Port Republic Youngster Selected as Photo Contest Winner by National Wildlife Federation Reston, Va – (August 6, 2015) –
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and its treasured children’s publication, Ranger Rick, are proud to announce that Ben Springer, 12, of Port Republic, MD, is a recent winner of the “Your Best Shots” photo contest.
The national competition selects eye-capturing, nature-themed images that best spread the magazine’s mission to inspire a love for wildlife and the natural world.
Taken in Springer’s grandparents’ yard, his photograph demonstrates the beauty of catching ladybugs in their natural habitat. His image was hand-selected by NWF judges out of the thousands of entries submitted across the United States and will appear in the August 2015 issue of Ranger Rick magazine.
Springer was playing outside with his grandparents’ dog when he spotted hundreds of ladybugs huddled together in a willow oak tree. Ben grabbed his camera and took a closer look at the beetles. He told us, “I think it is so cool that they come to this same tree every winter to hibernate.”
“Careful observation paid off for Ben. He was able to beautifully capture a hibernation phenomenon that few are lucky enough to encounter,” said Mary Dalheim, editorial director for Ranger Rick and Ranger Rick Jr. magazines. “We’re proud of Ben and are excited to have our readers view such an intriguing photo.” Springer is one of six “Your Best Shots” photo contest winners that will receive a certificate of recognition for his success and five copies of Ranger Rick magazine displaying his winning photo.
Young photographers from across the nation submit their images year-round to the publication, and three times a year, judges select the highest quality and most inspiring images. To participate, candidates must be 13 years of age or younger and be the sole producer of the winning photograph.