Summer has officially come to an end. Luckily, EcoWatch is here to keep its memory alive by sharing the winners of our "Best of Summer" photo contest.
<p>For our third ever <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/photo-contest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">photo contest</a>, we at EcoWatch broke the competition into two parts: one Judges' Choice, selected by a talented team of activists, photographers, adventurers and influencers, and one EcoWatchers' Choice, selected by readers like you!</p><p>The winner of the "Best of Summer" Judges' Choice award is ... Raymond Paul Freitas, for his Late Summer View of the Milky Way over Bodega Head, California. </p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMTEzMzc4MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNTYwOTYzNX0.sI-D9PNh1u8mY2NkDHGr0tA62PqcywI3pkPjer-VhUM/img.jpg?width=980" id="0512c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c421d0038cc4449d36618b6a8ddf01f5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Late Summer view of the Milky Way over Bodega Head, California.
<p>"I love Milky Way images," Freitas said of the piece, "so I am always searching for stunning locations to photograph. I thought this coastal setting would be a perfect backdrop."</p><p>Freitas' photo was chosen by an accomplished team of judges: activists and filmmakers Gary and Sam Bencheghib, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/wildlife" target="_self">wildlife</a> photographer Anthony Bucci, award-winning photographer and expedition leader Amos Nachoum and zoologist, activist and social media Influencer Margarita Samsonova.</p><p>Samsonova called the winning picture "stunning."</p><p>"I know how hard it is to shoot stars and edit pictures like that. The colors and clarity here are amazing. Winner shot!" she said.</p><p>Bucci, meanwhile, praised Freitas' technique.</p><p>"The photographer didn't over edit this image while post processing it. I like the crop used in the post processing," he said. "The colours and overall composition of this image keeps pulling me back to view it. I think overall the photographer spent some time to properly setup his camera and chose a decent foreground to break up the Milky Way."</p><p>Freitas is retired and lives in Santa Rosa, California. His favorite summer activities are landscape photography, pickleball and hiking.</p><p>And now the photograph voted for by you, our readers. The winner of the "Best of Summer" EcoWatchers' Choice award is … Michael Pizzi, for this majestic photograph of Yosemite Valley.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMTEzMzc4MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMDI4NzY5Mn0.pgnkwlBpUbIr1I_xH5ONEplBcI9CEYJMDjEM2Kx8Ufg/img.jpg?width=980" id="32f32" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8c2dc2bbe678c45c26f4723f3ea81022" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
<p>"This was my very first time at Yosemite Valley, and it did not disappoint! The rock formations completely blew me away, the sunsets filled up the entire sky, and the wildlife seemed indifferent to my presence," Pizzi told EcoWatch of the moment he took the photo. He has since been back to the iconic <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/national-parks" target="_blank">national park</a> several times.<br/></p><p>But even before that first visit, Pizzi had long been drawn to the valley by the writings of John Muir and the photographs of Ansel Adams. He hopes to inspire other nature lovers in the same way.</p><p>"My goal here, and in every photo, is to bring the beauty of a location to people who have not yet had the privilege of experiencing it themselves," Pizzi said. "Hopefully viewers are motivated to make the trip to Yosemite, and join the fight to protect these places for future generations."</p><p>Pizzi lives in Los Angeles, where he runs <a href="https://vibesandhorizons.com/" target="_blank">Vibes and Horizons LLC</a>, a scuba-diving travel agency, underwater photography sales platform and environmental blog. His favorite summer activities are scuba diving and exploring the ocean.</p><p>"On the weekends, you can usually find me out in The Channel Islands and occasionally down in Baja Mexico," he said. "Feel free to shoot me a message to go diving!"</p>"Spirit of the Valley" at Yosemite National Park, California.
Michael Pizzi / Vibes and Horizons
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Our EcoWatchers have determined their favorite photos for July and August, featured below! Vote now. Pexels
Update, September 17: Voting is now closed. Winners of both EcoWatchers' Choice and Grand Prize will be announced on Sept. 23.
On June 26, EcoWatch launched its "Best of Summer" Photo Contest. Throughout the summer, we've been receiving submissions from EcoWatchers, and we've been giving readers the opportunity to vote for their favorite image. Our EcoWatchers have determined their favorite photos for July and August, featured below!
<p>Now it's time to vote on your favorite summer photo! Vote below and let us know which photo you think should win our EcoWatchers' Choice award.</p><h2>Here's How to Vote:</h2><p>Upvote an image below by clicking on the green up arrow located above each photo. You can also downvote photos. You can only submit one vote per photo, and voting will remain open for one week.</p><p>The winning photo from the vote will receive our "EcoWatchers' Choice" award of a $100 Patagonia e-gift card.</p><p>But that's not the only prize we're giving away. Our panel of judges are also choosing a photo to win our "Best of Summer" photo, with a $250 Patagonia e-gift card award. The judges are: Gary and Sam Bencheghib, Anthony Bucci, Amos Nachoum and Margarita Samsonova. To be considered for this larger prize, please read our guidelines below and submit your photo by September 11.</p>
<p>Submit your photo to bautista@ecowatch.com with the subject line "ECOWATCH SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST" by September 11th for a chance to win and to have your photo appear on EcoWatch.com. To be considered, submit your photo with the following information:<br></p><ol class="ee-ol"><li>Name</li><li>Email</li><li>Phone Number</li><li>Photo Submission (.jpeg file format recommended)</li><li>Caption & Location</li><li>Facebook and Instagram profiles (if available)</li></ol><p>Our judges will choose the winning photo and the winner will be announced September 23rd. The EcoWatchers' Choice award winner will also be announced September 23rd.</p>
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Like many other plant-based foods and products, CBD oil is one dietary supplement where "organic" labels are very important to consumers. However, there are little to no regulations within the hemp industry when it comes to deeming a product as organic, which makes it increasingly difficult for shoppers to find the best CBD oil products available on the market.
