IFWTWA wishes to congratulate the 2024 Photography Contest winners. There were 135 entries, 111 from IFWTWA members and 24 from non-members.
In this post, we share every winning image and the story behind each photo. The 2024 Photography Contest consisted of eight categories: Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Portraiture, Food, Landscape, Nature, Night, Urban Landscape, and Wine & Spirits.
Best in Show – IFWTWA 2024 Photography Contest
Michael Hodgson received Best in Show honors in the IFWTWA 2024 Photography Contest from the NATURE category for his photo entitled Mirror, Mirror.
A bald eagle appears to be looking at its reflection on the water admiring the image. In fact, it was dipping its head into the water and shaking it around, washing off its beak. I had been sitting on the rocky shoreline watching this bald eagle feed on a fish at the edge of the water for some time. I was waiting for it to wade into the water, as I knew it would, to begin washing its beak and head. Bald eagles are very clean birds. In the middle of washing, it stopped and began staring at the water. Perhaps it really was asking the mirror who was the most beautiful bald eagle of all.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
First Place in Artificial Intelligence
Dancers in Mexico by Robin Smith.
A Mexican couple was dancing on the street at a party in San Antonio, Texas. I snapped a photo because of her colorful attire. They were standing in front of a street sign. I removed the background of that photo and added a Mexican Street background. Then I added the words Mexico but changed the colors in the words to match the trim on her dress. I did the work in CANVA.
ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITURE
First Place in Environmental Portraiture
Joy of Dance by Michael Hodgson.
There is simply no way not to experience the pure joy of Maasai warriors engaging in a dancing celebration full of chants, yips, rhythm, jumps, and smiles. Here Maasai warriors from Njapit village in Kenya’s Ol Chorro Conservancy are all smiles as they engage in jumping for the sky. I had been on assignment as a photographer with Biosphere Expeditions, and on this day, we had been patrolling the boundaries outside a Maasai village, looking for animal tracks and surveying how close animals were coming to the village. The Maasai chief came out and invited the three of us into their village for a private tour and to share in a traditional dance. It was a very intimate and special experience.
Second Place in Environmental Portraiture
The Man from Ipanema by Sarah Blevins.
In the Man From Ipanema, I captured a hat vendor walking along the beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
Third Place in Environmental Portraiture
An Amsterdam Commute by Sarah Blevins.
I love the motion in this photo. If you have ever been to Amsterdam, you know that bikes rule the roads. I had stopped to take a photo of these gorgeous flowers adoring the front entrance of a canal-side home. Those were beautiful, but the lady breezing by makes the photo so much more interesting!
Honorable Mention in Environmental Portraiture
Portrait in Blue by Barbara Redding.
While exploring the medina, the old city, of Chefchaouen, I noticed this woman preparing for a photograph. Her outfit matched the background perfectly. She symbolized for me in her choice of attire and the setting why people visit this hard-to-reach village in the Rif Mountains of northeastern Morocco.
Colorful Bubble Spells by Heather Trimm.
With spring in full bloom, a bubble maker performs at Bethesda Terrace in New York City’s Central Park. He floated several giant bubbles of color for the audience who stared in wonder. This onlooker seemed mesmerized and admittedly, it was an unusually large, long, and colorful bubble that seemed to calm the crowd. I loved it because it is so unusual, and the many different colors captured gave off an iridescent vibe as they glistened in the sunlight.
FOOD
First Place in Food
When Steak Meets Luxury – Tournedos Rossini by Gavin Booth.
Tournedos Rossini, aka the most luxurious beef dish in the world. The dish is composed of beef tournedos (filet mignon), pan-fried in butter, served on a crouton, and topped with a freshly griddled slice of foie gras. This dish is on the hall of fame for culinary beef experiences and was ordered at the famous Driskill Grill in Austin, Texas. The Driskill Grill is a true historic dining establishment with events including the location of President Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson’s first date. What made this moment, image, and restaurant experience special is that this dish was so tasty it inspired my wife and I to perfect the recipe. Now, when we’re in need of a special at-home date, we make this dish together. It’s a truly romantic experience on a plate.
Second Place in Food
Sushi and Sakura by Heather Trimm.
After traveling to Japan for coveted dinner reservations at a pop-up Michelin-starred restaurant during cherry blossom season, I wrapped up the trip in Singapore. While staying at the famous Marina Bay Sands, I had an incredible sushi dinner paired with a specialty sakura cocktail. I loved how the chopstick holder accents the color in the salmon sashimi. The mixed patterns of the plate and the table are beautiful and make for a gorgeous presentation.
Third Place in Food
Praline Basket at the Grand Marlin by Robin Smith.
This is the most delicious dessert. TGM Signature Praline Basket is a crispy pecan praline basket filled with vanilla bean ice cream, then drizzled with house caramel and chocolate sauces and topped with seasonal berries. When we visited, the blackberries were full and plump, along with juicy blueberries and some strawberries.
Honorable Mention in Food
Smoked Salmon Plate by Angella Arndt.
