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NANPA Showcase 2025 Winners

Learn more about the 2025 NANPA Showcase prize-winning photographers and their work.

This year, the Top 31 consists of the Best in Category Winner, the First Runner-Up, and up to Two Judges’ Choice entries per category. Also, there are two additional levels of recognition, the Top 100 and the Top 250. 

2025 Judges’ Choice Winner / © Patty Bauchman 

2025 Showcase
Competition Winners

This year, the Top 31 is comprised of a Best in Show winner for each of the eight categories, a First Runner-Up for each category, and up to 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.

2025 Birds Category

Best in Category

Kevin Lohman


W: www.kevinlohman.com
IG: @kevinlohmanphotography

Kevin Lohman is an award-winning wildlife and conservation photographer living in Santa Cruz, California. He has an educational background in marine science and pursues nature photography so he can share views of wildlife most people never see. His years studying marine science, and exploring beautiful coastal areas of Central and Northern California, inspire his photography which has been recognized in local and international photography competitions including NANPA Showcase, the Audubon Photography Awards, the International Share the View Nature Photography contest, and the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.

Over the past few years Kevin has found amazing subjects through international travel to Costa Rica, Svalbard, Uganda, Kenya, the Dominican Republic, the Amazon rainforest, the Ecuadorian cloud forest in the Andes, and the Galápagos Islands. Kevin also travels within the United States to places including Yellowstone National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Bosque del Apache, and a number of other national and state parks.

When not traveling, Kevin spends his time along the California coast from Point Lobos to Pt. Reyes, with much of his time spent around the Monterey Bay coast. His photograph of a Great Horned Owl is featured on one of Santa Cruz METRO’s buses as part of their One Ride at a Time campaign, and, Kevin has donated a number of wildlife photographs to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation to support their conservation efforts. Kevin works with Nikon and Sony mirrorless cameras and a variety of lenses ranging from 14mm up to 800mm.

First Runner-Up

Turgay Uzer


W: www.turgayuzer.com
IG: @upgrademeforfree

Quite soon after my birth in 1952 I started in film photography with the help of my father, and have now progressed to digital mirrorless. After graduating from Harvard I taught physics at Atlanta’s Georgia Tech from which I retired in 2019 and devoted myself to travel and photography. My favorite travel destinations are Zambia’s South Luangwa, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and Brazil’s Pantanal. My favorite animal subjects are big cats and wild dogs. I favor animal-in-habitat images as well as close-up portraits with eye contact – not an easy task since eye contact with wild animals tends to be fleeting.

Originally I started photographing wildlife to keep souvenirs of the animals I love. Little did I realize that in the process I’d be documenting vanishing worlds: What’s here today may well be gone tomorrow! These days I am merely trying to keep up with the rapid destruction of wild places and things. It is not easy.

Judges’ Choice

Yoshiki Nakamura


W: www.3SPhoto.com
FB: @yoshiki.nakamura

I am a nature and wildlife photographer based in Seattle, with over 20 years of experience capturing the beauty of the world around us. My artistic vision is to create photographs that evoke the essence of paintings—timeless, expressive, and full of stories. Unlike the meticulous hours or even years required to create a painting, photography allows me to immortalize fleeting moments with the click of a shutter. This unique intersection of art and technology continues to inspire my work.

In recent years, I have ventured into wildlife photography, which has opened up an even more profound and captivating perspective on the natural world. Documenting the raw and dynamic cycle of life and death in the wild has deepened my passion for storytelling through images.

One technique I’ve embraced is Slow Shutter Speed (3S) photography, which enhances the painterly quality of my images. By allowing the camera’s sensor to gather light for 100 to 300 times longer than usual, I create photographs that blend the abstract with the real, each telling its own unique story. This technique, alongside my traditional high-speed captures, offers a diverse and creative portfolio that I hope resonates with viewers.

