Hit Me With Your Best Shot Bird Photography Show and Exhibition

Gallery by the Lake Inc. announces its fourth annual Gulf Coast Bird Photography Competition to celebrate the joys and benefits of birdwatching, draw attention to the diversity of bird life and habitat across the US, and showcase the work of wildlife photographers in North America. The competition culminates in an exhibition from September 30, 2022 to November 26, 2022 in the Gallery by the Lake Inc. gallery space on the second floor of Historic City Hall, Lake Charles, Louisiana. A total of $1,000 in prizes will be awarded across the open and youth categories.

Eligibility: Open category for adults age 18 and older; youth category for those 13 to 17 years of age as of April 1, 2022. Photographs must have been taken on or after April 1, 2019. Each photographer may submit up to 3 entries for a $35 non-refundable entry fee, with up to 5 additional entries at $5 each. Submissions must include 3-8 digital images. Photography should be limited to digital enhancement of color, shadow, and cropping only, with no alteration of original image background. Entries must follow Audubon Photography guidelines regarding bird safety and dignity. Photographs should feature birds as the main subject.

Accepted works must be framed and back-wired with 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". Works must be received by September 16, 2022. Awards will be announced at the opening reception on September 30: $400 for 1st Place, $250 for 2nd Place, $150 for 3rd Place, $200 for Youth 1st Place, and 8 honorable mentions. The contest will be judged by Dawn Hewitt, editor emeritus of Bird Watcher's Digest, and Bruce Wunderlich, photo editor of BWD Magazine. Accepted artwork is required to remain in the gallery for the duration of the exhibition and will also be showcased in an online gallery. Return of artwork begins November 29.