Welcome to the 7th annual Feathers Fur and Scales photo contest winners’ page!  This year’s winners were selected from a group of over 200 photos by three very prestigious judges, Videographer, Tom Rubeck, Framer, Vikki Espinosa, and Photography Professor, Anna Fritzel-Shows.  Many thanks to them for their time and expertise in choosing this year’s winners. 

The categories were Children up to 12 years, Junior which included ages 13-18, Novice, and Advanced including experienced to professional photographers.  Most of the entries came from all over Texas, but our third place winner in the Advanced category came from Utah!  The grand prize photo is a striking image of one of our white alligators in the Ghosts from the Bayou Exhibit in the Bird and Reptile House photographed by Dale Crawford.  Dale is a Photoshop wizard and added his special touches to make this image head-turning.  Gretchen Jernigan, our first place winner in the advanced category, has participated in the previous contests.  Gretchen is a member of the Dallas Zoo and is often seen wandering around the Zoo photographing.  Our first place winner in the Junior category, Forrest Massey, is also a previous contest winner and continues to wow the judges with his incredible work. 

I want to thank everyone who entered the contest this year.  We are so very grateful to our sponsors who continue to support the contest and make it possible year after year.  This year’s sponsors include Arlington Camera, Camera Stop, Competitive Camera, Coupralux, Fort Worth Camera, Garland Camera, Nikon, Red River Paper, and Werner Publishing.  Be sure to check the website for details on next year’s contest which begins in April of 2010.