Seeing all these gives me inspiration to get out more and try to capture something unique, just getting out in nature is a great tonic !!!
@Duade5 сағат бұрын
Thanks Andy, I totally agree, Cheers, Duade
@markgilder999019 сағат бұрын
WOW! Some of the images were better than "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" well done everybody. Just inspiring.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Mark, imagine how hard it was choosing them, so many incredible images. Cheers, Duade
@markchambers882619 сағат бұрын
You hould get an award for the best video I have seen this Christmas
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Mark, you are too kind, Cheers, Duade
@nerrelloader42267 сағат бұрын
I loved this video. What a terrific idea to do for your subscribers and members. So kind. There are so many talented people out there; young and old. I'm amazed of your global reach Duade; I shouldn't be as you are such a talented photographer and your style is so relaxed and easy going. No wonder you are so popular. Thank you for this and I hope your 2025 is a good one. Cheers.
@Duade5 сағат бұрын
Thanks Nerrel, I appreciate the support, it was my pleasure and a way of saying thank you to everyone who supports the channel. Without the community I would not be able to do this. Cheers, Duade
@AndroidBuddyy4 сағат бұрын
Wow so many great photos.Congratulations to all the winners 🎉
@Duade12 минут бұрын
Thanks, totally agree, I was very impressed, Cheers, Duade
@Sarah-g6k11 сағат бұрын
I just want to say THANK YOU to you Duade for compiling all the images and making a thoroughly enjoyable video of stunning photography. There are so many amazing images, especially when you factor in all the elements it takes to get the shot. Thank you to everyone that submitted their images, it has been the best 35mins or relaxation I have had this Christmas.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks for the feedback Sarah, that is exactly what I hoped from the video so great to hear it was enjoyed. Cheers, Duade
@AlanHollowedPhotography20 сағат бұрын
Wow so many great images submitted by everyone 😀 thanks so much for featuring my sanderling in flight image. I didn't think it would be picked, let alone win the "get low" category or even overall. I'm incredibly humbled and just so thankful you like it. Thanks again, so much 😊
@Ant232d19 сағат бұрын
Incredible image Alan. You've made the lovely Bettystown ethereal. Well deserved against brilliant competition. I'm in north Dublin and will defo take a trip that direction soon 👍👍
@AlanHollowedPhotography18 сағат бұрын
@Ant232d thank you so much ☺️ it's lovely up here, I used to live in Glasnevin but me and my wife bought a house up here to be closer to her family, and we love it here 😊
@Wildmcleod12 сағат бұрын
Huge congrats Alan - very deserved win!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
G'day Alan, it is my pleasure, I have been photographing shorebirds for years, I have a soft spot for them so seeing your image just struck me immediately. It really is one of those rare moments that very rarely happens so you should be very proud of yourself for being in the right place at the right time and executing such a wonderful image. Have fun out there in 2025. Cheers, Duade
@AlanHollowedPhotography9 сағат бұрын
@Duade so kind of you to say. I'm so happy that you like the image, and you say it's inspired you, seeing as how you were the first wildlife youtuber that I followed. You really gave me the inspiration to get started in bird photography, so thank you 😊 🙏
@jon_green_photography11 сағат бұрын
What a stunning and inspiring selection of shots. Another wonderful video Duade. Thank you so much for featuring the photo of me and the kids. Ben and Sophie were very chuffed and excited to see their photos featuring on your channel amongst all the other incredible photos. Wishing you a very happy 2025 😊
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Great to hear it mate, I really enjoyed putting it together. Have fun out there with your kids, what a special time. Cheers, Duade
@zequiel472515 сағат бұрын
My favourite picture of the video, the american bison in south dakota, just wonderful, i would love to have that photography in a large frame in my living room.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks, totally agree, a sensational image for sure, Cheers, Duade
@MattH03921 сағат бұрын
Thank you so much Duade for putting this together! Congratulations to everyone in the community for a wonderful year of photography!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks to you also, loved your images, Cheers, Duade
@WalkingEng12 сағат бұрын
Wow, these photos deserve to be put together in a Book. So many great photos encouraged by an excellent competition.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks for the comment, yes, so many incredible shots, Cheers, Duade
@jesss793017 сағат бұрын