<p>Here you can learn about the importance of organic hemp oil, why it's better for the environment, and which CBD companies actually make trustworthy products with sustainable farming processes. origins which weigh heavily on many consumers who want to buy a product that's produced in the best way possible for not only themselves to ingest, but for the environment as well through sustainable farming methods. </p><h2>What Is CBD Oil?</h2><p>First things first, CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it's a cannabinoid found within cannabis sativa plants. This plant compound is believed to have many potential benefits, and it is primarily derived from hemp plants via a CO2 extraction process. </p><p>Since CBD is extracted from industrial hemp, which contains only trace amounts of THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis plants), this means that CBD won't make you feel high like marijuana, which has much higher levels of THC that causes psychoactive effects. Instead, the effects of CBD are much more subtle and promote a general sense of calm and relaxation in most users.</p><h2>What Makes a CBD Oil Organic?</h2><p>In terms of organic labels, perhaps the most important (and prominent) certification comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This government organization has been labeling foods as "organic" for many years, but what exactly does this certification entail? Essentially, a label indicating that a product is "USDA Organic" or "Certified Organic" means that at least 95% of the ingredients are obtained from organic sources.</p><p>For a crop to be considered organic by the USDA, it must be grown without the use of industrial solvents, irradiation, genetic engineering (GMOs), synthetic pesticides, or chemical fertilizer. Instead, farmers rely on natural substances and <a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mechanical, physical, or biologically based farming</a> techniques to cultivate healthy and organic crops.</p><p>Before the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, no hemp-derived products could be dubbed as "certified organic" since the hemp plant and its extracts were still categorized as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. However, it's still difficult for CBD companies to obtain a USDA certified organic label for their products due to the legal grey area that still surrounds CBD extracts. </p><p>Because of these challenges, and due to the fact that industrial hemp has only recently become an agricultural crop, very few CBD oils are USDA certified organic. Rather, many CBD products contain hemp extracts from plants that were grown in organic conditions but may not be federally certified.</p><h2>What are the Best Organic CBD Oil Brands?</h2><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p><em><br></em>
<h2>Why Organic Hemp Oil Matters</h2><p>Hemp is a unique plant, not only for its rich cannabinoid content, but also for its ability to absorb a wide variety of components in soil. But this trait poses great risks when it comes to the creation of CBD products derived from hemp.</p><p>Because hemp has a high capacity for compound uptake, this means that the plants can retain <a href="https://www.remedyreview.com/industry/lab-test-results/" target="_blank">harmful chemicals like pesticides</a>, heavy metals, and other residual solvents. This is especially true when it comes to synthetic chemicals that are more toxic to humans, and difficult to remove once they have been absorbed by the hemp plant.</p><p>Organic farming practices help reduce the risk of hemp crops absorbing harsh chemicals that may later end up in CBD oil after extraction. When you're taking CBD as a wellness supplement to help alleviate your symptoms or improve your overall well-being, the last thing you want is to ingest compounds that might negatively outweigh the benefits of CBD. This is an important reason to look for third party lab test results when shopping for CBD products since these certificates of analysis can show the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of a hemp extract, as well as test results that search for the presence of any residual solvents.</p><p>In addition to creating a better end product, organic farming practices are also better for the environment. Sustainable and organic farming methods may <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy</a>. The use of natural pest deterrents as opposed to chemical pesticides is also better for nearby animal populations and ecosystems.</p><h3>Organic vs. Natural</h3><p>While there are only a select few companies offering certified organic ingredients in their products, almost every brand in the CBD market creates "natural" products. The term "all-natural" or "plant-based" does not mean that a product is organic, and since hemp oil is a natural derivative of hemp plants, these products are often referred to as all-natural. However, there are some synthetic CBD oils that should be avoided because they are chemically constructed and may produce unwanted side effects that are not caused by naturally derived CBD extracts.</p><h2>What are the Benefits of Organic CBD Oil?</h2><p>There's a long list of potential CBD oil health benefits, and some of the most common wellness advantages include:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/" target="_blank">Chronic pain relief</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/" target="_blank">Anti-anxiety effects</a></li><li>Better sleep</li><li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201901/cbd-oil-mental-health-should-you-take-it-too" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Improvements in mood</a></li><li>Internal balance and regulation</li></ul><p>When dealing with pain, inflammation, sleep issues, and mental health struggles, it can be hard to find sufficient treatment options. The use of certain prescriptions can cause unwanted side effects, yet they are often the only solution for patients with these medical conditions. In search of other therapies, people have started to flock towards CBD oil as an alternative remedy for a variety of conditions. However, it should be noted that CBD products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and you should seek your doctor's advice before using CBD if you have a serious medical condition.</p><h2>Look at the Labels Before You Buy CBD Oil</h2><p>When you go online to buy CBD oil, you'll quickly realize there is an overwhelming number of brands that are saturating the market. It can be difficult to determine which products are truly as good as they make themselves out to be. Always look for up-to-date third-party lab tests so you know you are getting a great product, and don't hesitate to contact the brand if you have any additional questions. And if you're intent on purchasing 100% organic CBD oil, it's best to look for certified products or brands that are held to strict regulatory standards.</p><p><strong>Melena Gurganus </strong>is the Reviews Editor at EcoWatch. She is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.<br></p>
Spruce
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjI3OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTM2NzgzOX0.axY0HjeqRctJsR_KmDLctzDpUBLBN-oNIdqaXDb4caQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="774be" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8379f35b1ca8a86d0e61b7d4bfc8b46e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="spruce organic cbd oil" data-width="710" data-height="959" /><p>As one of the best brands in the business, Spruce CBD is well-known for its potent CBD oils that feature many additional beneficial phytocannabinoids. This brand works with two family-owned, sustainably focused farms in the USA (one located in Kentucky and one in North Carolina) to create its organic, small product batches. The max potency Spruce CBD oil contains 2400mg of full-spectrum CBD extract, but the brand also offers a lower strength tincture with 750mg of CBD in total.</p>
$89
CBDistillery
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjkzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTU4OTM4Nn0.ypRdeDSBcE87slYrFfVrRwtJ2qGIK6FD5jBB4pndTMo/img.jpg?width=980" id="b473b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9930b53c9d58cb49774640a61c3e3e75" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="cbdistillery cbd oil" data-width="1244" data-height="1244" /><p>All of the products from CBDistillery are <a href="https://ushempauthority.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">U.S. Hemp Authority Certified</a>, and for good reason. The company only uses non-GMO and pesticide-free industrial hemp that's grown organically on Colorado farms. Its hemp oils are some of the most affordable CBD products on the market, yet they still maintain a high standard of quality. CBDistillery has a wide variety of CBD potencies across its product line (ranging from 500mg to 5000mg per bottle) and offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils to give customers a completely thc-free option.</p>
$35
FAB CBD
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIyNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NDIwOTEyMn0.MlTjz096FJ0ev_-soK7_Z-FeQeJczWoeh9Qi9SSkHsY/img.jpg?width=980" id="04b26" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="76aa4862f44603242e318982acea6646" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="fab cbd oil" data-width="800" data-height="800" /><p>For an organic CBD oil that has it all, FAB CBD offers plenty of variety for any type of consumer. All of its products are made with zero pesticides and extracted from organically grown Colorado industrial hemp. FAB CBD oil comes in five all-natural flavors (mint, vanilla, berry, citrus, and natural) and is also available in four strengths (300, 600, 1200, and 2400mg per bottle).</p>
$39
NuLeaf Naturals
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIxOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzExNTgyMX0.D6qMGYllKTsVhEkQ-L_GzpDHVu60a-tJKcio7M1Ssmc/img.jpg?width=980" id="94e4a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3609a52479675730893a45a82a03c71d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="nuleaf naturals organic cbd oil" data-width="600" data-height="600" /><p>As an industry-leading brand, it comes as no surprise that NuLeaf Naturals sources its CBD extract from organic hemp plants grown on licensed farms in Colorado. The comany's CBD oils only contain two ingredients: USDA certified organic hemp seed oil and full spectrum hemp extract.</p><p>NuLeaf Naturals uses one proprietary CBD oil formula for all of its products, so you will get the same CBD potency in each tincture (60mg per mL), but can purchase different bottle sizes depending on how much you intend to use.</p>
$38.50
Charlotte's Web
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjk3NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzQ0NjM4N30.SaQ85SK10-MWjN3PwHo2RqpiUBdjhD0IRnHKTqKaU7Q/img.jpg?width=980" id="84700" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a2174067dcc0c4094be25b3472ce08c8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="charlottes web cbd oil" data-width="1244" data-height="1244" /><p>Perhaps one of the most well-known brands in the CBD landscape, Charlotte's Web has been growing sustainable hemp plants for several years. The company is currently in the process of achieving official USDA Organic Certification, but it already practices organic and sustainable cultivation techniques to enhance the overall health of the soil and the hemp plants themselves, which creates some of the highest quality CBD extracts. Charlotte's Web offers CBD oils in a range of different concentration options, and some even come in a few flavor options such as chocolate mint, orange blossom, and lemon twist.</p>
$60
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EcoWatchers' Choice: Vote Now for Your Favorite 'Best of Summer' August Photo Submission
30 August 2019
Popular
This landscape photo is a sumbission from EcoWatch's first photo contest. Alan Lantz
On June 26, EcoWatch launched its "Best of Summer" Photo Contest. Throughout the summer, we've been receiving submissions from EcoWatchers, and we're giving readers the opportunity to vote for their favorite image. Our team has reviewed the August submissions and selected the photos below as our favorites of the month. Let us know which photo you like best by voting below!
