SWAROVSKI OPTIK’s “Digiscoper of the Year” competition has been won by Jürgen Bergmann from Germany for the second time. A wide variety of bird species star in his superb digiscoping video, which won over the jury of international experts and members of the public. Over 800 entries from all around the world have once again shown the popularity of the competition, now in its 12th year.
These pictures and videos, all captured using digiscoping (the combination of camera and spotting scope or binoculars), were submitted via www.digiscoperoftheyear.com in four categories: “Movement & Action”, “Portrait & Macro”, “Mammals”, and “Video”.
An expert jury selected the winners of each category based on criteria including artistic approach, relevance to the theme, and aesthetics. In addition, visitors to the website could choose their favourite entry from each of the four categories. A separate contest was also held on Facebook.
A Day In The Life Of A Bird
Packed with detail and an array of species, Jürgen Bergmann’s video “Magic Moments” impressed the judges so much that it came first in both the “Video” category and the overall competition. His prize for winning the competition is a set of SWAROVSKI OPTIK digiscoping equipment comprising an ATX/STX spotting scope, digiscoping adapter, spotting scope rail, tripod, and tripod head.
“For me, digiscoping is the modern form of exploration, without having any effect on nature and the wildlife. My aim is to make others enthusiastic about and aware of the beauty and uniqueness of our environment,” explained winner Jürgen Bergmann when asked why he entered the competition. The fact that he has now been crowned “Digiscoper of the Year” for the second time shows how successful he has been in achieving that goal.
All The Variety Of Nature, Skillfully Captured In A Single Image
The winner of the “Movement & Action” category was Gabriel Ozon from Germany with an image of a Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola). The “Mammals” category was won by Peter Nilsson from Sweden with his portrait of a European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) entitled “Too close”. Last year’s overall winner, Jonathan C.V. Soon from Malaysia, landed first place in the “Portrait & Macro” category. His image, “So GREEN”, shows a Whitehead’s Broadbill (Calyptomena whiteheadi). All three category winners will each receive a pair of EL 32 binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK as their prize.
The world belongs to those who can see beauty.
Experience the moment!
SEE THE UNSEEN.
Notes To Editors:
The winning photos, including the control images, are available to download here:https://mam.swarovski.com/pinaccess/pinaccess.do?pinCode=DOYWinner2017 (PIN code: AP4Q0K).
The name of the photographers (available in the file title) must be given when printing the images. The photos can be printed free of charge, provided the photographer and SWAROVSKI OPTIK are credited accordingly.
Photo Caption:
Image 1: SWAROVSKI OPTIK’s “Digiscoper of the Year” competition logo.
Image 2: Jürgen Bergmann’s “Magic Moments,” the “Digiscoper of the Year” winner 2017
ABOUT SWAROVSKI OPTIK
SWAROVSKI OPTIK, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products and their functional and aesthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environmentally-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. The turnover in 2016 was 140 million euro (2015: 132 million euro) and the export ratio is 91%. The company has around 850 employees.
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