Judges’ Choice

Rajan Desai


 

Rajan Desai is a passionate nature photographer with a special focus on birds. His journey into photography began at the age of 12 when his uncle gifted him a point-and-shoot camera. This early interest deepened when he worked in a photo processing lab, where witnessing negatives transform into beautiful images captivated him. He thinks photography is a beautiful blend of physics, chemistry, and art. The spark for bird photography ignited when he placed a bird feeder in his backyard for his two-year-old daughter. Observing the birds that visited not only shifted his photographic focus but also inspired him to learn about avian species.  This hobby led him to travel to various places, deepening his understanding of birds, their habitats, and migration patterns. Recognizing the immense survival pressures these creatures face, he became dedicated to their conservation. To enhance his knowledge, Rajan completed the Birder’s Certificate Program and recently the Field Naturalists Certificate Program offered by Mass Audubon. He actively participates in citizen science conservation efforts, including grassland bird monitoring focusing on bobolinks and savannah sparrows, the NestWatch program, and Whip-poor-will surveys for the trustees.  His dedication and skill have been recognized in prestigious competitions such as the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, BPOTY, NANPA, and Audubon photography contests. Through his photography, Rajan aims to promote the conservation of the natural world and raise awareness about the challenges birds face in their natural habitats.

2025 Mammals Category

Best in Category

Rick Beldegreen


IG: @rickbeldegreenphotography
FB: @RickBeldegreen

As a career veterinarian, animals have always been an integral part of my life. That said, it stands to reason that wildlife has been the mainstay of my photographic endeavors spanning some 50 yrs. In addition to my passion for “topside” animal photography, I became a certified SCUBA diver in my mid 50’s in order to add “underwater” to my photographic repertoire.

My mantra is; if it crawls, walks, runs, flies or swims, I’ll try to photograph it.

First Runner-Up

Elizabeth Shen


IG: @elizabeth_shen

Elizabeth Yicheng Shen is a passionate amateur wildlife and nature photographer whose journey began just before the Covid pandemic. Inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite, she took up photography to capture the beauty of nature. With a deep love for animals—both birds and mammals—and a strong sense of empathy for the challenges they face in the wild, her photography aims to tell stories of life in its purest form. By transforming touching moments into eternal stories, she seeks to become a voice for the voiceless and raise awareness about the natural world.

Judges’ Choice

Zita Quentin


IG: @zitasphotogallery

I was born in Hungary and lived there until the early 90s. My grandmother bought me my first camera when I was 11 years old and I used it for decades to capture memories during my travels. I currently live in the US, in Colorado. There are many great photography opportunities in my own backyard, however, I am fortunate to have my IT consulting job that allows me to take time off and travel around the world to enjoy nature and photograph wildlife. My favorite subjects are cats, bears and mammals in general. My goal with photography is to raise awareness about endangered species – many of them are cat species – and help with the conservation efforts. I am hoping to capture the beauty of nature and memorable moments spent
with wild animals in their environment. I really enjoy photographing animalbehavior, interactions and love to find humor while observing animals.

Judges’ Choice

Miles Hewitt-Boorman


IG: @miles.hewitt.photography

I have a passion for capturing the raw beauty of Arctic wildlife and developed a deep appreciation for the untamed landscapes and incredible creatures that thrive in such extreme environments. From majestic Polar Bears to elusive Arctic Foxes, I strive to document their lives with authenticity and empathy. My work aims to showcase the resilience and majesty of Arctic species, highlighting the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems and hopefully inspire others to appreciate and protect its wonders.

2025 ‘Scapes Category

Best in Category

Ginger Barger


IG: @gingerbargerphotos

I am an outdoor photography enthusiast from High Point, North Carolina. I started photographing wildlife and nature in 2016 as a hobby and it quickly became my passion. I absolutely love capturing images of the beautiful world we live in, especially animals in their environment and landscapes. It brings me great joy to share these special moments with others who share my love for all things nature.

First Runner-Up

Patty Bauchman


W: www.patriciabauchmanphotography.com
I: @pbauchmanphotography

Although Patty has continuously had a camera since she was 9 years old (Kodak Brownie Hawkeye), she only became serious about photography when she retired and moved to Montana full time in 2010. Living in Big Sky, surrounded by such amazing natural beauty and being in close proximity to two awesome National Parks, her hobby became a passion.