<h2>Here's how to vote:</h2><p>Upvote an image below by clicking on the green up arrow located above each photo. You can also downvote photos. You can only submit one vote per photo, and voting will remain open for one week. </p><p>In early September, you'll have one more chance to vote to choose between the July and August winners. The winning photo from that vote will receive our EcoWatchers' Choice award of a $100 Patagonia e-gift card. </p><p>But that's not the only prize we're giving away. Our panel of judges are also choosing a photo to win our "Best of Summer" photo, with a $250 Patagonia e-gift card award. The judges are: Gary and Sam Bencheghib, Anthony Bucci, Amos Nachoum and Margarita Samsonova. To be considered for this larger prize, please read our guidelines below and submit your photo by September 11.</p>
<p>We look forward to seeing your submissions!<br></p><p>Submit your photo to bautista@ecowatch.com with the subject line "ECOWATCH SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST" by September 11th for a chance to win and to have your photo appear on EcoWatch.com. To be considered, submit your photo with the following information: <br></p><ol class="ee-ol"><li>Name</li><li>Email</li><li>Phone Number</li><li>Photo Submission (.jpeg file format recommended)</li><li>Caption & Location</li><li>Facebook and Instagram profiles (if available)</li></ol><p>Our judges will choose the winning photo and the winner will be announced September 23rd. The EcoWatchers' Choice award winner will also be announced September 23rd.</p><p>Find out more about our judges!</p><h2>Contest Judges</h2><p><strong>Gary and Sam Bencheghib<br></strong>Brothers Gary and Sam Bencheghib are environmental activists and filmmakers. They founded Make a Change World, a media outlet that uncovers uplifting and inspirational stories on a mission to do good. They are passionate about creating social change through videos and giving a voice to the underrepresented. Together they have launched a series of expeditions from kayaking the world's dirtiest river on plastic bottles to stand-up paddling down New York's most toxic waterways. In the past three years, their work has been seen by more than 600 million people. This summer, while Gary bamboo bikes the Indonesian archipelago, Sam is set to become the first person to run across the American continent with recycled plastic shoes.</p><p><strong>Anthony Bucci<br></strong>Anthony Bucci is a wildlife photographer who grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He has donated numerous prints and other products to various wildlife societies across Canada, silent auctions and other fundraisers to raise funds for wildlife conservation and well-being. Anthony is currently on the raptor pick up list for O.W.L Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Delta BC, Canada. He feels it's important to give back to the wildlife conservation efforts and helping where Anthony can is a task he takes seriously. To Anthony, his wildlife photography is more than just taking pictures. Thinking about conservation and the well-being of all wildlife is always on his mind.</p><p><strong>Amos Nachoum<br></strong>Amos has led great expeditions for individual adventurers and institutions like Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Discovery Channel, Armani, Disney and Columbia Pictures. For National Geographic, he was team leader for separate photo expeditions to document the Red Sea, great white sharks and killer whales. His photos and essays have appeared in hundreds of publications around the globe, including National Geographic, Time, Life, The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Le Figaro, Terra Sauvage, Airone, Mondo Somerso, Der Spiegel, Unterwasser and many more. His work has also been included in the books The Living Ocean, The World of Nature, and Oceans. He has appeared on National Geographic Explorer, Today, and Good Morning America and featured in People, Esquire and Money<em> </em>magazines. Amos's photography has won Nikon, Communication Arts, and BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.</p><p><strong>Margarita Samsonova<br></strong>Margarita is a zoologist, sustainability activist, travel enthusiast and social media Influencer who uses the power of her social media to influence people to make more sustainable choices when traveling. After visiting more than 60 countries and seeing what actually happens to our planet, such as how plastic and food waste affects the environment, she decided to take a stand to speak about it and encourage people to care a little bit more about nature. Sustainability is the main focus of Margarita's social posts, and she speaks a lot about eco lifestyle, responsible traveling, ethical wildlife encounters, supporting locals and living in unity with nature.</p>
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"Sunset on the Serengeti" A photo submission to EcoWatch's first photo contest in 2018. Jenna Davis
Update, August 14: Voting is now closed. Michael Pizzi of Vibes and Horizons is the July EcoWatchers' Choice winner. EcoWatchers will vote on an August winner and again a third time to choose between July and August winners to get the EcoWatchers' Choice prize of a $100 Patagonia eGift card.
EcoWatch launched its "Best of Summer" Photo contest on June 26. Images are being submitted from around the world, showcasing EcoWatchers trekking through jungles, beaches and various other scenery, highlighting a shared love and appreciation for our planet.
The EcoWatch team looked at last month's submissions for our "Best of Summer" photo contest and chose five of our favorite photos for EcoWatchers to vote on. You have one week, beginning now, to vote for the EcoWatchers' Choice award for July.
Please upvote below on which photo you feel represents "Best of Summer" on EcoWatch by clicking on the green up arrow located above each photo. For the photos you feel are not the winners, please downvote. You can only submit one vote per photo.
EcoWatchers will vote once now for a July submissions winner, again for August submissions and a third vote to choose between July and August winners to get the EcoWatchers' Choice prize of a $100 Patagonia eGift card.