Peter’s zebra photo made me say “Oh!” out loud. It’s like a dream sequence. The composition and editing are absolutely flawless. Well deserved, Peter!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Jess, totally agree, the image is spectacular. Cheers, Duade
@jefferyrobbins346815 сағат бұрын
Congrats to all. Beautiful episode to watch and skillfully narrated/produced. My favorite was Russ' warbler spider shot. I'm around warblers often and see them on a perch with a bug in their beak but I have never seen one with a spider, and have never gotten a photo of a warbler in the air on the verge of nailing an insect. Would love to get that shot. Beautiful photo. Kind regards
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Jeffery, yes, that was an incredible image, thanks for sharing your lovely shots. Cheers, Duade
@ammadoux15 сағат бұрын
thanks Duade for this incredible video and all those amazing shots you picked. my favorite was the resting fox in the forests of Sweden, its insanely cute. really really thanks a million or zillion for honoring my Palestine sunbird shot, you are so amazing, love you and Jan both of you really changed my photography to the better. can't thanks you enough.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
My pleasure and your image was fantastic and I enjoyed it a lot. I agree that Fox image is just spectacular and was a joy to see. Cheers, Duade
@bengterlandsson792111 сағат бұрын
Thanks Duade for making this photo awards video. Now following all the great photographers on instagram, filling my feed with amazing and inspiring photos 😊
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Great idea, yes, so many great images, Cheers, Duade
@williamsharp597316 сағат бұрын
Wonderful - I wish I'd counted the number of times my jaw dropped when a new image came up. :)
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks William, totally agree, imagine how hard it was to choose them :-) Cheers, Duade
@edmundsdemonds830918 сағат бұрын
Thanks Duade, it's nice just to have a just overall positive video like this. It made me smile.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Great to hear Edmund, glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade
@DanBetty17 сағат бұрын
Wonderful video You've influenced so many of us in the way we look at our photography and the images we want to capture and it's reflected in the submissions. So many wonderful images. Thank you for doing this Duade!!!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Dan, yes, that is true and so many amazing images. Well done on yours, it was lovely, Cheers, Duade
@paulsharkey418516 сағат бұрын
I just love your award categories!! They are so unique and inclusive. And, you are so articulate in describing the beauty in each photo. Much appreciated!!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Paul, I appreciate the feedback, glad you enjoyed them. Cheers, Duade
@simontemlett509817 сағат бұрын
Fantastic video and some truly amazing images and thank you so much for commending my gannet picture. Wishing everyone health and great light for 2025! 📷
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Simon, it was a cracking image, have fun next year, Cheers, Duade
@williamchan886611 сағат бұрын
Photography is the great equalizer and inspiration is always king.
Delightful video and wonderful pictures! Thank you for reviewing and rating so many pictures!
@Duade5 сағат бұрын
My pleasure, it was a lot of fun, Cheers, Duade
@bjrn-einarnilsen68720 сағат бұрын
What a great video mate. And with some amazing photos from all. My favorite image was in the bonus photos, with the photo of the swift. That bird is an extremely fast, so to capture that moment i think was just amazing. Wishing you and your family all the best for 2025, and looking forward to your next video. Cheers, Bjoern.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks mate, yes that was an incredible image, the timing is insane. Cheers, Duade
@lindawright754513 сағат бұрын
Wow! So many amazing shots … would love to see them all! Love the categories … great inspiration for the upcoming year!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Linda, have fun in 2025, Cheers, Duade
@LouisaLee6319 сағат бұрын
Outstanding photos! Thank you for sharing them!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
My pleasure Louisa, Cheers, Duade
@kt633912 сағат бұрын
This is a brilliant video, not about winning “something”, more about everyone wins by submitting their best images & sharing the love of photography - well done on this ! & images were all awesome ! / cheers
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks for the feedback, that was the motivation for the video, I want everyone to enjoy the images and get inspired to get out in 2025 and enjoy this wonderful passion we share. Cheers, Duade
@richardhurst33687 сағат бұрын
That video has made my day ! amazing photos thanks for sharing .
