September 2024 Wildlife Photography Contest Beginner Winner

I was thrilled to be on a ferry cruise out of Valdez, Alaska. This was my third visit to Alaska, the place that initially sparked my interest in wildlife photography. Since joining JoWP, one of my primary goals has been to return to Alaska and capture images of puffins perched on the cliffs. Their unusual faces and striking eyes remind me of jester clowns.

However, when we first approached the cliffs, I felt a bit disappointed. There weren’t as many puffins as I’d seen on my previous trips. The boat was crowded, rocking with the movement of the passengers, all eager to get a closer view. Amid the chaos, I spotted a puffin couple nestled in the rocks. Determined, I elbowed my way through the crowd, braced myself against the gunwale, and set my camera to continuous shooting.

I spent several minutes observing the pair, patiently waiting for a moment of interaction or behavior that would make for a compelling shot. In the end, I managed to capture a close-up of the puffin on the right, its distinctive face standing out. This image, taken in Prince William Sound, Alaska, holds a special place in my portfolio.