Honorable Mention

Wings of Light
DESCRIPTION
During breeding seasons in Florida, Great Egrets build their nests on trees to prevent predators' attacks. Their high positions provide an excellent opportunity for me to photograph them with the sunlight shining through the wings from behind. On a May morning in 2020, these young Great Egrets were getting ready to learn how to fly. The young ones can fly at about seven weeks of age, but usually, they don't leave the rookery until 10-12 weeks old. AUTHOR
Fenqiang Liu is a Florida-based nature and fine art photographer known for transforming the beauty of the natural world into emotionally rich, visually striking images. His artistic journey began with drawing and painting in middle school and found its true form through photography during college. With patience and precision, he captures fleeting moments that reveal the essence of his subjects in their natural settings. His poetic compositions convey depth and brilliance, earning him numerous prestigious international photography awards. Through his lens, Fenqiang invites viewers into a world of wonder, cultivating a deeper appreciation for nature and inspiring others with his powerful, contemplative vision.