Although she enjoys her photography for herself, she feels it is a privilege to share some of the unique sights she sees. Her photos have been published in local and national publications and are displayed at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio Gallery.

Currently there are several of her photos exhibited in the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and on the backs of Chairlifts at Big Sky Resort. By pursuing nature photography Patty feels more of a connection to the natural beauty and wildlife that surrounds us and the need to protect it.

Judges’ Choice

Mollie Issacs


Mollie Isaacs is a professional photographer who specializes in Nature, Wildlife, Flowers, Birds, and Abstracts. She is passionate about photography, and loves to share that passion by teaching others. She believes that photography is the perfect blend of the technical and the artistic. When both of those elements come together, beautiful images are the result. Early in her career she studied with Ansel Adams and Joyce Tenneson. Her work is in the Permanent Collection of the International Photography Hall of Fame, and has been exhibited at Epcot Center in Disney World, and Grand Central Terminal in NYC. She runs Awake The Light Photo Workshops & Tours, offers online Webinars, and personally leads photo workshops around the country and beyond. Read more about her and see her work on www.awakethelight.com

Judges’ Choice

Ilene Meyers


IG: @ilenemeyers

In a fast-paced world, my photographic work is my respite. Time stands still for me when I am out in the field gathering my photos. As I focus on the scene in front of me, I do not think about anything else going on in my life – or even in my immediate surroundings! It is truly a meditative experience. The beauty of nature unfolds for me now in ways that I never experienced in the past. I am more aware of my surroundings in terms of color and light. I take the time to appreciate sunrises and sunsets wherever my travels take me. It is my hope that through my photography you can also experience the beauty of our world.

2025 Altered Reality

Best in Category

Bob Coates


W: www.bcphotography.com
IG: @bob_coates

Coates started taking photographs with an SLR borrowed from a friend for a vacation back in 1983. After successfully managing other peoples businesses for 14 years while photographing on the side, he decided to follow the quote “Do what you love and you will become a success.”
Turning pro in March of 1995 and working his way through various genres in photography from weddings through commercial image creation, Bob is now concentrating on Photography education, capturing wildlife, nature and nightscapes.

Coates writes for various print and online photography magazines, presents webinars, travels the country presenting programs and sharing knowledge picked up in his over 25 plus year image making career.
Photographer, educator and author, Bob Coates is based in Sedona, AZ. See his photographers web site – successful-photographer.com. Check Bob’s photographic work out on his other web sites coatesart.net and bcphotography.com. Bob has Milky Way and Night Sky Photography Workshops and is available for mentoring.

First Runner-Up

Judy Reinford


W: www.judyreinfordphotography.com
IG: @judyreinford

In 1989, Judy graduated from Kutztown University with a BFA in Communication Design and Fine Art Photography. She began her career in photography at Hess’s department store, photographing everything from china to jewelry to bed linens. Judy’s interest in pet, equine, and zoo photography developed through her involvement in PPA print competitions. This led to a passion for fundraising and donating her finished work to zoo gala silent auctions. She is currently on the board of The Lehigh Valley Zoo Gala Committee, underscoring her dedication to animal conservation. Her teaching seminars have gained national attention, attracting attendees to PPA Community Partners and Photography Guilds across the country. Even small events have seen participants flying in from afar. Achieving the titles of Certified Professional Photographer, Master Photographer, Master Artist and Craftsman through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) was an exciting and challenging journey for Judy. PPA offers these prestigious degrees to recognize the significant achievements of its members. Judy’s studio specializes in pet and equine photography, offering on-location or studio sessions (though they haven’t had a horse in the studio yet—just dogs). Her services include digital mixed media paintings and fairytale composites of both pets and people. In 2023, Judy embraced the future by becoming an educator in the field of AI, teaching the positive aspects and potential of this technology, how AI can enhance creative processes and push the boundaries of traditional photography and digital art. This complements the Photoshop techniques already covered in her online and in-person workshops.

