The International Garden Photographer of the Year competition has announced the five winners of its Early Bird Competition, whose theme this year was In Full Bloom.

The judges thought: “This is a simple idea beautifully executed. It is a witty interpretation of the theme “In Full Bloom” and caught the judges’ eye. The very soft light on the fruits is a particular delight.”

The contest was created as an appetizer for the full International Garden Photographer of the Year awards, which closes later in the year, to encourage early entries.

The five winners will receive a signed copy of the new book: International Garden Photographer of the Year Collection 02, which features the winning and commended photographs from the 2009 exhibition.

Organiser, Philip Smith, said: “The early bird standard was higher then ever this year and this bodes well for next year’s exhibition.’

The 2010 competition is open at www.igpoty.com until 30th November 2009. There are seven categories, plus awards for single images as well as portfolios. The 2009 exhibition is currently on show at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew until September 13th, when it transfers to Wakehurst Place, Sussex.

See the Eary Bird winners.

Enter the 2010 competition.

 
Below: One of the winners, Flowering Fruits by Anne Gilbert
English strawberries, raspberries and refreshing mint creating a bloom of their own. Shortly before being eaten…

The judges thought: “This is a simple idea beautifully executed. It is a witty interpretation of the theme “In Full Bloom” and caught the judges’ eye. The very soft light on the fruits is a particular delight.” 

IGPOTY Early Bird 580