We are excited to announce that the winner of the 2024 Michigan Audubon Photography Awards is MA Member Steve Jessmore! His breathtaking image of a Tree Swallow gracefully capturing a feather at sunrise on a serene morning has captivated our hearts and imaginations. This stunning photo perfectly captures Jessmore’s unwavering dedication to showcasing the intricate behaviors of birds in their natural habitats.
Jessmore is a celebrated photojournalist with an illustrious career spanning 35 years. He has been named Michigan Photographer of the Year five times, won the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Photojournalism Award, and served as the Chief Photographer of the Flint Journal. His work has earned him numerous accolades on both national and international stages, with a strong emphasis on community journalism and storytelling.
In 2018, Jessmore made the transition to freelance photography. When the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges, he found an incredible outlet in bird photography, uncovering a profound passion that has led to this remarkable achievement.
The Story Behind the Photo
Steve Jessmore is the winner of the 2024 Michigan Audubon Photography Awards. Photo by Steve Jessmore
“On a very still morning in August near sunrise, I walked the 241 steps to the end of the boardwalk at Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids. I didn’t spot anything to make me pause along the way, but as I reached the end I noticed a large feather in the lake not too far away,” Jessmore shared. “I’d seen swallows snagging and carrying feathers to line their nests a number of times, but I’d never been able to capture an image that was more than a snapshot.”
“I waited 10–15 minutes and saw swallows begin to hunt along with ducks, herons, and even an eagle,” Jessmore added. Soon, one took notice of the feather, looped around, and dived toward it. “I had a nice sequence of [photos, but] loved [this] decisive moment when it began to pick it up and its near perfect reflection in the golden, still, sunrise-lit water.”
This year’s competition also saw outstanding entries that earned honorable mentions from the talented Jocelyn Anderson, Marguerite Eichelberger, and Ewa Golebiowska. You can view their incredible images at michiganaudubon.org/MAPA.
A heartfelt thank you to all Michigan Audubon members who submitted their stunning photos! Your amazing contributions continue to inspire us and bring us closer to the birds we hold dear.