First Place - C. J. Guth

Photograph: Pileated Woodpecker

Date taken: May 1, 2005
Location: Highlands Hammock State Park, Florida
Equipment used: Nikon D70, Nikkor 300mm, Manfrotto tripod

Comments:

I followed this bird around for one half hour to try and find a place where I could see it, not just hear it.  The picture was taken on a cloudy day, in a cypress swamp at 7:30 pm. The light was so low that the exposure was 1/25 at f/4 at ISO 1600.

I am a 14 year old and became intrigued with photography when I was twelve. I began pursuing nature photography last year.  About five months ago I moved to digital with the purchase of a Nikon D70 and a couple of lenses.  I had my first display of images in June 2005, and is scheduled to display my photos in the local public library in April 2006.