2006 Nature's Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards - A Story
In 2006 I won the Birds category in Nature's Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards. That year, like previous years the contest was still in its infancy, without much financial backing and a bit unorganized. I recall when I won being notified by phone and then only received a letter and check for $250. No other contact. On the blog of the 2005 Animal Antics winner’s website I found out that in conjunction with National Wildlife Federation, they held a joint exhibition at the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History – that is pretty cool.
I contacted Nature’s Best and asked about this exhibition. Is there a reception? Is there anything I should know as a winner? No responses.
When I received the check I thought I much rather have a trophy; something to keep. I cashed the check.
In 2007, Nature’s Best got their act together and awarded trophies and had a reception in Washington DC at the Smithsonian. I thought, why couldn’t I have won a year later?
Fast forward to Christmas 2010 and December 25th. Agreeing on one present only from each other, I open mine from Cindy (my better half) and to my great surprise it is a “Nature's Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards, Birds Category” plaque in my name.
She had contacted them and expressed her desire that I receive an actual physical award like subsequent winners had. They agreed and she was sent the plaque (image below) in time for Christmas.
I am of course incredibly happy to have this but what affected me the most that morning I opened the present is the expression of Cindy’s love that it represented, to know that I wanted this and to put in the trouble to make this happen – and yes it still took some doing to get them to send it to her.
I will always love her. Thank you Cindy.
This plaque is the one current winner’s receive. Previous winners received a cut glass-looking (I assume a transparent plastic) trophy that according to the person at Nature’s Best Cindy talked to has created a lot of problems for them and the recipients where the base separates from the standing portion of the trophy. Glad I did not get that one.
Trying to photograph this thing w/o reflections – what a pain. I even tried a polarizer!!
What a wonderful Christmas story! That is a fantastic image and I can see how it easily won the birds category. The plaque looks great as well......sure wish I had one. Take care.
I won Grand Prize in Nature for the GBH passing the twig iconic image when the contest was being born. Got nothing. Next year they had a huge ceremony I believe sponsored by CEMEX with great cash prizes. You gotta love it.
Two years ago I won the Art in Nature Category. No ceremony but I got a $125 canvas backpack this time. You gotta love it.
I am pleased however to have had the images honored.
I guess that you could say, "Been there, done that."
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2006 Nature's Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards - A Story
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