Judges’ Choice

Judy Reinford


W: www.judyreinfordphotography.com
IG: @judyreinford

In 1989, Judy graduated from Kutztown University with a BFA in Communication Design and Fine Art Photography. She began her career in photography at Hess’s department store, photographing everything from china to jewelry to bed linens. Judy’s interest in pet, equine, and zoo photography developed through her involvement in PPA print competitions. This led to a passion for fundraising and donating her finished work to zoo gala silent auctions. She is currently on the board of The Lehigh Valley Zoo Gala Committee, underscoring her dedication to animal conservation. Her teaching seminars have gained national attention, attracting attendees to PPA Community Partners and Photography Guilds across the country. Even small events have seen participants flying in from afar. Achieving the titles of Certified Professional Photographer, Master Photographer, Master Artist and Craftsman through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) was an exciting and challenging journey for Judy. PPA offers these prestigious degrees to recognize the significant achievements of its members. Judy’s studio specializes in pet and equine photography, offering on-location or studio sessions (though they haven’t had a horse in the studio yet—just dogs). Her services include digital mixed media paintings and fairytale composites of both pets and people. In 2023, Judy embraced the future by becoming an educator in the field of AI, teaching the positive aspects and potential of this technology, how AI can enhance creative processes and push the boundaries of traditional photography and digital art. This complements the Photoshop techniques already covered in her online and in-person workshops.

Judges’ Choice

Judy Reinford


W: www.judyreinfordphotography.com
IG: @judyreinford

In 1989, Judy graduated from Kutztown University with a BFA in Communication Design and Fine Art Photography. She began her career in photography at Hess’s department store, photographing everything from china to jewelry to bed linens. Judy’s interest in pet, equine, and zoo photography developed through her involvement in PPA print competitions. This led to a passion for fundraising and donating her finished work to zoo gala silent auctions. She is currently on the board of The Lehigh Valley Zoo Gala Committee, underscoring her dedication to animal conservation. Her teaching seminars have gained national attention, attracting attendees to PPA Community Partners and Photography Guilds across the country. Even small events have seen participants flying in from afar. Achieving the titles of Certified Professional Photographer, Master Photographer, Master Artist and Craftsman through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) was an exciting and challenging journey for Judy. PPA offers these prestigious degrees to recognize the significant achievements of its members. Judy’s studio specializes in pet and equine photography, offering on-location or studio sessions (though they haven’t had a horse in the studio yet—just dogs). Her services include digital mixed media paintings and fairytale composites of both pets and people. In 2023, Judy embraced the future by becoming an educator in the field of AI, teaching the positive aspects and potential of this technology, how AI can enhance creative processes and push the boundaries of traditional photography and digital art. This complements the Photoshop techniques already covered in her online and in-person workshops.

2025 Conservation

Best in Category

Elizabeth Shen


IG: @elizabeth_shen

Elizabeth Yicheng Shen is a passionate amateur wildlife and nature photographer whose journey began just before the Covid pandemic. Inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite, she took up photography to capture the beauty of nature. With a deep love for animals—both birds and mammals—and a strong sense of empathy for the challenges they face in the wild, her photography aims to tell stories of life in its purest form. By transforming touching moments into eternal stories, she seeks to become a voice for the voiceless and raise awareness about the natural world.

First Runner-Up

Sarah Killingsworth


IG: @skwildlifephotos

Sarah Killingsworth is a Northern California-based wildlife conservation photographer, writer and filmmaker who has always loved wildlife and exploring wild places. Her photographs are the result of countless hours in the wilderness, watching and capturing animal behavior. Passionate about stories of coexistence, especially with native predators, Sarah is inherently curious about the intersection of humans and wildlife habitats, how wildlife adapts to ever-encroaching human development as well as ways we can work to protect species before they become endangered. A certified California Naturalist, Sarah is a member of the Board of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin and the NANPA Ethics Committee and is also the Program Coordinator for the Keeping it Wild Youth Education and Outreach Program with Project Coyote. Sarah leads photography workshops with Conservation Kids, a nonprofit engaging youth with environmental issues through photography. She is a frequent public speaker about coexistence with wildlife, photography and ethics. Her images and writing have been published, in print and online, by a variety of publications, including Smithsonian Magazine, National Wildlife Magazine, The Hill, bioGraphic, Bay Nature, and Audubon.

