service and countless hours spent in the darkroom at his side are the basis and inspiration for a lifelong love of capturing on film what we see.  Now, after a thirty year career in banking, she is back in the darkroom full-time, digital this time, interpreting for others the images she has been privileged to capture.

With nearly seventy years behind the camera, Andy’s work has evolved beyond just the capture of stunning images to a focus on capturing a piece of the soul of her subjects.  Photography provides a unique opportunity, often in unexpected ways, to introduce others to places and beings they might never otherwise encounter, to encourage them to find out more, and to inspire a willingness to work for the preservation and conservation of nature.

Andy’s work has appeared in several publications, including Outdoor Photographer.  Her images are available as fine art prints, cards, calendars, and wearable art.

Website: ANDYWOLCOTTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Website: MONTANAMOOSEGALLERIES.COM

2024 Conservation

Best in Category

Heather Valey

Heather Valey is conservation photographer, writer & content creator living in the Colorado front range. She specializes in creating meaningful content that puts a spotlight on our interactions with wildlife and our environment.

When not out with her camera in the mountains looking for bighorn sheep or in the prairie watching prairie dogs she is with her husband and dog “Cleo” exploring Colorado. 

Website: www.heathervaley.net

First Runner-Up

Ryan Wagner

Ryan Wagner is a PhD student at Washington State University studying conservation biology. He researches how to better protect declining amphibian populations in the face of disease, habitat loss, and climate change. Ryan is also a wildlife photographer and science journalist. He aims to tell stories about our complex relationships with wildlife and wild spaces. His work has appeared in The Guardian, Wild Ohio Magazine, and the California Academy of Science’s Big Picture Competition.

Website: www.ryanbwagner.com

IG: @ryanbwagner 

Judges’ Choice

Dan Mele

Dan Mele is an underwater science photographer, filmmaker, and coral biologist in the U.S. Virgin Islands. With a marine science and technical diving background, he captures rarely-seen parts of the ocean. Dan’s mission is to reshape perceptions of science and the scientists themselves, steering away from lab-centric stereotypes. His work amplifies research projects by engaging broader audiences, securing funding, and fostering collaborations with diverse science and conservation bodies. Based at the University of the Virgin Islands, he documents local and visiting research teams, aiding island preservation and cultivating tomorrow’s scientific workforce.

Website: www.danmelephotography.com

IG: @dan_mele_photography

Judges’ Choice

Wayne Wolfersberger

Wayne is an ecologist-naturalist, educator, and photographer with a master’s degree in education. Over his career, he worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Navy Photographic Center, and spent 45 years in science education in public schools and universities. He has taught a variety of photography classes, led photography tours, and he has presented educational nature photography programs in the Mid-Atlantic region, the UK, and Australia. He has received multiple awards from Natures Best and several other photography organizations. His photos have been published in a variety of media and appeared in fine art exhibits.

Website: www.waynewolfersberger.com

2024 Macro, Micro, & All Other Wildlife

Best in Category

Thomas Myers

Tom Myers is a Board-Certified Entomologist and a well-known insect and wildlife photographer.  He has always been fascinated by the insect world and started observing and photographing insects at a young age. Myers was involved in research as well as scientific and close-up photography while at Purdue, Iowa State, and the University of Kentucky.

He is very active in youth and public education, hoping to get all generations interested in the natural world around them. He has made hundreds of presentations to schools, scout troops, nature groups, 4-H, science centers, clubs, civic groups, and museums.

His early work in bio-diversity studies took him to the world’s rain forests and lead to the discovery of numerous new species of insects including three insect species that are named after him. Tom’s work has appeared in numerous national magazines, calendars, newspapers, textbooks, TV broadcasts and scientific publications. His images have won local, national, and international honors.

First Runner-Up

Christopher Higgs

Chris Higgs is an award-winning Wildlife, Travel and Landscape photographer. He is a retired PADI scuba instructor who was born in Jamaica but now lives in the US. He has been capturing images from around the world for over 47 years.  He is passionate about protecting our oceans, reefs and river systems and is an advocate for protecting some of the most endangered habitats for North American Polar and Brown bears.