I had breakfast at Aria’s Salt & Ivy Restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada. This must be one of the prettiest dishes I have ever ordered. The plate held mini bagels, smoked salmon, heirloom tomato, red onion, crispy capers, and cucumber ribbons. The dish was accompanied by three flavored cream cheeses and garnished with fresh dill and edible flowers. I enjoyed this dish so much that we return to Salt & Ivy each time we visit Las Vegas.
LANDSCAPE
First Place in Landscape
Autumn Reflections by Lanora Mueller.
During a late afternoon walk in autumn, I watched with fascination as the wind made ripples on the surface of the river, distorting the reflections of bare trees. I took many shots. This one pleases me because of the contrast between the sharply focused floating leaves with the rippled reflections.
Second Place in Landscape
Outer Banks Sunset by Marni Patterson.
We were going to dinner at the NC Coast Grill & Bar in Duck, NC, and arrived just as the sun was setting. We walked up the steps and stood on the deck that overlooks Currituck Sound. When we saw this view, we knew it was too good to pass up, so we got out our cameras to grab several shots before we went inside.
Third Place in Landscape
Golden Grindelwald by Therese Iknoian.
Staying at the Grindelwald First hut atop the mountain in Jungfrau, Switzerland, a storm pounded around us as we sat inside and awaited dinner. Then, suddenly, magically, the clouds broke, and the sun lit up the mountains, painting the cliffs and clouds overhead in a sensuous light that had everybody running for the terrace. Instead of just focusing on the mountains, I wanted foreground, so I added a small group hut below the main hut. It was a beautiful moment that made me want to hug everybody I saw.
Honorable Mention in Landscape
Path to Spring by Lanora Mueller.
Every spring, wildflowers of all kinds bloom alongside the bike and walking path in this Geneva, Illinois, riverside park. In April, yellow daffodils dominate the landscape.
NATURE
First Place in Nature
Mirror, Mirror by Michael Hodgson.
A bald eagle appears to be looking at its reflection on the water admiring the image. In fact, it was dipping its head into the water and shaking it around, washing off its beak. I had been sitting on the rocky shoreline watching this bald eagle feed on a fish at the edge of the water for some time. I was waiting for it to wade into the water, as I knew it would, to begin washing its beak and head. Bald eagles are very clean birds. In the middle of washing, it stopped and began staring at the water. Perhaps it really was asking the mirror who was the most beautiful bald eagle of all.
Second Place in Nature
Eye on the Prize by Michael Hodgson.
A coastal brown bear charges through the water with its eyes fixed on a salmon in front of it, determined to catch a meal. I was sitting on the shore, watching this large brown bear wade through the water, periodically charging and catching salmon. The male bear developed a bit of a pattern and was very good at fishing. I watched it wade to the shore directly across the small river where I was sitting and then turn and stare into the water. I knew what was coming and the bear would be charging directly toward me, I quickly checked my camera settings and then waited, staring at the bear through my viewfinder. When it charged, exactly as I expected, I worked to keep the bear in frame, hoping to capture exactly this shot. I felt very fortunate.
Third Place in Nature
Milkweed Pod Ready to Dispense Seeds by Lanora Mueller.
The ripe pods of many nearby milkweed plants had already opened and sent their seeds flying upon the wind. This one was still full of its treasure and caught the golden light in an especially striking way.
Honorable Mention in Nature
Sea Ice Chinstrap King by Julie Suman.
A lone Chinstrap Penguin rides floating sea ice in the Southern Ocean. The photo also highlights the snowy conditions in the dominant Antarctic weather.
Desert Garden by Pam Baker.
Huntington Gardens in San Marino, California, boasts several different gardens, including a Japanese garden, a California garden, and an Australian garden. But the Desert Garden, when it’s in full bloom each winter, is the most interesting garden of all. Between the colorful blooms, unique shapes, and plants that grow twenty feet high, there is so much to see. On a visit to Southern California in early February 2023, I spent an entire afternoon wandering the grounds and learning more about various plants throughout the world. If you enjoy botanical gardens, you’ll want to add this one to your list.
NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
First Place in Night
Architectural Artistry in Malaysia by Heather Trimm.
What do you see? A bird? A super-cool armored suit fit for the next Avenger’s costume? Or maybe futuristic headquarters for the next blockbuster sci-fi film? I was in complete awe as I stood at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, looking straight up one of them. It was the dead of the night as all the symbolism danced through my mind. I love the lighting and how it shows different colors based on the viewing angle. This kind of architectural artistry and pure talent always leaves me speechless!
Second Place in Night
Always Standing By by Therese Iknoian.
After being frustrated a couple of nights trying to get stars at Bodie Lighthouse in the Outer Banks, I returned a third evening. I planned my shot for more than an hour of intervals to get the stars I wanted. It was a clear night. Then, the clouds started moving in. Since you never know what it will turn out like or what will happen, I let the camera continue to do its business. Afterward, when I stacked them, I ended up with frankly a better shot than if it had stayed clear — the clouds added texture and interest to what could have been just a more mundane photo.
