Smithsonian's National Museum

THE ENTRIES: More than 20,000 images from nature photographers in 47 countries were reviewed by a Judging Panel made up of experts in photography, science, and conservation. Narrowed down to a selection of 135 award-winning photographs for the awards publication, and just 48 for the Smithsonian exhibition, the images were measured by their uniqueness in topic and composition, and overall technical excellence.

“Everyone has a story to tell and a photograph to share,” says Nature’s Best Publishing Chairman, Charles Veatch. “The Awards program invites photographers at all levels of expertise. Our goal is to engage the public and to encourage greater appreciation and enjoyment of our natural world through the art of photography.”

Dedicated in memory of the accomplished photographer and conservation advocate, Windland Smith Rice, the Nature’s Best Photography Awards program seeks to build upon her legacy of inspiring and motivating stewardship of the Earth through the art of nature photography.

Tom is honored to be named the 2011 Conservation Photographer of the Year for the Nature’s Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards.