Best of Nature Photography on Display in DC

Each year, the Windland Smith Rice International Awards Nature’s Best Photography competition recognizes some of the world’s best nature photographers and nature photos taken during the previous year.

The large format photos (ranging from 2×3 feet to 4×6 feet) now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC cover 19 classes of competition, including both professional and amateur photographers.

A few of the categories include wildlife, weather, conservation, endangered species (this year’s winner was of two playful Giant Pandas hanging from a tree), insects, and the always funny animal antics.

There are Additionally, awards are given for the best in creative digital images, photos capturing environmental issues, indigenous cultures, people in nature, as well as submissions from camera clubs and photographers under 18 years old.

This year’s winner was a stunning close up of a Mountain Gorilla taken in Volcanoes National Park, in Rwanda.

The photo competition is named after nature photographer Sandra Windland “Wendy” Smith Rice, daughter of the founder of FedEx, who died at the age of 35 from congenital heart condition.

The annual exhibition always offers both photography fans and nature lovers with some striking images that you won’t forget.

Nature’s Best Photography
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Special Exhibit Hall – 2nd floor
10th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20560 (map it)

Hours – Through May 2, 2010.  Museum open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Admission – Free

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Federal Triangle or Smithsonian Station (use the Mall exit) – both on the Blue and Orange lines, then a 2-3 block walk, or use the DC Circulator bus.

Parking – Limited metered street parking and area paid garage parking is available.

Images – from personal collection ©2009, Jon Rochetti