Third Place in Night
Fire Twirler by Marni Patterson.
We saw this guy performing during a street festival in Tempe, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). I used a small aperture and set the camera on a tripod to capture the entire fire trail and get the stuntman and fire in focus.
Honorable Mention in Night
Akadi Lumina Forest of Time by Cori Solomon.
Walking through the forest at night while visiting the Akadi Lumina was a major highlight of my trip to New Brunswick. This image captures the feeling I had while strolling through the exhibit.
URBAN LANDSCAPE
First Place in Urban Landscape
Mirror Images in NYC by Heather Trimm.
When I’m in NYC, I stay in the same hotel every time. Each time, they give me “my room.” I like this room because I can see the Empire State Building on one side and Hudson Yard’s The Edge on the other. I love photographing the ESB’s tower lights and learning the significance of each night’s color from its calendar of events. While visiting, each time there is a new color, I turn off all the lights, open my room’s window, and take this shot. The window acts as a mirror and returns the ESB’s reflection. This particular night, the ESB was lit up red, white, and blue “in celebration of Team USA in the World Baseball Classic Finals.”
Second Place in Urban Landscape
Dancing with the Moon by Therese Iknoian.
The so-called “Molecule Men” sculpture sits in the middle of the Spree River through Berlin. Three giant figures dance at the intersection of three boroughs of the town, signifying their unity. I had been plotting a moonrise shot and found the moon would be behind the sculpture. Standing on an historic bridge down the river, I captured the moon as it rose—surrounded by people snapping smartphones and oohing and ahhing at the sight.
Third Place in Urban Landscape
Abandoned Furnaces by Therese Iknoian.
For three days in Birmingham, Alabama, I had the special treat of spending each evening wandering through, in, and around the towering historic furnaces. It was an unending wealth of photo possibilities at night, from stars and clouds to control rooms lit up. Although I was with a small group, I spent most of my time by myself, as others got as mesmerized by creating images as I did. At times, it was also a bit eerie, knowing the ghosts of so many workers still wandered its walkways. Yes, there are ghost tales there. This one was a broader, wider capture to put some perspective on the grandness of Sloss. I also lit the shovel on the right to add depth. A rising moon didn’t hurt.
Honorable Mention in Urban Landscape
Twilight at the Shed by Heather Trimm.
While starting to walk The High Line from its northern end at twilight one autumn night, I looked up. This is something I often encourage in photography because I capture some of my best photos with this simple rule. This is the southern base of The Shed, located in NYC’s Hudson Yards, framed by other buildings in the area. The lights had just turned on, casting a yellow hue against the white architecture. This sat nicely against a light blue twilight sky that was starting its purple and pink swirl in the distance, which makes up the right horizon of the photo. To capture this specific view, I crouched down to angle up so that The Shed was the tallest building (as it naturally is not) flanked by its (naturally taller) neighbors.
WINE & SPIRITS
First Place in Wine & Spirits
Tropical Spirit Perfection by Heather Trimm.
Who says tropical paradise can’t be found in Orange County, California? Two delicious special requests (a strawberry martini and a custom surprise) paired nicely at a restaurant in the OC. Sitting out on the patio, the table had tropical plants and flowers, providing the perfect backdrop. There was even a black sign that said “Thank You” behind the yellow drink, but I blurred it out to keep the focus on the cocktails. I love all the MANY different colors and how the greenery mimics the height of the glasses. Everything is so colorful, yet it all pulls together to support the starring duo in the foreground.
Second Place in Wine & Spirits
Del Ray Cocktail by Brad A. Johnson.
Shot on assignment for bradajohnson.com, the personal travel blog of writer/photographer/editor Brad A. Johnson. This is the El Ultimo margarita, made with tequila, strawberry juice, lime juice, Absinthe, Orgeat, and fresh mint. Del Rey might be the darkest bar in Palm Springs, so this shot required creative lighting — but I always come prepared.
Third Place in Wine & Spirits
Brando Cocktail by Brad A. Johnson.
Shot on assignment for OLTRE magazine. Writer/photographer/editor Brad A. Johnson captured this image of the Madame Tatin cocktail at Te Manu Bar at The Brando resort on the private island of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia. The mixology at this secluded beach resort is spectacular. This drink involves Calvados, pear liqueur, milk, cinnamon, and a Chartreuse emulsion. Te Manu bar sits adjacent to the newly revamped Les Mutinés restaurant by Jean Imbert. This is not your typical toes-in-the-sand beach bar.
Honorable Mention in Wine & Spirits
Archery Summit Wine Cave by Pam Baker.
The underground wine cave at Archery Summit Winery in Willamette Valley is popular with visitors. On the day we visited, it was a hot summer afternoon, and the wine cave provided some welcome relief from the heat. The winemaker was kind enough to provide us with a tour of the space where the wine barrels are stored, followed by a tasting of Archery Summit’s excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Thanks again to all who entered the IFWTWA 2024 Photography Contest, and congratulations to the winners!