Judges’ Choice

Anar Daswani


IG: @anaradaswaniphotos

I am a retired software engineer that loves spending time outdoors surrounded by all of nature’s wonders. While my focus has been primarily on observing and photographing birds, whom I have come to love and appreciate, I also dabble in macro photography and other wildlife photography. Through my photography I try to present the wonderful characteristics of each species and in the process hope to encourage a love of and awareness of the incredible beauty of these creatures and the dangers that they face. Through this I am hoping that more people will be motivated to work on the preservation of species.

Judges’ Choice

Shauna Hart


IG: @byhartphotography
FB: @shauna.l.hart

Shauna Hart is a conservation photographer based in northern Utah. She focuses on capturing the beauty and challenges of wildlife throughout Utah and the Mountain West. She serves as a board member of the Utah Wildlife Federation and is an active member of Utah’s Wildlife Connectivity Committee. Shauna’s passion for all things wild stems from a profound sense of responsibility to ensure that future generations can experience the wonders of nature.

She believes that without preserving the balance of the environment in the West, no generation will be able to appreciate the beauty fully, learn from the wildlife, or capture the essence of this unique region through photography. For Shauna, loving something naturally leads to the desire to protect it. This mission defines who she is and fuels her commitment to conservation.

2025 Macro, Micro, & All Other Wildlife

Best in Category

Steffen Foerster


W: www.steffenfoerster.com
IG: @steffen.foerster.photography

My fascination with the natural world began in a small town in Eastern Germany, where I spent most of my childhood exploring the surrounding forests and fields. This strong connection to nature inspired me to study Applied Ecology and eventually move to New York to pursue a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Columbia University.

For over two decades, I have been immersed in wildlife field research, studying insects, birds, and other species across the globe. My work has always been driven by a desire to understand the intricate relationships between animal behavior and ecology, as well as the broader ecosystems they inhabit.
Photography has been a lifelong passion, beginning in the 1980s when I picked up my first manual SLR camera. Over the years, this passion has evolved alongside my scientific career, shaped by extensive travel, research, and countless hours observing wildlife in some of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems.

Through my photography, I strive to go beyond mere documentation. My goal is to tell stories that reveal the emotional depth and complexity of the animals I encounter, inspiring others to care more deeply about the natural world. Photography, for me, is a powerful tool to foster awareness, spark curiosity, and motivate others to protect the wonders of our planet. I now share this vision through immersive wildlife photography workshops, offering participants the chance to deepen their connection to nature while honing their craft.

First Runner-Up

Bruce Taubert


W: www.brucetaubert.com
I: @brucetaubert

Bruce received his PhD in Wildlife Science from the University of  Massachusetts in 1980 and followed that with postdoctoral studies in Africa and the U.S.  Next he landed a job with the Arizona Game and Fish Department as a Conservation Administrator (Assistant Director). From this position Bruce worked on international and local endangered species projects, traveled all over the world as a States delegate to C.I.T.E.S. (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species), worked with the International Association of Game and Fish Agencies, lead a group of over 200 employees, and developed wildlife conservation projects mostly in the U.S.

From here Bruce became obsessed with the photographic process and how it was useful in the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources. Bruce’s photography covers a span from elephants to bees eyes!  Is you ask Bruce what his favorite subject is the response will be “if it respires I want to take its photo”.  Bruce has published three books on the photographic process and been a contributor in many wildlife related books from the U.S. and Mexico.

Bruce’s emphasis is helping researchers and public relations personnel communicate their projects through the use of photographic images.  His favorite “research” projects are with bats and bees!  Bruce has almost countless publications of his images.  Most notably are a few images in National Geographic Magazine, a lot of work for Arizona Highways Magazine, covers for Science Magazine, several posters on bats and snakes, and much more!  Bruce has received awards for his photography from National Geographic Society, Nikon Small World Contest, CUPOTY, and NANPA.

From the early 2000’s until 2022 Bruce taught wildlife photography workshops in Africa, South America, Canada, and the U.S.  Bruce’s obsession continues to date with an emphasis on those things that live in Arizona.

