Juried Photography Contest Winners 2026

Here are the award winners for the 2026 Juried Photographic Competition Celebrating E. B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge!

395 entries were submitted for the Open Competition and 50 for the Student Competition, all beautifully depicting the natural treasure that is Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. We at Friends of Forsythe thank you for sharing your talents to help us shine a light on the Refuge!

We want to thanks all of this year’s participants, and congratulate each of the winners. We also thank Richard Bernabe, who acted as our judge this year.

Adult Competition

1st Prize - Gloria Hansen "Dynamic Duo"

Judge’s Comment: “This image has visual movement, balance, and drama. It was edited with muted colors and processed with a light hand – not too harsh or too much contrast. It’s also aesthetically beautiful in wonderful light. Great photography work.”

2nd Prize - Ou Yang "Glide"

Judge’s Comment: “This skimmer was captured at the perfect moment, mid-flight, lower beak in the water, great win position. And you have a wonderful reflection with gorgeous golden light. I also love the spacing within the frame!”

3rd Prize - David Swerdlow "Snowy Owl 4, Forsythe NWR"

Judge’s Comment: “A snowy owl is always a great find but this one has a comical expression that just makes you want to laugh. Simple, centered composition captured at just the right moment. Great light too.”

Honorable Mention - Gloria Hansen "Morning Grace"

Honorable Mention - Susan Allen "Grasses that Glow"

Honorable Mention - Lynn Padwee "Tern with Breakfast in Flight"

Honorable Mention - Dawn Ekdahl "Evening Vigil"

Honorable Mention - Cindy Patrick "Love Language"

Honorable Mention - Rudy Lauletta "Robins Nest"

Honorable Mention - Matthew Reitinger "Scratchy Scratchy"

Student Competition

1st Prize - Lucas Jackson "Great Catch"

Judge’s Comment: “There is beautiful light, great gesture with the outstretched wings and fish. I love the little flash of water around the left foot. The image is dynamic with great framing and composition too.”

2nd Prize - Harrison Sabatini "Marsh Wren"

Judge’s Comment: “This marsh wren is holding on by grabbing unto two different reeds with each leg. The wren is positioned slightly off center but looking into the more open part of the frame. The space is filled with vertical and colorful green reeds against the pale blue sky.”

3rd Prize - Lucas Sabatini "Sunset at Forsythe"

Judge’s Comment: “I love how the setting sun creates a reflective column of light on the surface of the water and the wading bird is positioned right in that column. Perfect handling of the bright sun and the colors are simply gorgeous.”