<p>We are still accepting submissions for the grand prize of a $250 Patagonia eGift card to be selected by our panel of judges. Submit your photo to <a href="mailto:bautista@ecowatch.com" target="_blank">bautista@ecowatch.com</a> with the subject line "ECOWATCH SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST" by September 11 for a chance to win and to have your photo appear on EcoWatch.com. To be considered, submit your photo with the following information:</p><ol class="ee-ol"><li>Name</li><li>Email</li><li>Phone Number</li><li>Photo Submission (.jpeg file format recommended)</li><li>Caption</li><li>Facebook and Instagram profiles (if available)</li></ol><p>Our judges will choose the winning photo and the winner will be announced September 23. The EcoWatchers' Choice award winner will also be announced September 23.</p><h2>Contest Judges</h2><p><strong>Gary and Sam Bencheghib</strong></p><p>Brothers Gary and Sam Bencheghib are environmental activists and filmmakers. They founded Make a Change World, a media outlet that uncovers uplifting and inspirational stories on a mission to do good. They are passionate about creating social change through videos and giving a voice to the underrepresented. Together they have launched a series of expeditions from kayaking the world's dirtiest river on plastic bottles to stand-up paddling down New York's most toxic waterways. In the past three years, their work has been seen by more than 600 million people. This summer, while Gary bamboo bikes the Indonesian archipelago, Sam is set to become the first person to run across the American continent with recycled plastic shoes.</p><p><strong>Anthony Bucci</strong></p><p>Anthony Bucci is a wildlife photographer who grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He has donated numerous prints and other products to various wildlife societies across Canada, silent auctions and other fundraisers to raise funds for wildlife conservation and well-being. Anthony is currently on the raptor pick-up list for O.W.L Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Delta BC, Canada. He feels it's important to give back to the wildlife conservation efforts and helping where Anthony can is a task he takes seriously. To Anthony, his wildlife photography is more than just taking pictures. Thinking about conservation and the well-being of all wildlife is always on his mind.</p><p><strong>Amos Nachoum</strong></p><p>Amos has led great expeditions for individual adventurers and institutions like Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Discovery Channel, Armani, Disney and Columbia Pictures. For National Geographic, he was team leader for separate photo expeditions to document the Red Sea, great white sharks and killer whales. His photos and essays have appeared in hundreds of publications around the globe, including <em>National Geographic, Time, Life, The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Le Figaro, Terra Sauvage, Airone, Mondo Somerso, Der Spiegel, Unterwasser</em> and many more. His work has also been included in the books The Living Ocean, The World of Nature, and Oceans. He has appeared on National Geographic Explorer, Today, and Good Morning America and featured in <em>People, Esquire</em> and <em>Money </em>magazines. Amos's photography has won Nikon, Communication Arts, and BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.</p><p><strong>Margarita Samsonova</strong></p><p>Margarita is a zoologist, sustainability activist, travel enthusiast and social media Influencer who uses the power of her social media to influence people to make more sustainable choices when traveling. After visiting more than 60 countries and seeing what actually happens to our planet, such as how plastic and food waste affects the environment, she decided to take a stand to speak about it and encourage people to care a little bit more about nature. Sustainability is the main focus of Margarita's social posts, and she speaks a lot about eco lifestyle, responsible traveling, ethical wildlife encounters, supporting locals and living in unity with nature.</p><p>More info can be found <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/ecowatch-summer-photo-contest-2638991345.html?" target="_self">here</a>.</p>
Ascending the Alps
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDUyMzgzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MzA5NDA3MH0.lkG14aXVpzQY-JqSSWTmOqOIy1cLJo1rMpqDRWHj0z4/img.jpg?width=980" id="7b863" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="36b58b5f9fc94e6c1fa63c4b12b0d350" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />A small herd of cows relax on a beach during a peaceful sunrise in Andhra Pradesh, India
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDUyMzgzNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjQ0NjA0MX0.G_USgeqwl0bcpRPJPL1f6s4oMmDx2yQyU6QRqcxTKFk/img.jpg?width=980" id="0b54a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e1aefe343b97dd5877517d99a7440776" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Rishi Chebrolu
Moraine Lake in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDUyMzgzNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1Njc2NDc0Mn0.Il-myQpGnYaYISC5MC8O9purjGJN7gHn3ctSTOy3E7Q/img.jpg?width=980" id="89ee4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6489cbcfb90de3272ebe31d4c434c9f2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Ramkarthik Ramadoss
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDUyMzg1MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNTc0NDAwMn0.m-fU2qBXJSSy_vz7FR4BfGrWvpwSiO46uJpNaiLudy8/img.png?width=980" id="75ab3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c55a772ec9d8e8c22f834b6b3747b57e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Michael Pizzi / Vibes and Horizons
Ominous clouds gather over a summer day in Zanzibar
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDUyMzg0NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyODc0NTcxMH0.s_K8RyHbbDvR4Db8N6JnZk_KI_Pu9TPZnswOc4LRPs8/img.jpg?width=980" id="21093" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="73f358730edc1ae05193df2e70c5fe12" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
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Golde Wallingford submitted this photo of "Pure Joy" to EcoWatch's first photo contest. Golde Wallingford
EcoWatch is pleased to announce our third photo contest!
