The Webster Groves Nature Study Society photography contest is one of the few nature photo contests specifically focused on our region's natural areas. Bill Duncan, WGNSS Nature Photography Group Chairperson, explained, "Submitted photographs must have been taken in Missouri or one of its contiguous states. Each category is judged by three people - an art/photography expert, an educated naturalist experienced in the category they are judging, and a WGNSS board member (many of whom are naturalist experts themselves)."
"This contest is not necessarily about who can take the prettiest photographs of a flower or bird. Equal weight is placed on the aesthetics of the photograph and the natural history story portrayed in the image," stated Bill. "For instance, how rare is the species or habitat? How well does the photograph tell the story of the natural interactions between the subject and its environment? Is there a conservation or educational message?"
The Webster Groves Nature Study Society is currently conducting its 5th contest, which is held every two years. All submitted photographs and the winners will be presented at the next general meeting on April 7th. These are the 1st place winners and the grand prize-winning photograph from the Webster Groves Nature Study Society's last contest conducted in 2019.
"The Webster Groves Nature Study Society includes people of all ages and occupations who share an interest in learning more about nature and the environment," stated Richard Thoma, WGNSS First Vice-President. Richard is the author of the new book, 100 Years of the Webster Groves Nature Study Society. Founded in 1920 by the residents of Webster Groves, WGNSS actively promotes the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of natural habitats. The society retains its original name for historical reasons but reaches far beyond the St. Louis area in its membership breadth and scope of its programs. Members enjoy educational programs, field trips, as well as weekly bird and botany walks. Entomology, Nature Photography, and Nature Book Club meet once a month. The newsletter, Nature Notes, containing updated events can be found at www.wgnss.org.