Books-The Art of Macro Photography. https://www.horndesigns.com/Books

Arizonas Wildlife. https://www.shoparizonahighways.com/arizona-wildlife

Wild in Arizona; Photographing Arizonas Wildlife: When, Where, and How. Amazon Books.

Judges’ Choice

Bruce Taubert


W: www.brucetaubert.com
I: @brucetaubert

Bruce received his PhD in Wildlife Science from the University of  Massachusetts in 1980 and followed that with postdoctoral studies in Africa and the U.S.  Next he landed a job with the Arizona Game and Fish Department as a Conservation Administrator (Assistant Director). From this position Bruce worked on international and local endangered species projects, traveled all over the world as a States delegate to C.I.T.E.S. (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species), worked with the International Association of Game and Fish Agencies, lead a group of over 200 employees, and developed wildlife conservation projects mostly in the U.S.

From here Bruce became obsessed with the photographic process and how it was useful in the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources. Bruce’s photography covers a span from elephants to bees eyes!  Is you ask Bruce what his favorite subject is the response will be “if it respires I want to take its photo”.  Bruce has published three books on the photographic process and been a contributor in many wildlife related books from the U.S. and Mexico.

Bruce’s emphasis is helping researchers and public relations personnel communicate their projects through the use of photographic images.  His favorite “research” projects are with bats and bees!  Bruce has almost countless publications of his images.  Most notably are a few images in National Geographic Magazine, a lot of work for Arizona Highways Magazine, covers for Science Magazine, several posters on bats and snakes, and much more!  Bruce has received awards for his photography from National Geographic Society, Nikon Small World Contest, CUPOTY, and NANPA.

From the early 2000’s until 2022 Bruce taught wildlife photography workshops in Africa, South America, Canada, and the U.S.  Bruce’s obsession continues to date with an emphasis on those things that live in Arizona.

Books-The Art of Macro Photography. https://www.horndesigns.com/Books

Arizonas Wildlife. https://www.shoparizonahighways.com/arizona-wildlife

Wild in Arizona; Photographing Arizonas Wildlife: When, Where, and How. Amazon Books.

Judges’ Choice

Cameron Azad


IG: @Flickr-Macdaza

I’m a hobbyist photographer that specializes in ve genres: underwater, wildlife, birds, storms, and landscape photography. My favorite is underwater photography due to the technical complexity of making underwater images. For me, nature photography is the perfect hobby – being in nature is restorative for the soul.

2025 Comedy/Humor

Best in Category

Cami Marculescu


IG: @gazellecm1

I am an amateur wildlife and nature photographer based in Charleston, South Carolina. As a child growing up in Romania, I have always been drawn to nature, and loved to observe the wildlife. My father was a photographer, and I think I inherited that “eye” for photography from him. I did not start my real photography journey until 2017, when I stumbled upon an iphone photography course.
I consider photography as an art form. Through my wildlife photography and its story telling nature, I would like to convey to the viewer the fact that all the living creatures, birds or animals, have a soul. I would also like to raise awareness of their habitat, environment, and behavior. Occasionally I capture funny and unique moments of their behavior, which can make us all smile.

First Runner-Up

Bill Klipp


FB: @bill.klipp

After retiring from a career in the Financial Services Industry Bill Klipp turned his lifelong interest in the natural world into a photographic passion. Over the last 25 years Bill has been visiting remote and exotic locations to study and photograph the local wildlife and cultures.

Photography is the perfect way for me to capture my unique view of nature’s beauty from intimate vibrant wildlife close-ups to travel and cultural images to panoramic vistas of natural wonders and exotic locations. Bill pursues his photography, love of wildlife and travel by visiting many wild, exotic and endangered locations like Antarctica, Africa, Arctic, Alaska, Baja, Galapagos Islands, Amazon, Madagascar, Patagonia, Caribbean, Cuba, Mexico, Central and South America. As internationally recognized and award-winning wildlife photographers Bill participates in international photography competitions and regularly donate his photography in support of various Conservation, Educational and Community efforts.

Judges’ Choice

Bruce Leventhal


W: www.bruceleventhal.com
I: @BruceLeventhal

My website has the tagline “I am an educator, naturalist, and photographer. I believe that it is possible to speak with images and paint with words.” The motto accurately describes my motivation as an teacher, scholar, and artist.