<p>Summer is a time when our EcoWatchers are outdoors more, enjoying nature. We love all the beautiful things the planet has to offer. Many special moments have us pulling out our camera to capture those occasions in awe of our environment. But don't keep those great images to yourself! We want you to share your best summer snapshot with us, and our readers. Whether it's a vacation photo, a day at the beach or the beauty of your backyard, snap a pic and submit your image to our contest.</p><p>The "Best of Summer" photo will be chosen by our judges to win a $250 Patagonia eGift card. We will also be awarding an "EcoWatchers' Choice" prize of a $100 Patagonia eGift card for the photo most loved by our readers. We will allow readers like you to vote monthly to decide on the best July submission, the best August submission, and finally vote between the two to decide the winner of the "EcoWatchers' Choice" prize!</p><p>So enjoy your summer, take in the beauty of your surroundings and show us what you see!</p>
<p>Submit your photo to <a href="mailto:bautista@ecowatch.com" target="_blank">bautista@ecowatch.com</a> with the subject line "ECOWATCH SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST" by September 11th for a chance to win and to have your photo appear on EcoWatch.com. To be considered, submit your photo with the following information:</p><ol><li>Name</li><li>Email</li><li>Phone Number</li><li>Photo Submission (.jpeg file format recommended)</li><li>Caption</li><li>Facebook and Instagram profiles (if available)</li></ol><p>Our judges will choose the winning photo and the winner will be announced September 23rd. The EcoWatchers' Choice award winner will also be announced September 23rd.</p>
<p><strong>Contest Judges</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Gary and Sam Bencheghib</p><p>Brothers Gary and Sam Bencheghib are environmental activists and filmmakers. They founded Make a Change World, a media outlet that uncovers uplifting and inspirational stories on a mission to do good. They are passionate about creating social change through videos and giving a voice to the underrepresented. Together they have launched a series of expeditions from kayaking the world's dirtiest river on plastic bottles to stand-up paddling down New York's most toxic waterways. In the past three years, their work has been seen by more than 600 million people. This summer, while Gary bamboo bikes the Indonesian archipelago, Sam is set to become the first person to run across the American continent with recycled plastic shoes.</p>
<p>Anthony Bucci</p><p>Anthony Bucci is a wildlife photographer who grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He has donated numerous prints and other products to various wildlife societies across Canada, silent auctions and other fundraisers to raise funds for wildlife conservation and well-being. Anthony is currently on the raptor pick up list for O.W.L Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Delta BC, Canada. He feels it's important to give back to the wildlife conservation efforts and helping where Anthony can is a task he takes seriously. To Anthony, his wildlife photography is more than just taking pictures. Thinking about conservation and the well-being of all wildlife is always on his mind.<span></span></p>
<p>Amos Nachoum</p><p>Amos has led great expeditions for individual adventurers and institutions like Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Discovery Channel, Armani, Disney and Columbia Pictures. For National Geographic, he was team leader for separate photo expeditions to document the Red Sea, great white sharks and killer whales. His photos and essays have appeared in hundreds of publications around the globe, including <em>National Geographic, Time, Life, The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Le Figaro, Terra Sauvage, Airone, Mondo Somerso, Der Spiegel, Unterwasser</em> and many more. His work has also been included in the books The Living Ocean, The World of Nature, and Oceans. He has appeared on National Geographic Explorer, Today, and Good Morning America and featured in <em>People, Esquire</em> and <em>Money</em> magazines. Amos's photography has won Nikon, Communication Arts, and BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.</p>
<p>Margarita Samsonova</p><p>Margarita is a zoologist, sustainability activist, travel enthusiast and social media Influencer who uses the power of her social media to influence people to make more sustainable choices when traveling. After visiting more than 60 countries and seeing what actually happens to our planet, such as how plastic and food waste affects the environment, she decided to take a stand to speak about it and encourage people to care a little bit more about nature. Sustainability is the main focus of Margarita's social posts, and she speaks a lot about eco lifestyle, responsible traveling, ethical wildlife encounters, supporting locals and living in unity with nature.</p>
<p><strong>Contest Details</strong></p><p><em>By entering this photo contest, you are granting EcoWatch the right to use your photo on our site and our media channels in conjunction with this contest without the written permission. Unless otherwise instructed, EcoWatch reserves the right to use photo submissions on our site and in our media channels aside from the contest. If you do not wish to give EcoWatch the rights to use your photo aside from the current photo contest that you are participating in, please let us know within your email submission with the text, "No, I do not want to give EcoWatch the rights to use my photos in other media aside from the current photo contest that I am participating in."</em></p><ul><li>Photo submissions must be original work taken by the contest entrant.</li><li>By entering this photo contest you are granting EcoWatch the right to use your photo on our site and our media channels in conjunction with this contest without the written permission.</li><li>Unless otherwise instructed, EcoWatch reserves the right to use photo submissions on our site and in our media channels aside from the contest.</li><li>The winner's name will be announced alongside the winning photo submission.</li><li>Photos that have already been submitted to other contests currently ongoing or have already won prizes in other contests are not eligible.</li><li>Image files created through any device capable of taking still images, such as smartphones and digital still cameras, will be accepted.</li><li>Color and monochrome images are valid for entry.</li><li>After judging concludes, the winners will be notified by email sent to their listed email address. The Patagonia eGift Card will be sent to the same listed email address.</li></ul><p><strong>Disclaimers</strong></p><ul><li>EcoWatch reserves the right to void entries that depict brand logos or other intellectual property, whether on electronic signs, posters, or in other forms, or that in its judgment are harmful to public order, go against standards of decency, or are conflicting to the goals of the contest.</li><li>EcoWatch is not responsible for the resolution of legal issues arising from the entrants' submitted photos and will not pay any costs thereby incurred.</li><li>EcoWatch does not bear any costs to the entrants that are incurred by entering the contest.</li><li>Submitted entries may not be withdrawn or returned.</li><li>EcoWatch reserves the right to suspend or postpone the receipt of any or all entries if it is judged that the contest is unable to be run effectively, smoothly, or without affecting the fairness of judging.</li></ul>
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'Morning In The Mighty Redwoods.' David Ruddock
Today is Earth Day, which means it is also the moment you have all been waiting for: The moment when EcoWatch announces the winner of our second-ever photo contest!
<p>The theme for this year's Earth Day is "<a href="https://www.earthday.org/campaigns/endangered-species/earthday2019/" target="_blank">Protect Our Species</a>," so EcoWatch asked readers to submit their best photos of the creatures that inhabit this Earth. We then assembled a crack team of activists, writers and photographers to judge the entries we received: <a href="https://www.bluespherefoundation.org/" target="_blank">Blue Sphere Foundation</a> Campaign Manager Candace Crespi, <a href="http://theexplorersjournal.org" target="_blank">The Explorers Journal</a> editor Angela Schuster and photographer and new media artist Diane Boswell.</p>
<p>And the winner is ... David Ruddock, for his captivating photo <em>Morning In The Mighty Redwoods</em>.</p><p>Ruddock is a retired photographer and graphic designer who lives with his wife Susie in Mckinleyville, California. Their town is centrally located to several Old Growth coastal Redwood groves, and the couple take advantage of that fact at least once a month.</p><p>"We stood beside our first Redwood on a camping trip about fifteen years ago and decided then and there that when we retired, we would do so in an area where we could walk among them often," Ruddock wrote in an email. "John Steinbeck once wrote, 'The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always.'"</p><p>Asked about the inspiration for this particular photo, Ruddock answered he "felt the scene portrayed the silence and sense of awe you receive from the Redwoods."</p><p>The judges agreed.</p><p>"There are of course many photos that were close but that one seemed to evoke an emotion in the photograph about the awareness of a unique species," Boswell said in an email explaining the judges' choice.</p><p>She said the judges based their decision both on technical elements like composition, lighting, clarity and image quality, as well as on how well the image conveyed "an emotional connection to nature and <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/conservation" target="_self">conservation</a>."</p><p>"We noticed that in the Redwoods photo the rays of light on the subject created dimension and the small figure of the hiker gave it a feeling of scale," Boswell said.</p><p>Ruddock will receive a $250 Patagonia eGift Card as his prize.</p><p>The second runner-up was the photo <em>Yellow Warbler on Frozen Dogwood Tree</em> by John Strange.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTQwOTE0Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMzk0MjMzMn0.-JtMKnWKfRzozr8HVhWVAmo_gtxQdjWVUiI4YW1SYGw/img.jpg?width=980" id="f431a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="93da3ebdeeeb143c81aaa9df584d1530" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
'Yellow Warbler on Frozen Dogwood Tree.'