@Duade5 сағат бұрын
Thanks Richard, my pleasure, yes very inspiring photos. Cheers, Duade
@andrewmoore553919 сағат бұрын
Amazing photos. Thank you for putting this together Duade. Wishing you and yours all the best for the year ahead and many more wonderful photos.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Andrew, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
@marksak4555 сағат бұрын
Oh wow, thanks for using my small in frame shot of the bald eagle! Super excited to be a part of this. Absolutely fantastic images in this video which is naturally due to the great teacher we have in Duade!
@Duade4 сағат бұрын
Thanks Mark, well done, it was a nice habitat shot. Have fun in 2025. Cheers, Duade
@AdrianW.Photography13 сағат бұрын
Amazing images. Such great talent, even from the new and young photographers! A joy to watch and an inspiration to get out there with camera in hand..
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Totally agree Adrian, it really is incredible to see and very motivating. Cheers, Duade
@cathco914 сағат бұрын
Great submissions and winners. Thank you, everyone, for sharing your photos. 🎉🎉🎉
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Totally agree, thanks to everyone, Cheers, Duade
@davepastern20 сағат бұрын
wow, stunning shots! Congrats to all of the winners!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks mate, I really enjoyed your photos, Cheers, Duade
@davepastern9 сағат бұрын
@@Duade looking at the competition, I didn't expect to get a mention at all, those images are all superb.
@MVBirdphotos11 сағат бұрын
Absolutely wonderful images! Your instruction and encouragement has helped these, and many other photographers, to achieve such great results. Thanks so much, Duade for your commitment - Happy New Year!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks for the support, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade
@Berry_N5 сағат бұрын
Such wonderful photos ❤❤❤
@Duade5 сағат бұрын
I totally agree, Cheers, Duade
@mattflorez218314 сағат бұрын
Great video! I’ve been looking forward to this video and it delivered of course! Such a great collection and source of inspiration on what I’d like to accomplish this coming year!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Matt, great photos and glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade
@andersonboy62017 сағат бұрын
Such a wonderful video! It just motivates to go out and make pictures in the nature. Thanks Duade.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Great to hear, that is exactly what I had hoped, Cheers, Duade
@pseudophotog10 сағат бұрын
I really enjoy the photos andthe warmth and enjoyment with which you present each category - great stuff!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade
@Rooster052914 сағат бұрын
Well done everyone. I would hate to have to judge these and pick winners. They are all winners
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
I totally agree, it was very difficult but very enjoyable at the same time. Cheers, Duade
@superpaule10007 сағат бұрын
Love this Video Duade! You are such an inspiration
@Duade5 сағат бұрын
Thank you, you are too kind, Cheers, Duade
@Hummingbirder121 сағат бұрын
Oh, what an embarassment of riches! All of them fantastic! Somehow the Gannet diving right under the surface, complete with the spot it submerged, stood out the most for me. As an aside: the wonderful photo of the Prothonotary Warbler closing in on the spider adds one extra layer of being fantastic for me: that warbler isn't common in California, it's a vagrant there. It's distribution longitude-wise is mid-Texas then eastwards, northwards up to the big lakes. So it's SO much in that photo! What a catch as a California birder. Loved it!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Pia, I was not aware of that, yes, the Gannet was fantastic. Cheers, Duade
@Twobarpsi21 сағат бұрын
Fantastic photos by everyone!!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Totally agree, is was such fun, Cheers, Duade
@soumaSR20 сағат бұрын
What a beautiful collection! Personally I absolutely loved the 'reed bunting in Finland' shot, that legit looks like a painting rather than a photograph also the quality in junior category is unreal kids nowadays are doing some tremendous job in the field.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks, totally agree, that photo blew me away when I saw it. Cheers, Duade
@msyuan112417 сағат бұрын
Great video, as always. In addition to the inspirational photos, I particularly like your categories. It shows that it’s not your equipment, experience, or age that matters most - it’s your vision and showing up to take the shot. Thank you so much for all that you do. Wishing you and yours all the best throughout 2025.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks mate, yes, so many incredible images from everyone and those categories really were incredible. Thanks again for the ongoing support and sharing your amazing photos. Cheers, Duade
@JulianaJuliano-d9v10 сағат бұрын
What an honor to have 2 of my pictures chosen and showcased here! Oh wow! The other entries are amazing! I love the Zebras so much, congratulations Peter! I also love the Common Reed Bunting from Ville, this is the type of shot I would love to take :). Congratulations to all entries, they are amazing! And this is such a nice thing you did for us Duade! I love seeing pictures from other people who are in a similar path towards photography. Definitely inspired us to go into 2025.