I grew up in New York City, moved to 29 Palms when I was 12, was off to Los Angeles at 14, and did my B.S. Degree at UC Irvine following high school. All of the moving and reconstruction of social groups in my formative years have had a profound impact on how I view the world today. I am a trained scientist with undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology that emphasized ecology, evolution, and behavior. My undergraduate research focused on the impact of high density nesting by Alaskan pelagic bird species, while my graduate studies examined how plant choices made by egg-laying monarch butterflies impacted the development and survival of their larval offspring. In between the pursuit of my two academic degrees, I went to graduate school to become a credentialed science teacher in Minnesota. I leveraged my love and passion for science and nature as a way to motivate disinterested adolescents to think critically about their world. So while I am proud of my degrees earned at UC Irvine and the University of Minnesota, I am most proud of the 31 years I spent in public education. Teaching young people and preparing them for life beyond home is more gratifying than my words can convey.

Throughout my “nomadic” youth, college, research, and teaching, nature photography was the one thread that grounded me. I purchased my first camera with Bar Mitzvah money in 1978, and have been making pictures ever since. I’ve exhibited my work in galleries, coffee shops, and libraries throughout Minnesota, and have begun to seek venues to share my work here in Santa Cruz. I’ve been published in multiple magazines and my images can be seen throughout many locations on the web. In the end, my writing, my blogs, and my self-published books have the same goal. I seek to excite the reader and viewer about nature, and promote a type of awe that might lead to conservation.

My self published books can be found by searching my name at Blurb Books (blurb.com)

Judges’ Choice

Barbara Fleming


Barbara Fleming is a wildlife photographer based in Colorado. For the last 18 years, she has been photographing full-time. Much of this work has been done in Africa, specifically in the Serengeti region. More recently, she has changed her emphasis to seek out locations offering opportunities to photograph endangered species.

She uses her undergraduate studies in anthropology, primatology, and psychology and her years of field experience to help her understand and photograph wildlife and its complex behaviors. She hopes to visually share her experiences with those who may not have a chance to see animal behaviors, both humorous and serious.

Barbara’s images have won awards in many national and international competitions. Many of the awarded images have also been included in gallery or museum displays in the country where the award was given.

2025 Video

Best in Category

Todd Gustafson


W: www.Gustafsonphotosafari.net
W: www.TotheEndsoftheEarthNFP.org

Todd Gustafson has been photographing nature, wildlife and natural history around the world for the last three decades. Todd’s main missions is to assemble images for his “To the Ends of the Earth” documentary series. Having grown up in Tanzania, East Africa is his specialty. His vast knowledge of the habitat and behavior of wildlife, as well as his social interaction with local people, has contributed greatly to Todd’s success. Through his breathtaking images and dramatic film making Todd shares his experiences with the creatures of the world as they eat, sleep, play, mate, give birth, raise their young and die, co-existing in a battle of survival on this wondrous planet we all share.

Photographic Awards and Recognition: “Flamingo Dance” won Runner Up in the 2006 BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and has been chosen as one of the top 80 images in the history of the competition. “Lion Cub” was chosen by Smithsonian as one of “Nature’s Best” in 2007. Nature’s Best Chose “Lemur Leap” as a winning image in 2019.

Television Credits: Todd was an on-screen expert on the Great Migration for two National Geographic specials. His documentaries To the Ends of the Earth, East Africa. Birds of East Africa, The Natural World, and Oceans show on 129 public television stations in America and in over 40 countries including United Kingdom, Italy, France, India, China, Russia, and Japan. The accompanying books come in a 3 volume boxed set.

First Runner-Up

David and Shiela Glatz


IG: @glatznatureproductions
YT: @glatznatureproductions

We started our imaging journey with landscape photography, quickly became obsessed with wildlife photography and then transitioned to video. Shiela took the first steps into the video arena, and David soon joined her.

We formed Glatz Nature Productions, LLC to funnel our video work onto social media. We concentrate on cinematography and also edit, script, narrate, mix sound and produce short films focused on wildlife, conservation and nature themes.