John Strange
<p>Strange is a 17-year-old student from North Carolina. He snapped the photograph in a lucky moment.</p><p>"I was out right then because I love to photograph the local <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/wildlife" target="_self">wildlife</a> to the point were I spend most of my free time out with my camera. The wildlife I photograph is my passion and my inspiration," Strange said in an email.</p><p>That passion meant he was ready to capture a unique situation.</p><p>"This bird is rare in my area, as is the snow that we had had during the time I took this photograph. When taken I immediately loved this photograph because of the beautiful yellow bird juxtaposed against the uniform purplish background of the dogwood tree encased in ice," Strange wrote.</p><p>Boswell also praised to the contrast between the yellow bird and the gray background. She said the photo captured the vulnerability of nature.</p><p>"It brings awareness to the importance of how all our decisions in protecting the environment are important for the most delicate to survive," she said.</p>This is EcoWatch's second photo contest. The winner of our first contest, held in honor of Thanksgiving 2018, was <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dakotaltman/" target="_blank">Dakota Altman</a> of Lincoln, Nebraska for his <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/ecowatch-photo-contest-winner-2620896084.html" target="_self">mesmerizing image</a> of a morning sunlight caught in a spider's web.
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Cavan Images / Getty Images
Update: The window for photo submissions has ended. The winner will be announced this Monday, April 22.
Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22nd. The official theme of Earth Day 2019 is 'Protect Our Species.' In honor of Earth Day, EcoWatch has kicked off a second photo contest. Show us what 'Protect Our Species' means to you. Maybe there's a tree you've always loved, or perhaps it's a photo of the bird you adore that always visits your yard. We're excited to see what species means a lot to you. Capture a moment and send it our way!
<p>Submit your photo to <a href="mailto:bautista@ecowatch.com" target="_blank">bautista@ecowatch.com</a> with the subject line "ECOWATCH EARTH DAY PHOTO CONTEST" by April 15th for a chance to win a $250 Patagonia eGift Card and to have your photo appear on EcoWatch.com. To be considered, submit your photo with the following information:</p><ol class="ee-ol"><li>Name</li><li>Email</li><li>Phone Number</li><li>Photo Submission file (.jpeg file format recommended)</li><li>Caption</li></ol><p>Our judges will choose the winning photo and the winner will be announced on Earth Day, April 22nd. One submission per person.</p><p>All submissions will be evaluated by our panel of judges, who will be announced very soon!</p><p><em>By entering this photo contest you are granting EcoWatch the right to use your photo on our site and our media channels in conjunction with this contest without the written permission of the photographer. Unless otherwise instructed, EcoWatch reserves the right to use photo submissions on our site and in our media channels aside from the contest. If you do not wish to give EcoWatch the rights to use your photo aside from the current photo contest that you are participating in, please let us know within your email submission with the text, "No, I do not want to give EcoWatch the rights to use my photos in other media aside from the current photo contest that I am participating in." </em></p><p>More Contest Details:</p><p>Entry Details</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Photo submissions must be original work taken by the contest entrant.</li><li>By entering this photo contest you are granting EcoWatch the right to use your photo on our site and our media channels in conjunction with this contest without the written permission of the photographer. </li><li>Unless otherwise instructed, EcoWatch reserves the right to use photo submissions on our site and in our media channels aside from the contest.</li><li>The winner's name will be announced alongside the winning photo submission.</li><li>Photos that have already been submitted to other contests currently ongoing or have already won prizes in other contests are not eligible.</li><li>Image files created through any device capable of taking still images, such as smartphones and digital still cameras, will be accepted.</li><li>Color and monochrome images are valid for entry.</li><li>After judging concludes, the winners will be notified by email sent to their listed email address by April 22nd. The Patagonia eGift Card will be sent to the same listed email address. </li></ul><p>Disclaimers</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>EcoWatch reserves the right to void entries that depict brand logos or other intellectual property, whether on electronic signs, posters, or in other forms, or that in its judgment are harmful to public order, go against standards of decency, or are conflicting to the goals of the contest.</li><li>EcoWatch is not responsible for the resolution of legal issues arising from the entrants submitted photos and will not pay any costs thereby incurred.</li><li>EcoWatch does not bear any costs to the entrants that incur by entering the contest.</li><li>Submitted entries may not be withdrawn or returned. </li><li>EcoWatch reserves the right to suspend or postpone the receipt of any or all entries if it is judged that the contest is unable to be run effectively, smoothly, or without affecting the fairness of judging.</li></ul>
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Jordan Siemens / Taxi / Getty Images
Update: The window for photo submissions has ended. The winner will be announced this Monday, April 22.
EcoWatch is pleased to announce its second photo contest! Earth Day is happening on April 22nd, and this year's theme is "Protect Our Species." With that in mind, we want EcoWatchers to show us your photographs of creatures that inhabit Earth. Send us your best photos of species you value.
<p>Submit your photo to <a href="mailto:bautista@ecowatch.com" target="_blank">bautista@ecowatch.com</a> with the subject line "ECOWATCH EARTH DAY PHOTO CONTEST" by April 15th for a chance to win a $250 Patagonia eGift Card and to have your photo appear on EcoWatch.com. To be considered, submit your photo with the following information:</p><ol class="ee-ol"><li>Name</li><li>Email</li><li>Phone Number</li><li>Photo Submission file (.jpeg file format recommended)</li><li>Caption</li></ol><p>Our judges will choose the winning photo and the winner will be announced on Earth Day, April 22nd. One submission per person.</p><p>All submissions will be evaluated by our panel of judges, who will be announced very soon!</p><p><em>By entering this photo contest you are granting EcoWatch the right to use your photo on our site and our media channels in conjunction with this contest without the written permission of the photographer. Unless otherwise instructed, EcoWatch reserves the right to use photo submissions on our site and in our media channels aside from the contest. If you do not wish to give EcoWatch the rights to use your photo aside from the current photo contest that you are participating in, please let us know within your email submission with the text, "No, I do not want to give EcoWatch the rights to use my photos in other media aside from the current photo contest that I am participating in." </em></p><p>More Contest Details:</p><p>Entry Details</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Photo submissions must be original work taken by the contest entrant.</li><li>By entering this photo contest you are granting EcoWatch the right to use your photo on our site and our media channels in conjunction with this contest without the written permission of the photographer. </li><li>Unless otherwise instructed, EcoWatch reserves the right to use photo submissions on our site and in our media channels aside from the contest.</li><li>The winner's name will be announced alongside the winning photo submission.</li><li>Photos that have already been submitted to other contests currently ongoing or have already won prizes in other contests are not eligible.</li><li>Image files created through any device capable of taking still images, such as smartphones and digital still cameras, will be accepted.</li><li>Color and monochrome images are valid for entry.</li><li>After judging concludes, the winners will be notified by email sent to their listed email address by April 22nd. The Patagonia eGift Card will be sent to the same listed email address. </li></ul><p>Disclaimers</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>EcoWatch reserves the right to void entries that depict brand logos or other intellectual property, whether on electronic signs, posters, or in other forms, or that in its judgment are harmful to public order, go against standards of decency, or are conflicting to the goals of the contest.</li><li>EcoWatch is not responsible for the resolution of legal issues arising from the entrants submitted photos and will not pay any costs thereby incurred.</li><li>EcoWatch does not bear any costs to the entrants that incur by entering the contest.</li><li>Submitted entries may not be withdrawn or returned. </li><li>EcoWatch reserves the right to suspend or postpone the receipt of any or all entries if it is judged that the contest is unable to be run effectively, smoothly, or without affecting the fairness of judging.</li></ul>
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'Everything Is Interconnected': Photo of Radiant Spider Web Wins EcoWatch Contest
21 November 2018
Popular
"Nature's heterogeneity and biodiversity are at the epicenter of my thankfulness and happiness. Here, deep within a saline wetland, morning light shines through the dew covered understory revealing an orb-weaver's web." Dakota Altman
EcoWatch is excited to announced the winner of our first-ever Gratitude Photo Contest. Participants sent us their best shots of what in nature they were most thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Our three amazing judges—Greenpoint Innovations founder Stephen Donofrio, marine scientist Gaelin Rosenwaks and documentary photographer Marc Bryan-Brown—picked their favorites from more than 70 photo entries of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife and majestic waterways.
