"August 2025 Photo Contest Image Critique"

The results are in! Our August 2025 Wildlife Photography Contest challenged members to feature subjects that were 12 inches or smaller—putting storytelling, scale, and natural behavior at the center of the frame.

From frogs and hummingbirds to chipmunks and lizards, this theme inspired photographers to slow down, shoot with intention, and let small subjects tell big stories.

This month’s live critique was led by Daniel Cadieux, award-winning wildlife photographer and head judge of our monthly contests. If you missed it, here’s everything you need to know.

💥 What the Judges Looked For

The theme, “Small Wildlife,” focused on subjects no larger than 12 inches in length or height. The challenge wasn’t about zooming in tight—but about creating thoughtful compositions that highlight small species in their natural world.

Judges evaluated each image based on:

• Subject size and eligibility — Wildlife needed to clearly fall within the 12-inch size limit.
• Creative use of environment — The best images gave space to the setting, using scale to elevate the subject.
• Light and mood — Directional light, soft tones, and atmosphere played a major role in storytelling.
• Clean composition — Judges looked for backgrounds free of clutter, strong framing, and clear visual hierarchy.
• Wildlife behavior — Authenticity and natural interaction mattered more than static portraits.

🔍 What Daniel Covered in the Critique

During the live session, Daniel shared detailed feedback on why some images stood out—and why others didn’t quite land. His commentary was packed with practical advice, including:

• Size compliance: Several strong images were unfortunately disqualified due to subjects exceeding the 12-inch size rule.
• Lighting choices: Harsh front lighting often flattened detail. Daniel praised shots that used sidelight or shade to maintain subtlety and texture.
• Background distractions: Bright patches, branches, or busy backdrops took attention away from the subject. Clean backgrounds gave images more impact.
• Low angles: Shooting at eye-level with small wildlife made a big difference in intimacy and subject presence.
• Emphasis on behavior: The top entries often included a moment—a stretch, a turn, a pause—that revealed something unique about the animal.

Daniel also reminded viewers that each contest theme comes with its own set of technical and artistic challenges, and that entries should always be crafted with the brief in mind.

💬 What Members Said

• “Thank you! So helpful. These critiques have made such a difference in how I compose and select images.”
• “These sessions are my favorite part of the membership. I learn something new every single time.”
• “So much good info packed into one hour. Thank you again!”
• “Really appreciate how respectful and educational the feedback is. Great session!”
• “I didn’t win, but I feel like I did—I learned a lot just watching this.”

🏆 August 2025 Contest Winners: “Small Wildlife”

🟢 Beginner Category

Winner: Sunflower Farm by Jeani Soderstrom
→ A beautifully composed image of a small subject nestled among sunflowers.
→ Celebrated for its warm tones, soft lighting, and clean framing.
View the winning image →

🟠 Intermediate Category

Winner: Ruby Eclipse by Claudine Bartels
→ A striking moment that blends subject, light, and shadow with precision.
→ Praised for its creative composition and strong control of natural light.
View the winning image →

🔵 Advanced Category

Winner: Sloow Kiss by Barbara Manser
→ A unique and intimate moment captured with patience and timing.
→ Noted for its storytelling impact, fine detail, and excellent use of depth.
View the winning image →

Thanks to everyone who participated and tuned in live. Whether you entered or simply watched, this community grows stronger—and sharper—each month through shared learning and creative challenge.