Liron Gertsman: The Avian Virtuoso Behind the 2023 Audubon Grand Prize
The highlight of Liron Gertsman’s illustrious journey as a respected wildlife photographer was undoubtedly winning the esteemed Grand Prize at the 2023 Audubon Photography Awards. A native of British Columbia, Liron has always held the Audubon competition in high regard. So, to see his own work earning top honors was a surreal moment of pride and accomplishment for him.
Gertsman’s profound knowledge of biology, which he studied extensively at the University of British Columbia, plays an integral part in shaping his approach to wildlife photography. His academic background enables him to deftly capture the habitats, behaviors, and intrinsic allure of animals, especially birds. His photographs authentically express the dynamics of their ecosystems, showcasing a harmonious fusion of his love for both biology and photography.
With a unique ability to identify bird calls, Gertsman often recognizes them by sound before seeing the birds themselves. These calls offer invaluable insights into the birds’ behaviors and locations. They can hint at a bird establishing its territory or signal the presence of a nearby predator. Since childhood, Gertsman has possessed a profound understanding of these calls and can discern every bird sound in his region. Whenever he’s outdoors, he remains acutely attuned to the avian symphonies around him.
Gertsman finds it challenging to single out a favorite among the multitude of bird species he has observed. Nevertheless, he holds a particular affinity for the Rock Pigeon, the star of his award-winning photograph, and the Anna’s hummingbirds, indigenous to Vancouver. His fascination extends to the resilient shorebirds such as the Western Sandpipers and the Dunlin, along with the Arctic Tern, celebrated for its remarkable Arctic-Antarctic migration.
The transition from a hobbyist to a professional wildlife photographer for Gertsman began in his youth, sparked by taking bird pictures with his parents’ camera. His frequent excursions to the lush parks of Vancouver nurtured this passion into a full-fledged profession, greatly influenced by his decision to invest in a professional-grade camera. By selling his photographs and taking up work in the ecotourism industry, he managed to finance his education. Eventually, he amassed a substantial client base and devoted his full attention to a career in photography.
The unparalleled joy Gertsman experiences seeing his work displayed in world-renowned museums underscores photography’s significance as a storytelling medium, comparable to video, text, and journalism. He revels in the possibility that a single photograph might influence millions globally, particularly via social media. Gertsman maintains that these widely shared images can spark a newfound respect for nature in viewers, potentially motivating them to undertake actions that positively impact the environment and our planet.
The award-winning pigeon photograph by Gertsman came about serendipitously. Gertsman noticed a pair of pigeons one morning engaged in ‘allopreening,’ a tender grooming behavior. Captivated by the scene, he aimed to encapsulate this emotional interaction, also spotting an opportunity to use the shadowy underside as a natural, studio-like black background. He used the camera’s limitation of perceiving shadows as a black backdrop when exposed for a lit subject, to his advantage. Skillfully positioning himself, he highlighted the vibrant purple and turquoise hues in the pigeons’ feathers and the orange in their eyes. The resulting spontaneous yet striking image, accentuating the interplay of light and the birds’ behavior, ultimately clinched the prestigious award.
Primarily self-taught, Gertsman is continually perfecting his craft, drawing inspiration from his fellow photographers. He motivates budding photographers to deeply engage with photographic content, learn from professionals, and dedicate time to observing and practicing.
As a fervent supporter of ethical wildlife photography, Gertsman underscores the necessity to honor and refrain from disrupting animal habitats during shoots. His commitment to ethical standards is driven by his aspiration to contribute positively to the preservation of nature’s purity.
Relaying an unforgettable experience with his bird of choice, the Arctic Tern, Gertsman emphasizes his profound admiration for these birds that undertake the longest known annual migration spanning almost 100,000 kilometers from the Arctic to Antarctica. On a trek in northern British Columbia, he spotted a pair of these birds nesting at a secluded pond. To his astonishment, when he returned to this exact location two years later, he found the same pair, who had completed their long-distance journey twice during this time. Such extraordinary interactions with the wonders of the natural world constantly ignite Gertsman’s enthusiasm for bird observation and photography.
Gertsman’s ardor for wildlife photography deepens with his cognizance of environmental issues, including climate change and habitat degradation. He optimistically believes that his captivating visual storytelling can catalyze conservation efforts by evoking a sense of admiration for the natural world. As he looks ahead, Gertsman aspires to venture into photojournalism and utilize his photographic prowess to enlighten others about wildlife and environmental concerns. His future plans include conducting workshops, leading tours, and launching educational projects to disseminate his profound reverence for nature.