David is an FAA-certified drone pilot. Shiela is a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. Select stock imagery is available on Nature Footage, Inc.

Judges’ Choice

David and Shiela Glatz


IG: @glatznatureproductions
YT: @glatznatureproductions

We started our imaging journey with landscape photography, quickly became obsessed with wildlife photography and then transitioned to video. Shiela took the first steps into the video arena, and David soon joined her.

We formed Glatz Nature Productions, LLC to funnel our video work onto social media. We concentrate on cinematography and also edit, script, narrate, mix sound and produce short films focused on wildlife, conservation and nature themes.

David is an FAA-certified drone pilot. Shiela is a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. Select stock imagery is available on Nature Footage, Inc.

2025 Top 100

Adam Brubaker
Top 100 – Mammals

Alan Murphy
Top 100 -Birds

Alan Murphy
Top 100 – Birds

Alex Armitage
Top 100 – Scapes

Angela J. Sanchez
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Anita Patterson
Top 100 – Mammals

Bill Klipp
Top 100 – Mammals

Bill Wages
Top 100 – Mammals

Brad Reed
Top 100 – Scapes

Bruce Taubert
Top 100 – Mammals

Bruce Taubert
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Bruce Taubert
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Caitlin Bailey
Top 100 – Scapes

Charlie Wemyss-Dunn
Top 100 – Mammals

Christopher Higgs
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Corey Raffel
Top 100 – Comedy/Humor

Dave Hattori
Top 100 – Birds

Deena Sveinsson
Top 100 – Birds

Deena Sveinsson
Top 100 – Mammals

Donna Fullerton
Top 100 – Mammals

Drew Smith
Top 100 – Scapes

Drew Smith
Top 100 – Scapes

Evan Peers
Top 100 – Birds

Garry Everett
Top 100 – Birds

Garrry Everett
Top 100 – Birds

Gero Heine
Top 100 – Mammals

Ginger Barger
Top 100 – Comedy/Humor

Irene Waring
Top 100 – Birds

Irene Waring
Top 100 – Mammals

Isabel Guerra Clark
Top 100 – ‘Scapes

Isabel Guerra Clark
Top 100 – Scapes

Jacqueline Burke
Top 100 – Birds

Jeff Vanuga
Top 100 – Comedy/Humor

Jeff Vanuga
Top 100 – Scapes

Jennifer Smith
Top 100 – Mammals

Jenny Loren
Top 100 – Mammals

Jerry Chen
Top 100 – Birds

Jill Mudge
Top 100 – Scapes

Jim Burns
Top 100 – Mammals

Joseph Ferraro
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Joseph Ferraro
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Joseph Ferraro
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Judy Reinford
Top 100 – Altered Reality

Karen Bilgrai Cohen
Top 100 – Mammals

Karen Bilgrai Cohen
Top 100 – Birds

Karen Vail
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Kathy Lichtendahl
Top 100 – Mammals

Kathy Lichtendahl
Top 100 – Scapes

Ken Archer
Top 100 – Mammals

Kevin Dooley
Top 100 – Mammals

Kevin Lohman
Top 100 – Comedy/ Humor

Kevin Lohman
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Kevin Lohman
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Kevin Lohman
Top 100 – Scapes

Mary Schrader
Top 100 – Birds

Matthew Meier
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Melissa Teller
Top 100 – Birds

Melissa Teller
Top 100 – Birds

Miles Hewitt-Boorman
Top 100 – Mammals

Nancy Arehart
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Nathaniel Peck
Top 100 – Birds

Randall Roberts

Top 100 – Scapes

Ryan Wagner
Top 100 – Conservation

Steffen Foerster
Top 100 – Mammals

Susan McConnell
Top 100 – Mammals

Thomas Myers
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Thomas Trogdon
Top 100 – Birds

Thomas Trogdon
Top 100 – Birds

Vandana Bajikar
Top 100 – Scapes

Vicki Jauron
Top 100 – Birds

Wendy Kaveney
Top 100 – Macro / Micro / All Other

Yoshiki Nakamura
Top 100 – Birds

See the Rest of the Top 250
2025 Showcase Winners

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