<p>
And the winner is … <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dakotaltman/" target="_blank">Dakota Altman</a> of Lincoln, Nebraska who photographed a spider and its intricate, wheel-shaped web during a morning hike to a saline wetland located just a few miles from his home.
</p><p>
"The morning light hit a patch of grass suddenly revealing a landscape dotted with silvery orbs of spider silk," he told us about the shot. "Upon seeing this I knew that my subject was going to be a spider and its web. I found it important to get down low and compose the photo as if the viewer was there kneeling among the grass."
</p><p>
Altman works as an assistant and biologist for the
<a href="https://www.joelsartore.com/gallery/the-photo-ark/" target="_blank">Photo Ark</a>, a project of long-time National Geographic contributor Joel Sartore. <span></span>
</p><p>
<span></span>"My love for invertebrates has always drawn me to photograph them," Altman said. "Spiders, in particular, get a bad rap so shining a beautiful light upon them will hopefully change people's preconceived notions. This change I would like to extend to the importance of saline wetlands, marshes and prairies where most of my work is being done."
</p><p>
Rosenwaks said that the photo really stood out to her from the other entries.
</p><p>
<span></span>"I felt the winning image captured the scope of what an ecosystem is; the intricacy of a complex environment where everything is interconnected," she said.
</p><p>
Similarly, Donofrio said the photo was "unique in how it was able to visualize a landscape and a micro ecosystem at the same time."
</p><p>
<span></span>Altman, who received a $250 Patagonia eGift Card for winning the contest, said he hopes that the photo will inspire others, especially younger generations, to look more closely and view their surroundings in greater detail.
</p><p>
"You don't have to visit distant continents or remote jungles to find something extraordinary," he said.
</p><p>
Runners-up of the Gratitude Photo Contest include Dorothy Cullen's "Don't Worry, Bee Happy"—a stunning close-up of a bee.
</p><p>
During the judging period, Donofrio said he was "drawn to how this bee seems to be so powerful and big, despite its actual size."
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODkxNjgyNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTczMzU4Mn0.ZX4l_Qus6-l6IXCpKFDeaOYvl1hr3-FgiD86hzAwo3E/img.jpg?width=980" id="c79d8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5c5c063aafd613c85b200c6e6fe993bd" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">"Don't Worry, Bee Happy"</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Dorothy Cullen</small>
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Another participant, Balazs Dibuz, contributed "Stillness," a serene image of Slocan Lake in British Columbia, Canada. It was among many striking landscape photo entries we received.
</p><p>
"The tranquility and peacefulness in this beautiful landscape is breathtaking," Bryan-Brown said. "The muted layers of tones as the image recedes into the mists add to a sense of blissful isolation. As I look at this image I want nothing more than to be standing on that beach."
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<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODkxNjkyNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNzgwNzgzMX0.BD-BhrNVfUvfiaFs8N25BskjZ0zwfRc48y607B9HnL8/img.jpg?width=980" id="78aaa" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b9deef7f6d009e3c0742a643682bd825" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">"Stillness" </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Balazs Dibuz</small>
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The judges were impressed by the high quality of the entries.
<span></span>
</p><p>
"All of the images evoked a strong sense of emotion which is appropriate because of the theme of gratitude," Rosenwaks said. "It was clear that every image meant a lot to the photographer. I was honored to be one of the judges."
</p><p>
Donofrio added, "It was wonderful to see the range of submissions that truly show how gloriously diverse of a natural world we have around us, all evoking an understanding of how we as a human race give thanks and value to the places in which we live."
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Westend61 / Getty Images
Update: The window for photo submissions has ended. The winner will be announced this Wednesday, November 21.
EcoWatch is pleased to announce its first photo contest! Show us what in nature you are most thankful for this Thanksgiving. Whether you have a love for oceans, animals, or parks, we want to see your best photos that capture what you love about this planet.
