Home » Stories » Photography » Nebraskaland 2023 Photo Contest

Nebraskaland 2023 Photo Contest

on
two lego figurines with cameras look like they are photographing a live sparrow

BEST OF SHOW – Lego Aviary

Photo by Chris Bergstrom, Blair
@chriscosmosphotography

Since Nebraskaland Magazine’s photo contest began, we have seen tens of thousands of images, but none as unique as Chris Bergstrom’s Best in Show winner, “Lego Aviary.”

The image made our team laugh and also brought into discussion how much planning must have been done to capture this photograph.

“It took me hundreds of shots,” Chris said. “I have a passion to shoot night skies, but, two years ago, we had a baby and was around the house a lot more. I had to fill that need to take pictures.”

He did so by combining his passion for Legos — he is a self-described Lego “nerd” — with his extreme attention to detail. “I would see a lot of house sparrows landing in our yard, so I slowly took away landing spots, such as patio chairs, so I could direct exactly where I wanted birds to land.”

Then Chris put a pile of bird seed on the ground, his Lego characters nearby, and decorated the background with dandelions. From there, it was simply a matter of patience.

“I work from home,” Chris said, “so I have my camera hooked up to a remote from my desk in my basement and, while I worked, I took these photos.”

Chris also captured our imagination of what can be done in your own backyard.

To see more of his images, visit his Instagram page @chriscosmosphotography.

We thank everyone who participated in this year’s contest and look forward to seeing our wonderful state through your eyes next year.

Happy shooting.

Jeff Kurrus, Editor
Nebraskaland Magazine

Scenic

a yellow and pink sunset glint off of snow-covered trees along a river

FIRST PLACE – Rime Ice Sunshine Eagle

Photo by Jeffrey Z. Carney, Ashland
@carneyphotography1

a black and white photograph of a dramatic sky of thin clouds over rocky geologic features at Toadstool Geologic Park

SECOND PLACE – Toadstool Splendor

Photo by Margaret West, Omaha
@westmargaretblock

A silhouetted tree line reflects on the water; the sky and water are both orange from the setting sun

THIRD PLACE – Standing Bear Clouds

Photo by Jayson Alder, Omaha
@alderimages

Macro

A beetle chews its way through a leaf and peeks out from the hole

FIRST PLACE – Peek-a-boo Beetle

Photo by Kristin Hartner, Omaha
@kristin_hartner_photography

A sweat bee feeds on a lime green heuchera plant

SECOND PLACE – Lasioglossum on Heuchera

Photo by Tyler Moore
@drtylermoore

A bug sits perched on top of a tall spire of purple flowers

THIRD PLACE – Evening Snack

Photo by Ellen Hanzlicek, Dubois
@hanzlicekellen

Recreation

A little boy with big curly hair fishes from a still lake, the sun setting in the distance

FIRST PLACE – Young Angler

Photo by Chris Bergstrom, Blair
@chriscosmosphotography

A little girl in a red cap with purple boots on leans against an aging fence lining a dirt path covered in leaves

SECOND PLACE – Holding the Universe Together

Photo by Ben Placzek, Omaha
@bplaczekphoto

the sun begins to rise behind a still lake where decoys have been set

THIRD PLACE – Burn Off

Photo by Matt Zvolanek, Ogallala
@mericamut

Wildlife

Two prairie chickens take off in flight from a dry grassland patch

FIRST PLACE – Chicken Tag

Photo by Don Brockmeier, Eustis
@donbrockmeier4

A fox is sharp orange against a dark green grassy background

SECOND PLACE – Curious Young Fox

Photo by Roger Richters, Utica
@rogerrichters

Three monarch butterflies, one with a tag, land on an orange flower

THIRD PLACE – Monarchs Delightt

Photo by Deb Miller, Aurora
@11husky