Jennifer Swift Wins Eastside Audubon Photo of the Month for July
Jennifer Swift won the Eastside Audubon Photo of the Month award for July for her photograph of a Canada Goose splashing in a pond at Issaquah Highlands Dahlia Park. The image was selected as the winner of the photography group's monthly theme, "Bloopers and Goofballs," celebrating humorous and lighthearted moments in nature.
“I literally laughed out loud right there on the trail,” Jennifer said. “That’s exactly why I love these ponds because I never know when a goose is gonna throw down a full-on spa day.”
Jennifer, who lives in the Issaquah Highlands, regularly visits the neighborhood ponds and wetlands to photograph wildlife. She said every walk brings something different, from ducks and herons to raptors, geese and even the occasional otter. One large pond, in particular, draws a variety of wildlife, so she tries to visit it every week.
One day in April, Jennifer was walking near the pond when she heard loud splashing coming from the water. She began photographing the commotion before realizing the geese were enjoying an energetic bath. They rolled, flapped their wings and splashed water in every direction. Although she wasn't sure the photos would turn out, one image stood out when she reviewed them and perfectly captured the playful scene, making it the winning entry for the group's "Bloopers and Goofballs" theme.
The photograph was taken with a Sony A7 IV and a Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 lens. Camera settings were a shutter speed of 1/400 second, aperture of f/6.3 and ISO 100.
About the Eastside Audubon Photograph of the Month Award
The Photo of the Month award was instituted to recognize the work of the Photo Group Members. The group members meet monthly to show their latest photos and videos as well as share their knowledge of photography and wildlife. To attend the meetings, please join the group’s announcement list.