Well, this is exciting - my elephant image "Mudscreen" just received First Place in Wildlife in the American Society of Media Photographers/North American Nature Photography Association (ASMP/NANPA) "Best of 2026" competition. This is a national competition, so it's quite an honor. I took it from the famous Onkolo Ground Hide in Onguma Private Game Reserve, Namibia, which offers a unique perspective where you are below ground looking up at the wildlife. There were 4 bull elephants at the waterhole this day, and this one was throwing mud across its body to protect from the harsh Namibian sun.
I look forward to returning to Namibia and the Onguma Reserve later this year. If you or anyone you know might be interested in joining the October 2026 Southern Africa Adventure with Nat Expo Tours, we are taking reservations until July 15 and still offering a discount to fill the remaining spots. You can view the full itinerary here: https://natexpotours.com/2026-namibia/
I am currently leading a tour in Iceland, so I was not able to watch the livestream of the "Best of 2026" winners but was able to go back and hear the jurors' comments on YouTube. My image is on at 21:42: https://www.youtube.com/live/sJep5FJaR_U
As always, thank you for following my journeys,
Colin
