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Plant Talk

Inside The New York Botanical Garden

A Call for Photographic Excellence

Posted in Exhibitions, Photography, Programs and Events on June 13 2012, by Ann Rafalko

"Medicinal Herbs," by Carol Sharp -- IGPOTY Finalist, Bountiful Earth

Whether it’s the latest telephoto lens, a top-of-the-line camera body, a spacious new gear bag, or to see your photographs on display in a public exhibition, there’s a wishlist in every photographer’s back pocket. But, really, how long has it been since you crossed something off of yours?

Start planning your International Garden Photographer of the Year photo compositions now, and you might find that your wishful thinking is that much closer to reality.

Beginning May 2013, selected photographs from the prestigious International Garden Photographer of the Year competition will go on display at The New York Botanical Garden as a part of our summer exhibition, Wellness: The Power of Plants. The NYBG is the exclusive U.S. partner of this worldwide photographic competition that showcases the very best professional and amateur garden photographers from around the globe, and this year we are upping the ante by offering a cash prize to the winners in a category sponsored by us: Wellness.

In addition to the more than $18,000 in prize money offered to the  winners in the annual International Garden Photographer of the Year competition, the winning photographs in the Wellness category will hang in the Ross Gallery at the Garden and we will award an additional total purse of $1000. With $500 for the first-place photograph in the Wellness category, $250 for second, $100 for third, and $50 going to each of three runners up, there’s ample opportunity to earn the recognition and reward your art deserves.

Claire Takacs Conversations from a Balcony at dusk along the High Line
"Conversations from a Balcony at dusk along the High Line," by Claire Takacs - First Place, Competition 5 - Greening the City


An important aspect of Wellness: The Healing Power of Plants, the photographs will spotlight the finest images to embody the theme of our event, whether that’s a gardener carefully tending to her herbs, a still capturing the preparation of medicinal plants, or portraits of the plants themselves. “Wellness” is a broad topic of horticultural exploration that invites the photographer to indulge in a little interpretation. The photographs can be from anywhere in the world. Let your imagination and your lens roam, from countryside to mountaintop, to airport lounge to inner city streets, the power of plants to heal people and the planet is everywhere. And with over 900 square feet of gallery space reserved for the winning photographs, your exploration of the theme will get the exposure it deserves.

"Tai Chi," by Victor Korchenko -- IGPOTY First Place, People in the Garden

The International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) contest is one of the world’s most distinguished photography competitions, and the crowning height of the garden photographer’s pursuit. A win in our Wellness category is a stepping stone toward greater recognition in worldwide photography circles, with not only a boost to your photography career, but thousands of dollars in prize money at stake. That macro lens doesn’t look so far beyond the reach of your budget now, does it?

If you’re looking to push yourself to better your art, 2012’s IGPOTY entry period runs through November 30th, with winners being announced in early 2013. Visit the official page for more information on how to enter, and best of luck!