Judges’ Choice

Kathy Raffel

After a career in health care and education, I retired in 2018. Since then, I have traveled extensively photographing nature. One of the things I appreciate about nature photography is that it inspires me to learn about the plants and animals I see. Images often reveal details of feathers, fur, and texture that I miss in the field and deepen my sense of wonder about the natural world. I love the fact that photography and post-processing provide endless opportunities for learning, improvement, and enjoyment as well as entry into a community of like-minded individuals who are champions for conservation. 

Flickr : https://www.flickr.com/people/kkr_images/

Judges’ Choice

Christopher Higgs

Chris Higgs is an award-winning Wildlife, Travel and Landscape photographer. He is a retired PADI scuba instructor who was born in Jamaica but now lives in the US. He has been capturing images from around the world for over 47 years.  He is passionate about protecting our oceans, reefs and river systems and is an advocate for protecting some of the most endangered habitats for North American Polar and Brown bears.

2024 Top 100

Adam Batcher
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

Adam Bacher
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

Alice Cahill
Top 100 – Birds

Arash Hazeghi
Top 100 – Birds

Barbara Fleming
Top 100 – Birds

Barbara Fleming
Top 100 – Mammals

Bill Klipp
Top 100 – Mammals

Brett Freliche
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

Bruce Finocchio
Top 100 – Birds

Bruce Taubert
Top 100 – Birds

Bruce Taubert
Top 100 – Mammals

Cameron Azad
Top 100 – Birds

Cami Marculescu
Top 100 – Birds

Carl Johnson
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

Charles Janson
Top 100 – Altered Reality

Charles Janson
Top 100 – Mammals

Cheryl Medow
Top 100 – Altered Reality

Dan Mele
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Dave Cimma
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Dave Hattori
Top 100 – Altered Reality

Dave Hattori
Top 100 – Altered Reality

Donna Feledichuk
Top 100 – Mammals

Dr. Tish Ballance
Top 100 – Birds

Frank Clemmensen
Top 100 – Birds

Garry Everett
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

George Sanker
Top 100 – Birds

Glenn Nelson
Top 100 – Birds

Isabel Guerra Clark
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

Isabel Guerra Clark
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

James Johnston
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Jenny Loren
Top 100 – Birds

Jenny Loren
Top 100 – Birds

Jim Burns
Top 100 – Birds

Jim Burns
Top 100 – Birds

Jim Burns
Top 100 – Birds

Jodi Frediani
Top 100 – Mammals

Jodi Frediani
Top 100 – Conservation

John Ehrenfeld
Top 100 – Mammals

John LeeWong
Top 100 – Birds

John LeeWong
Top 100 – Birds

Joseph Ferraro
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Karen Bilgrai Cohen
Top 100 – Birds

Karen Blackwood
Top 100 – Mammals

Karen Hunt
Top 100 – Mammals

Kevin Dooley
Top 100 – Mammals

Kevin Dooley
Top 100 – Mammals

Kevin Lohman
Top 100 – Birds

Kirsten Hines
Top 100 – Mammals

Larry Moskovitz
Top 100 – Birds

Laurie Anderson
Top 100 – Birds

Lisa Mayo
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Mary Schrader
Top 100 – Altered Reality

Michael Hodgson
Top 100 – Mammals

Peter Batty
Top 100 – Mammals

Richard Beldegreen
Top 100 – Mammals

Robert Darby
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

Robert Gloeckner
Top 100 – Birds

Russell Satterhwaite
Top 100 – Mammals

Samuel Ray
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Sandra Rothenberg
Top 100 – Birds

Sarah Killingsworth
Top 100 – Conservation

Sarah Killingsworth
Top 100 – Mammals

Stephen Long
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Sue Dougherty
Top 100 – Mammals

Sylvia Hosie
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

Terry Shapiro
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

Thomas Nicholson
Top 100 – Mammals

Thomas Trogdon
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Thomas Trogdon
Top 100 – Birds

Tim Timmis
Top 100 – Birds

Tony Frank
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Turgay Uzer
Top 100 – Mammals

Turgay Uzer
Top 100 – Mammals

Vicki Jauron
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

Wendy Kaveney
Top 100 – Altered Reality

Yaron Schmid
Top 100 – Mammals

See the Rest of the Top 250
2024 Showcase Winners

See Top 250 Showcase Winners

Photo Courtesy © Lee Hoy