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Plant Talk

Inside The New York Botanical Garden

November’s IGPOTY Deadline Draws Near

Posted in Photography on November 19 2011, by Matt Newman

Mandy Disher - The Beacon
Mandy Disher - "The Beacon," First Place in Plant Portraits Year 3

Every day at The New York Botanical Garden offers countless opportunities to snap the perfect shot. A red-tailed hawk making pre-flight checks, a maple seed as it whirligigs from an overhead branch–each event happens almost casually, yet the challenge of capturing nature in just the right light, at the right time, is something our visiting photographers crave.

But there’s motivation beyond the thrill of capturing the perfect picture, thanks in large part to the nearly $8,000 in grand prize funds handed out through the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition. For the last five years, the contest has provided amateurs and professionals alike with an outlet for their photographs, and in turn earned the winners not only a check, but global recognition for their work. And with an entry fee of only £10 (around $16), there’s no reason to sit this year’s competition out.

The deadline for submission is November 30, 2011, and the autumn is as good a time as any for venturing out with your camera. The Garden’s 250-acres are a year-round destination for nature photographers, meaning there’s something to see and shoot in any season, from the bright fall foliage of our recently-rededicated Forest down to the still-lively blooms of the Ladies’ Border. And with so many IGPOTY categories to submit to, there’s bound to be something that suits your talents.

But there’s more to it than that. Just this year, the IGPOTY competition joined in an exclusive U.S. partnership with The New York Botanical Garden, offering an unprecedent award for photographs taken specifically at the NYBG. The photo chosen as the best snapped on our grounds will receive a special commendation, as well as a full year’s membership to the Garden. And did I mention you could win around $8,000? I figured I’d reiterate the fact for those who like the idea of getting paid to do what they love.

To help you get a better idea of what the IGPOTY contest is all about, I’ve put together a handful of particularly stunning photographs from previous years’ competitions. Have a look, then take some time and imagine your own shot taking home the gold.

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Don’t forget that November 30 is the final day for submissions! You can read up on how to enter the contest at the official website of the IGPOTY. Best of luck!