@Duade9 сағат бұрын
G'day Juliana, thank you for submitting such stunning images, I really did get a lot of joy from seeing them all. I can only dream of getting similar images should I ever make it to Africa. I totally agree with Peter and Villes images, stunning. Take care and have fun in 2025. Cheers, Duade
@Gaztography21 сағат бұрын
Amazing collection of images. Defiantly inspiring and a huge motivation for 2025. 👏👏
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Great to hear mate, I am also motivated to get out after seeing all these amazing images. Cheers, Duade
@All-the-gear-no-idea-uk19 сағат бұрын
Well that was amazing Photo Show. I'm glad that I didn't have to pick any particular winner in any particular category. They all are amazing photos well done to everyone look forward to seeing some more of your videos in the New Year .
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks, yes it was very difficult but a fun activity to undertake. Glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade
@sjkay0619 сағат бұрын
Congratulations to all the winners!! After looking at at the amazing photos I’m very inspired to work on my own photos and fieldcraft to get some great photos. In the meantime I’ll be just enjoying the time with Gods beautiful creatures whether it’s in the woods or the shore or even just my backyard.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks for the comment, yes, so many incredible images, Cheers, Duade
@dmvdl188011 сағат бұрын
I am feeling so honored to have made it into the habitat examples even though I did not reach metal. Thank you for taking your time and caring for this community!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Congrats, it was very competitive and so many incredible images so well done and thanks for the support. Cheers, Duade
@tlgnh112 сағат бұрын
Excellent video. Got me inspired too! Happy New Year to you and your family
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Great to hear, that is what I hoped, Cheers, Duade
@simonbooker7 сағат бұрын
Great review Duade & loving your medal logo design , some fab images 😎
@Duade5 сағат бұрын
Thanks Simon, it was a lot of fun that is for sure. I need to find some waders ;-) Cheers, Duade
@sarahbatsford479112 сағат бұрын
Well done everyone. Now I'm pumped! Cheers Duade & happy new year😊
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Have fun out there Sarah and I hope to see your shots next year, Cheers, Duade
@Kellysher19 сағат бұрын
Duade, please do more of these! I’m not a big poster on facebook or instagram, which is more geared towards bird portraits. I like shooting habit, mood, behavior. Most of these photos are perfectly my style and what I’m striving to do. It’s really nice to see them get recognized. I’m also learning from your critique and comments. I would love to see content on the creative aspects of nature photography. Cheers and Happy New year everyone!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Kelly, I appreciate the feedback, great to hear you enjoy this style which I have moved towards more recently. Cheers, Duade
@lachlangraham106221 сағат бұрын
Some absolutely epic images there, great stuff.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Totally agree, Cheers, Duade
@wildlifesimon15 сағат бұрын
Some beautiful shots! Wish I knew there was a comp 😅 will wait for next years.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
G'day, I will try and remind people in a video as well. KZbin doesnt show everyone the posts I dont think. Cheers, Duade
@bodeneinheit20 сағат бұрын
Wow the bonus image of Anna's Hummingbird is such an intriguing shot, absolutely stunning!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks, yes, so many incredible images to choose from. Cheers, Duade
@Kellysher19 сағат бұрын