<p>Send your photo to <a href="mailto:bautista@ecowatch.com" target="_blank">bautista@ecowatch.com</a> with the subject line "ECOWATCH PHOTO CONTEST" by November 16th with the following information for a chance to have your photo appear on EcoWatch and win a $250 Patagonia eGift Card:</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>1.</strong> Name</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>2.</strong> Email</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>3.</strong> Phone Number</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>4.</strong> Photo Submission file (.jpeg file format recommended)</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>5. </strong>Caption</p><p>Our judges will choose the winning photo and the winner will be announced on November 21st. One submission per person. </p><p>All submissions will be evaluated by our wonderful judges Stephen Donofrio, Gaelin Rosenwaks and Marc Bryan-Brown to decide who the winner is. </p><h3>Stephen Donofrio</h3><p>Stephen Donofrio's work spans across sectors on climate, water, and forests sustainability, branching out to include carbon finance, cap-and-trade, corporate responsibility, and forest risk free agricultural supply chain management. He launched Greenpoint Innovations in 2014 with the aim of delivering compelling insights and unforgettable stories with the integration of innovative technologies and the arts. Aside from Greenpoint Innovations, he serves as a director at Forest Trends, is a regular public speaker at global forums, and is an associate educator at Boston College and Arizona University.</p><p><strong>Website: </strong><a href="http://www.greenpointinnovations.com/" target="_blank">www.greenpointinnovations.com</a> </p><p><strong>Instagram:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stephendonofrio/" target="_blank">@stephendonofrio</a></p><h3>Gaelin Rosenwaks
</h3><p>Gaelin Rosenwaks is a marine scientist, explorer, photographer and filmmaker. Alarmed by the changes happening in the oceans, Gaelin founded Global Ocean Exploration, Inc. to share her passion for ocean exploration, marine conservation, and fishing through powerful imagery, words and adventure. She now participates and conducts expeditions in every ocean to alert the public not only to the challenges facing the oceans, but also to what science is doing to understand these changes.</p><p><span style="background-color: initial;"><strong>Website:</strong></span><strong> </strong> <a href="http://www.gaelinrosenwaks.com/" target="_blank">www.gaelinrosenwaks.com</a></p><p><strong>Instagram: </strong>@GaelinGOExplore</p><h3>Marc Bryan-Brown</h3><p>Documentary photographer Marc Bryan-Brown has been shooting people, places and things for more than 30 years. Starting in the music industry he was Whitney Houston's personal photographer at the peak of her career. Following that he moved into travel and expedition work. He is cited by the Mountainview Museum of Computing as being on the first "online expedition" and the 1994 Friendship Flight Across Arctic Siberia where images and reports were filed from the field to a website. Marc lives in the New York Hudson Valley with his wife Florence Seery.</p><p><em>By entering this photo contest you are granting EcoWatch the right to use your photo on our site and our media channels in conjunction with this contest without the written permission of the photographer. Unless otherwise instructed, EcoWatch reserves the right to use photo submissions on our site and in our media channels aside from the contest. If you do not wish to give EcoWatch the rights to use your photo aside from the current photo contest that you are participating in, please let us know within your email submission with the text "No, I do not want to give EcoWatch the rights to use my photos in other media aside from the current photo contest that I am participating in." </em><br></p><h2>More Contest Details:</h2><p><strong>Entry Details</strong></p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Photo submissions must be original work taken by the contest entrant.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>By entering this photo contest you are granting EcoWatch the right to use your photo on our site and our media channels in conjunction with this contest without the written permission of the photographer.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Unless otherwise instructed, EcoWatch reserves the right to use photo submissions on our site and in our media channels aside from the contest.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>The winner's name will be announced alongside the winning photo submission.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Photos that have already been submitted to other contests currently ongoing or have already won prizes in other contests are not eligible.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Image files created through any device capable of taking still images, such as smartphones and digital still cameras, will be accepted.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Color and monochrome images are valid for entry.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"><li>After judging concludes, the winners will be notified by email sent to their listed email address by November 21st. The Patagonia eGift Card will be sent to the same listed email address. </li></ul><p><strong>Disclaimers</strong></p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>EcoWatch reserves the right to void entries that depict brand logos or other intellectual property, whether on electronic signs, posters, or in other forms, or that in its judgment are harmful to public order, go against standards of decency, or are conflicting to the goals of the contest.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>EcoWatch is not responsible for the resolution of legal issues arising from the entrants submitted photos and will not pay any costs thereby incurred.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>EcoWatch does not bear any costs to the entrants that incur by entering the contest.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Submitted entries may not be withdrawn or returned.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"><li>EcoWatch reserves the right to suspend or postpone the receipt of any or all entries if it is judged that the contest is unable to be run effectively, smoothly, or without affecting the fairness of judging.</li></ul>
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Caribbean Flamingo. Claudio Contreras Koob
By Lisa Moore
Imagine yourself, camera in hand, suddenly spotting a grazing elk, a hummingbird feeding its chicks, a grizzly charging a rival or a bumble bee gathering pollen. You want the shot, but how do you get it without disturbing the natural behavior of the beautiful animal you're hoping to capture through your lens?
<p>Find four compelling answers to this question in a brief and beautiful video from National Wildlife magazine, highlighting the work of wildlife photographer <a href="https://app.frame.io/f/62e5c6ae-c23f-4803-b13c-b96504e4eb2e" target="_blank">Claudio Contreras Koob</a>. </p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="45dfa8c4e2223f58664aee0d305d3c0e"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/86y--X_uDBo?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
</p><p>A winner in the magazine's 2017 photo contest, Koob offers four basic tips that any photographer—amateur and professional alike—can use to make ethical images in the field, whether it's in your own backyard or around the globe. His advice:</p><p><strong>Be invisible.</strong></p><p style="">To avoid disturbing an animal, keep a suitable distance, approach very slowly and wear camouflage or use a blind. "You have to get them to accept you as if you were a stone," said Koob.</p><p><strong>Know your subjects.</strong></p><p style="">"Learn the behaviors of what you are going to photograph," said Koob. "They have a language, and they are always telling us what they think, but we have to understand it."</p><p><strong>Take your time.</strong></p><p style="">"Give yourself a lot of time to return and return and return … so you can understand the cycles of life and death in the place you want to photograph," said Koob. While photographing flamingoes, for example, Koob said he "could see their reactions to my presence and I could see that there was no problem if I really made it slow, slow, slow."</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image" style="">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNzIwODc5Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzExNDU5NH0.B3bavGidBAT_w4FWuVD9Hm5hBVQg0PG4-yOS-_jXEFM/img.jpg?width=980" id="c889f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d104f16e4316a91d7014347dab49abdc" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Green sweat bee. </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Dave Weth</small></p><p><strong>Do not disturb.</strong></p><p style="">"No image is as important as the creature that you are photographing or as the environment that you are photographing," said Koob. Animals can be easily spooked. So tread lightly, and if you notice even a small change in an animal's behavior—especially if the animal is courting, feeding, nesting or with its young—slowly and quietly move away.</p><p style="">Koob's final bit of advice has special value for the millions of avid amateur photographers out there who may think that the greatest wildlife images have to come from the hands of a pro in an African savanna or some other exotic locale. "You can go in your backyard and find conservation stories out there and find beautiful details." he said, "In the details, there are lots of beautiful things to see."</p><p>We, the editors of National Wildlife magazine, have seen how true that is. Hundreds of people who submit images to our annual photo contest are amateur photographers who see the beauty in the details—people like house painter Dave Weth, whose image of a green sweat bee landed on the cover of our December-January 2018 issue, and people like Anne Grimes, whose lovely image of a crab spider shedding its skin won second place for backyard habitats in our 2017 contest.</p><p>These people, and everyone else who submits to <em></em>National Wildlife<em>'s</em> annual contest, take the time to see and appreciate the natural world. So, please submit your favorite photographs to our <a href="https://photocontest.nwf.org/menu-home.aspx?comp_id=1E47179D-00D1-4458-8F8F-029DEC98A012" target="_blank">2018 photo contest</a>, which is now open. All entries are judged blind, so everyone has an equal chance to win. And every entry, whether a winner or not, helps advance the conservation work of the National Wildlife Federation.</p>
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