2025 Hit Me With Your Best Shot! Bird Photography Competition and Exhibition

Gallery by the Lake Inc. announces its 7th annual Bird Photography Competition to celebrate the joys and benefits of birdwatching, draw attention to the diversity of bird life and habitat around the world, and showcase the work of wildlife photographers across North America. The contest will be judged by "Birdwatching for Dummies" co-author and BWD Magazine Managing Editor Dawn Hewitt and BWD Magazine Photographic Editor Bruce Wunderlich.

Photographers of all ages, amateur and professional, are eligible to submit. Two categories are offered: Open Category for photographs taken with any camera system including DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, and Fixed-lens Camera Category for photographs taken with bridge cameras with non-interchangeable lenses. Entries must feature birds as the main subject. Digital enhancement should be limited to color, shadow, cropping, and reasonable use of AI sharpening software. No alteration of original image background is allowed. Photographers should follow Audubon Photography guidelines regarding bird safety and dignity. Each photographer may submit up to 5 entries for a $35 entry fee, with up to 3 additional entries available for $5 each. Accepted works must be shipped from within the United States.

The exhibition runs September 26, 2025 to November 29, 2025 in the second-floor gallery space of the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Awards will be announced at the opening reception on September 26th. Accepted artwork is required to remain in the gallery space for the duration of the exhibition, even if sold. Accepted works must be framed and back wired with the wire reaching no higher than 3" from the top of the frame. Image size should not exceed 18" x 24" or equivalent with matted and framed work not larger than 24" x 30". Awards include $350 for 1st Place, $100 for 2nd Place, $75 for 3rd Place, and $450 for Best in Show ($1500 total). Notification of acceptance is July 11th, with a deadline for receipt of accepted works on September 12th. Return of artwork begins December 2nd, 2025.