Absolutely love seeing these photos and what other people are doing. The prothonotary catching the spider is outstanding! They are so very quick. I’ve tried this with warblers and usually only get them after the strike with a spider in their beak. The timing to get this, without a pre capture camera is just fantastic. Nice work!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Kelly, yes, that image is incredible for sure, Cheers, Duade
@birbs4life17417 сағат бұрын
Gavin here. Macro photography is very difficult and frustrating at times, but it is extremely rewarding when you get the shot. Can’t wait for this next year! I loved the top award with the Sanderlings in flight. The shots everyone submitted were simply amazing.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Gavin, yes, I can imagine, pretty amazing when it comes off though. I think we have Peacock Spiders in my local bush so I really should get a macro kit. Cheers, Duade
@dharamveersinghjodha106356 минут бұрын
Congratulations Rajat🎉
@Duade13 минут бұрын
Yes, wonderful images, Cheers, Duade
@ghalibsworld16 сағат бұрын
I love to see and am amazed that Canon is the number one choice for wildlife photographers. I hope Canon will bring more lenses in APS-C like their old EF-s 55-250mm F4-5.6 in their RF-S line, which made so many budget wildlife photographers.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks, the RF100-400 is a great affordable lens but yes it will be interesting to see if they make any APSC lenses for wildlife similar to Fuji. Cheers, Duade
@pritamcf2 сағат бұрын
those bonus images are absolutely beautiful ,, specially the 34:06
@Duade13 минут бұрын
Thanks, totally agree, Cheers, Duade
@KurtisPape20 сағат бұрын
Great work everyone. Congrats to Micah at 9:50, he has also only been doing bird photography for a year as well! This video has definitely inspired me ready for 2025 to attempt to capture some action or photos in nice sunlight as I usually go out in overcast conditions. Also I really appreciate the feature Duade at 32:43 !!!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Kurtis, all your images were fantastic and I enjoyed them a lot. Yes, Micahs shot is right up my alley also, have fun out there and I look forward to seeing your shots in 2025. Cheers, Duade
@Jaxsensphotos17 сағат бұрын
wow all the shots were great 😍
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks, totally agree, Cheers, Duade
@stacci914421 сағат бұрын
Just wow! Gg everyone!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
My thoughts exactly, Cheers, Duade
@micahboyce_photography15 сағат бұрын
Thanks so much, Duade. I appreciate it 😁
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
My pleasure Micah, your images are wonderful and I can't wait to see what you capture in 2025, have fun out there. Cheers, Duade
@micahboyce_photography7 сағат бұрын
@Duade i just realised I made a mistake in the email, I typed tam for that shot sorry. I actually used a tamron 16-300 that's my bad 😂
@Duade5 сағат бұрын
@@micahboyce_photography No drama, I just assumed it was the same as others, I should have asked. All good, Cheers, Duade
@micahboyce_photography5 сағат бұрын
@Duade nah its all good 👍
@ScottRitchie-bw9ls19 сағат бұрын
Excellent video. I am very impressed by the quality of the images. You have been an inspiration to the photographers! A small issue. I am a subscriber. But I do not receive your posts requesting photo submissions, etc. Any ideas how to fix this?
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
G'day Scott, thanks for the feedback, sorry to hear you did not get the notification. I think KZbin is selective on who they share it with. Maybe check my community page early December next year, I also announce it on my Duade Paton Photography Facebook page. Cheers, Duade kzbin.info/door/7cMXJb97jITBo5jMBdAsTwcommunity
@Wszyc19 сағат бұрын
next year I will also take a part in this :D !!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Great to hear, Cheers, Duade
@Parroting_Australia2345 сағат бұрын
Absolutely beautiful photos. How do you submit to the competition if it's happening again in the future? another amazing video duade!
