"May 2025 Photo Contest Image Critique"

The theme for our May 2025 Wildlife Photography Contest was all about birds in motion. Members were challenged to capture wildlife mid-flight—showing grace, speed, and storytelling in the air. The submissions showed incredible timing, patience, and creativity.

This month’s live critique was presented by Gail Bisson, who led her final session as head judge. The event combined celebration, education, and a major announcement about what’s next.

💥 What the Judges Looked For

The theme, “Birds-in-Flight,” called for photos that captured true flight—not just birds airborne, but moments filled with purpose and impact.

Judges evaluated each image based on:

• Authentic behavior — The birds needed to be flying naturally, not baited or staged.
• Sharpness and clarity — Especially in the eye, wing tips, and critical details.
• Clean backgrounds — Scenes that supported the subject, not cluttered it.
• Good light and exposure — Balanced tones and visible feather detail.
• Composition and timing — Framing that told a story and froze the action at the perfect moment.

🔍 What Gail Covered in the Critique

During the session, Gail walked through key points that helped separate strong entries from the rest:

• Clipped wings: Even small crop cuts can disqualify a great image.
• Overcropping: Finalists must show image quality that holds up in RAW review.
• Catchlight in the eye: Adds life and impact to flight shots.
• Noise and detail: Overusing noise reduction flattens fine texture.
• Distractions: Avoid background clutter, wake trails, and blown highlights.
• No cloning: Removing elements disqualifies the photo immediately.

Gail reminded everyone that critiques are subjective—but they always aim to help members grow as photographers.

💬 What Members Said

• “Thank you Gail, for the many hours you have invested in helping us learn.”
• “Your insight and feedback has been invaluable.”
• “Loved the owl in the snow—such a difficult shot to pull off.”
• “Appreciate the detail on catchlights and RAW expectations.”
• “Gail, you will be missed!”

🏆 May 2025 Contest Winners: “Birds-in-Flight”

🟢 Beginner

Winner: The Fishing Maestro by Partha Pratim Chakraborty
→ A beautifully timed image of a diving tern, showing splash, sharpness, and prey contact.
→ Judges praised its storytelling and crisp execution.
View the winning image →

🟠 Intermediate

Winner: Blue-Footed Booby Over Kicker Rock by Jennifer O’Donnell
→ A unique flight moment framed against a dramatic island backdrop.
→ Strong light, excellent timing, and striking composition made it stand out.
View the winning image →

🔵 Advanced

Winner: It’s My Fish Now by Steve Kendall
→ A fast-moving Osprey captured mid-grab as it snatched a fish off a fishing line.
→ Judges called it dramatic, sharp, and full of storytelling energy.
View the winning image →

Thank you to everyone who submitted. And a special thank-you to Gail Bisson for her leadership. All critiques moving forward will be led by new head judge Daniel Cadieux.