Wildlife Photo Contest 2017 Winners

Thank you to all the photographers that shared their showing animals in the wild in the Wildlife Photo Contest 2017 with chances to win a Canon EOS 77D and more!

"Another great collection of images and another challenging task to narrow these down to just a few. I was looking for powerful images that made me stop and want to look further into the photo... to ‘see’ an image with great technical skills behind the camera and in front of the computer. Here are the images that caught my eye. Well done and congratulations to all the finalists!" - Laurie Rubin

A special thanks to our friend and professional photographer Laurie Rubin for her collaboration as a guest judge in this photo contest. Laurie Rubin is an international award-winning photographer specializing in wildlife and nature photography. Her passion for photography as well as a career working for software companies, has combined her talents for teaching and sharing photography, from capture to post-processing. She currently has one of her prints displayed at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.

Congratulations People's Choice "A beautiful Lion in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana." by Simon_eeman

Congratulations Grand Jury Winner "Lion in the Shadows" by stephanieswartz

"When I saw this beautiful portrait of a lion, looking into the light from within the shadows, there was no question in my mind that this was my Grand Prize Winner. With wildlife, I am first drawn to the eyes, and this was no exception. The composition, tones, sharpness and the choice to darken the background so that main features of this lion’s face was in view was perfectly executed. Congratulations Stephanie on this powerful and dramatic portrait of a lion." - Laurie Rubin

Congratulations Runner Up "Brothers" by Alannixon

"I really love how Alan filled the frame with these two lovely Cheetahs. It is not always necessary to see the whole picture, in fact, this image is more powerful since we are drawn right into the interaction between these two. The gesture of the tongue adds a spot of color to an otherwise monotone image. Very well captured!" - Laurie Rubin

Congratulations Runner Up "Brevard squirrel " by bmfox

"It’s not always about the large wildlife, but sometimes, its the little ones that pop into view in front of our cameras. Great perspective with the photographer getting low at eye level with this squirrel. Nice depth of field by shooting wide open so that the background falls away and you are focused on the main subject. When I saw this image, it brought a smile to my face and I hope it did for you too!" - Laurie Rubin

Congratulations Runner Up "Burrowing Owl " by antonyz

"Pretty as a picture! This lovely owl is surrounded by white flowers which creates a lovely backdrop. I really liked the composition on this image where the owl is at eye level towards the bottom of the image. I can see this on the front of a greeting card. Nicely done!" - Laurie Rubin

Congratulations Amateur Winner "Killie giraffes " by jackye