@Duade4 сағат бұрын
G'day I annouce it on my community page on KZbin and my Duade Paton Photography Facebook page early December. Community page www.youtube.com/@Duade/community Cheers, Duade
@Parroting_Australia2343 сағат бұрын
@@Duade Thanks so much, really appreciate it
@bk101511 сағат бұрын
Just saw the image of the saltwater crocodile taken by David Jones from Australia used in a Facebook meme. I hope whoever posted it didn’t steal his image but I’m not holding out hope they asked for permission.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Yes, that is a cracking shot, I was not aware of the meme, Cheers, Duade
@McNair195210 сағат бұрын
You pronounced "Grouse" incorrectly, it's more like "Capercaille" which is a member of the grouse family. Have a good New Year!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade
@MrKuschelTieger17 сағат бұрын
Wow these Images are amazing. The image at 31:35 ist really amazing as well. I wanna buy a Tele lens as well. But my budget is tight. And also if I buy one i want to be able to use it for video as well because videography ist my main job. I use Canon Cameras. I'm thinking about the Sigma 150 - 600 as its really sharp and brings in a lot of light for a very low budget. But the Focus Pulsing is scaring me off. And then i think about the RF 100-400 but it is only f8. So i end up buying no Lens because i can't decide.
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
G'day, yes, a very tough choice to make. In terms of video and stabilisation the RF100-400 would be a lot better due to the size, weight and IS but yes f/8 is a bummer in terms of light. The RF200-800 is great for birds and is very similar to the Sigma but understand that lens is very expensive. Hopefully that lens comes down in price at some stage. Cheers, Duade
@TimvanderLeeuw19 сағат бұрын
I missed the moment to submit...I don't think I would have any winners in any category but that's not the point of course!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks mate, I look forward to seeing them next year, Cheers, Duade
@TimvanderLeeuw9 сағат бұрын
@@Duade I hope that next year I don't miss the call for pictures! 😂
@frankfurter726021 сағат бұрын
Nothing to say other than, first!
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
Thanks Frank, Cheers, Duade
@Jaxsensphotos17 сағат бұрын
how could I submit my photos the next time this goes on?
@Duade10 сағат бұрын
G'day, I have a community page on my channel where I make announcements etc. I will also try to remind people in a video. I also announce it on my Duade Paton Facebook page. Cheers, Duade kzbin.info/door/7cMXJb97jITBo5jMBdAsTwcommunity
@Jaxsensphotos9 сағат бұрын
@@Duade oh ok thank you very much! I will defiantly try and send you some of my shots the next time something like this happens again👍
@ME2K2312 минут бұрын
23:49 👀 these are fakes right? 😉
@v8soarer199120 сағат бұрын
Not sure about "some" of them?? Where is the Award for no processing shot
@davepastern19 сағат бұрын
as Jan would say, processing your images is a chance to make them look their very best.
@markgilder999019 сағат бұрын
Use the tools available.
@v8soarer199119 сағат бұрын
My comments read bad. When AI is wining contests where seasoned photographers are fooled by someone may have never taken a photo ever or left the office. I’m always amazed at what people are doing to take a photo. The group effort and loneliness of photography needs to be encouraged. At all ages
@davepastern19 сағат бұрын
@@v8soarer1991 no question about encouraging people to get out and take images. Especially the younger generation that is quite often caught up in technology at home. But accusing people of AI generated images doesn't make you look good.
@Kellysher18 сағат бұрын
I get the concern about AI. I don’t enter prize contests. It’s just not my thing. I do like sharing my work and seeing the work of others, it’s inspiring. There will always be people cheating in the world. However, I’d rather choose to believe that most people are good than worry about a few bad apples. I’m signing up to join this community. Getting up at the crack of dawn to experience the joy of nature and try to capture these precious moments in an image! These are “my people”. Peace.