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About Our Company
BCJ Guest Karthik Subramaniam Wins National Geographic ‘Pictures of the Year’ Contest
Published March 1, 2023
Photography contests are an excellent way for photographers to gain recognition, establish their presence in the field, and most importantly to share beautiful, striking, and important images with the world.
There are so many photo contests focusing on a wide variety of genres from different organizations that it can be difficult to keep track of what’s going on. That being said, there are contests from a select group of organizations that truly stand out. When it comes to the quality and the sheer number of images submitted by great photographers and the parameters involved these select few competitions are in a field of their own and the winning images are destined to be incredible.
The National Geographic ‘Pictures of the Year’ photo contest just might be the cream of the crop when it comes to nature and wildlife photography. I was recently taking a look at the winning images from this year and right there at the very top was a striking and bold photograph of several bold eagles fighting over a perch. This photo is stunning and captures such a raw moment of action and emotion but what really surprised me was the name of the photographer underneath.
Karthik Subramaniam is the photographer behind this masterpiece, and he just happens to be a BCJ guest. It was incredibly exciting to realize that someone who has enjoyed our trips in the past has gone on to win such a prestigious award in the photography world.
Karthik is a very talented and established photographer who has produced an impressive body of work. His recent wildlife photos are exceptional. So, let’s take a closer look at this award-winning image and the story behind the shot.
There are so many photo contests focusing on a wide variety of genres from different organizations that it can be difficult to keep track of what’s going on. That being said, there are contests from a select group of organizations that truly stand out. When it comes to the quality and the sheer number of images submitted by great photographers and the parameters involved these select few competitions are in a field of their own and the winning images are destined to be incredible.
The National Geographic ‘Pictures of the Year’ photo contest just might be the cream of the crop when it comes to nature and wildlife photography. I was recently taking a look at the winning images from this year and right there at the very top was a striking and bold photograph of several bold eagles fighting over a perch. This photo is stunning and captures such a raw moment of action and emotion but what really surprised me was the name of the photographer underneath.
Karthik Subramaniam is the photographer behind this masterpiece, and he just happens to be a BCJ guest. It was incredibly exciting to realize that someone who has enjoyed our trips in the past has gone on to win such a prestigious award in the photography world.
Karthik is a very talented and established photographer who has produced an impressive body of work. His recent wildlife photos are exceptional. So, let’s take a closer look at this award-winning image and the story behind the shot.
Every year, during the salmon run, Haines, Alaska undergoes a dramatic transformation as new residents start to move in. This small town in the southeastern region of the state becomes home to around 3,000 bald eagles that have migrated here for one reason. Food!
These raptors have migrated to this unique spot on the Chilkat River to feast on the nutrient and fat-rich salmon as they swim upstream preparing for their annual spawn. If you want to capture images of bald eagles with stunning backdrops, then this is the time and place.
Karthik, who has photographed in Alaska before, was well aware of this and set himself up to capture this incredible natural phenomenon. As he states, “Wherever there’s salmon there’s going to be chaos.”
He had been on location for a week, giving himself plenty of time and opportunity to capture a variety of images. This is always a good idea on any shoot as unexpected variables like weather can change your plans quickly. You want to set yourself up for success and create as many opportunities as possible to shoot your subjects.
It wasn’t until the last day of his trip, only hours before he was set to depart, that Karthik managed to capture this image. He decided to stay a bit longer, create more opportunities, and luckily it paid off.
Karthik noticed that several bald eagles were fighting over a strategic vantage point above the water on the raised branches of a log. He quickly realized that this was an ideal place for eagles to observe their peers and therefore attempt to steal their spoils.
Due to the fierce competition for this ideal real estate, Karthik knew there would be dramatic and chaotic interactions between hungry eagles. He aimed his telephoto lens at the log and waited for the perfect moment to arrive.
And when that split-second of action did arrive, he was ready. Karthik managed to capture the image above which he titled “Dance of the Eagles.” This image beautifully portrays two fierce predators fighting over hunting territory. You can clearly see the desperation and predatory instinct through the actions and forms of these eagles as they battle for the highest point on the log.
From the composition to the backdrop to the razor-sharp subjects and everything in between, this image perfectly captures a beautiful moment in the natural world. As a photographer, I aspire to capture wildlife shots like this.
Once again, we would like to extend a massive congratulations to Karthik for taking an incredible image and for walking away with such a prestigious award in the photography world. Keep up the great work and we’re excited to see images from your future photography adventures!
Be sure to check out Karthik’s Instagram to see more of his work!
And read this National Geographic article to learn more about the story behind this image!
These raptors have migrated to this unique spot on the Chilkat River to feast on the nutrient and fat-rich salmon as they swim upstream preparing for their annual spawn. If you want to capture images of bald eagles with stunning backdrops, then this is the time and place.
Karthik, who has photographed in Alaska before, was well aware of this and set himself up to capture this incredible natural phenomenon. As he states, “Wherever there’s salmon there’s going to be chaos.”
He had been on location for a week, giving himself plenty of time and opportunity to capture a variety of images. This is always a good idea on any shoot as unexpected variables like weather can change your plans quickly. You want to set yourself up for success and create as many opportunities as possible to shoot your subjects.
It wasn’t until the last day of his trip, only hours before he was set to depart, that Karthik managed to capture this image. He decided to stay a bit longer, create more opportunities, and luckily it paid off.
Karthik noticed that several bald eagles were fighting over a strategic vantage point above the water on the raised branches of a log. He quickly realized that this was an ideal place for eagles to observe their peers and therefore attempt to steal their spoils.
Due to the fierce competition for this ideal real estate, Karthik knew there would be dramatic and chaotic interactions between hungry eagles. He aimed his telephoto lens at the log and waited for the perfect moment to arrive.
And when that split-second of action did arrive, he was ready. Karthik managed to capture the image above which he titled “Dance of the Eagles.” This image beautifully portrays two fierce predators fighting over hunting territory. You can clearly see the desperation and predatory instinct through the actions and forms of these eagles as they battle for the highest point on the log.
From the composition to the backdrop to the razor-sharp subjects and everything in between, this image perfectly captures a beautiful moment in the natural world. As a photographer, I aspire to capture wildlife shots like this.
Once again, we would like to extend a massive congratulations to Karthik for taking an incredible image and for walking away with such a prestigious award in the photography world. Keep up the great work and we’re excited to see images from your future photography adventures!
Be sure to check out Karthik’s Instagram to see more of his work!
And read this National Geographic article to learn more about the story behind this image!
We offer world-class travel photography
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
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Explore our library of articles that cover everything from common questions, to in-depth guides on how to achieve that perfect shot.BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.