The sky called, and you answered! For our "Birds" photo contest, we challenged photographers with a sharp eye and a steady hand to capture the breathtaking beauty of the avian world. And wow, did you deliver! From majestic raptors frozen mid-act to the intricate colors of tropical songbirds and the quiet poetry of reed dwellers, your submissions showcased incredible moments of instinct, emotion, and pure, untamed nature.
The sheer quality, dynamic energy, and storytelling in each image made judging an absolute thrill. A massive thank you to everyone who shared their vision of birdlife with us!
After much deliberation, we are incredibly excited to present the winning photographs!
And... the new photo contest is live! Discover it here
🏆 And the Winner is... Dominique Diericx!
Photo by: Dominique Diericx
Title: Mating Kestrels
1st prize: Xpozer (100x150cm)
Dominique's winning shot is a masterclass in capturing a split-second, intense natural history moment. The image immediately draws you into the drama of two Common Kestrels mating atop a moss-covered post. The action is incredible: the male is fully spread, his patterned wings creating a magnificent silhouette against the bright light, while the female below anchors the scene.
From a technical standpoint, the timing here is everything—the photographer captured the exact moment of peak action and intensity. The shallow depth of field uses the vibrant green background to perfection, creating a smooth, lush backdrop that makes the sharp details of the birds' plumage and powerful posture truly pop. This patience and precision clearly paid off, resulting in a technically superb and emotionally resonant portrait of life in the wild.
🥈 Second Place: Hendrik Lefebvre
Photo by: Hendrik Lefebvre
Title: Sunbird
2nd prize: EPIX photo tiles (4x)
Hendrik’s photograph explodes with vibrant color and exquisite detail, showcasing the magnificent beauty of the Sunbird. The bird's brilliant yellow chest and iridescent blue-violet head contrast sharply with its dark features, all captured in stunning clarity. The close-up perspective, captured on a delicate, dry branch, offers an intimate glimpse into the world of this tiny nectar feeder.
Technically, the bokeh (the blurred background) is used to magnificent effect. The soft, sun-dappled circles create a sparkling, natural environment that beautifully isolates the sharp subject, drawing the viewer's eye immediately to the bird's striking plumage and elegantly curved beak. It’s an immersive, high-impact shot that perfectly conveys the jewel-like quality of tropical birdlife.
🥉 Third Place: Noah Dene
Photo by: Noah Dene
Title: RSedge Warbler in view
3rd prize: EPIX retro tiles (4x)
Noah's capture of the Sedge Warbler is a testament to patience and the poetry of quiet observation. The bird is perfectly perched on a tall, dried reed plume, its small body leaning forward, mouth open mid-song. The soft, uniform background and muted, natural tones of the bird and the reeds create a calming, minimalist portrait of marshland life.
Compositionally, the image is clean and focused. The vertical line of the reed provides structure, while the warbler’s posture - eyes bright and beak open - conveys a strong sense of purpose and sound, beautifully frozen in time. The sharp focus on the bird, particularly its subtle facial markings, allows every detail to be appreciated. It's an image that combines exquisite detail with a tranquil natural history moment, highlighting the subtle beauty often missed in the noisy world.
Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted a photo and to all the voters who helped make this contest so much fun. We are consistently amazed by the talent and passion within the Xpozer community.
Ready for your next challenge? Our new photo contest is already live!
Happy shooting!
