Summer Photo Contest Winners

We are thrilled to present the winners of our third annual Summer Photo Contest! Participants from across the country shared their breathtaking photos showcasing the scenic landscapes, rich cultures, and diverse wildlife that drive their commitment to working toward a sustainable future. Congratulations to our winners, and thanks to all who sent in photographs. Your creativity and passion continue to inspire us!

First Place

Karl Leck, Chadds Ford, PA

Population Connection member since 2004

Photo (below): A white horse and sheep graze in the foothills of the Southern Alps near Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

Why population stabilization matters to Karl

Population increase continues to take over land and water resources. Places get developed to serve a growing population, and scenes like this can disappear. Humanity needs to address its rapid population growth to preserve natural resources and the beauty of our world.

I believe that children are the future and, as such, should be considered in family planning decisions, with an eye toward what the future will be like if the population continues to grow. Children need care, love, food, and education. Each person born is a new user of man-made infrastructure and Earth’s resources, which need continual preservation and replenishment.

Second Place

Eric Cullen Hackler, Ocean Township, NJ

Population Connection member since 2024

Photo (below): A lone bald eagle floats atop an iceberg at the foot of Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park (Sit’ Eeti Gheeyi)

Why population stabilization matters to Eric

For better or worse, we are the current stewards of this planet, and with that power comes a great responsibility to celebrate and protect it. What I’ve always found most beautiful about the ecosystems of our world is the balance between everything. For example, seasonal temperature changes cause calving glaciers to create essential iceberg habitats for otters, eagles, and seals. When we caught sight of this eagle floating by the boat, I didn’t expect to find a model so willing to pose. This little friend kept shuffling between positions, holding just long enough to get its picture taken each time.

With the rapid deterioration we’ve caused over the last 200 years, I believe the need for art that shares the delicate interconnectedness of the world has never been stronger. Otherwise, we will end up floating along, oblivious to the truth that the ground is melting under our feet.

Third Place

Kathleen Raffel, San Francisco, CA

Population Connection member since 2023

Photo (below): Crissy Field, at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, a popular place for people to stroll and for birds to hunt

Why population stabilization matters to Kathy

Addressing population issues is important so we can find ways to keep people well-fed and healthy without decimating wildlife populations. Growing cities and communities put pressure on natural habitats and threaten the health of animals, plants, and people. Urban parks provide essential habitat for both humans and wildlife.

I am very involved in bird conservation and am particularly interested in finding ways that animals and humans can thrive together.

Find all of the incredible photo entries our members and supporters submitted here!