2008 Earth Explorer Photo Contest Winners

Winners Announced for Earth Explorer Photo Contest

Photo gallery captures world landscapes and action in the field through the lens of the explorer.

We are excited to announce the winners of our 2008 Earth Explorer Photo Contest.

The contest invited explorers worldwide to send in photos capturing exploration field projects, technology and landscapes. Four winners were selected from over 150 photo entries. Contest winners were:

  • Grand Prize Winner: Claudia Rueda Ruiz, geologist
  • In the Field Category Winner: Jelle De Bruyckere, Project Geologist, Selwyn Resources
  • Exploration Technology Category Winner: Rob Heaslop, Geologist, Rio Tinto Exploration
  • Exploration Landscapes Category Winner: Ron Gile, Maintenance Manager, TEMSCO Helicopters

Rueda Ruiz won top prize, and a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, for her Exploration Team in Action photo. She says it was a combination of timing and luck that allowed her to capture the winning photograph. Her picture of colleagues on an ATV, flanked by a passing helicopter and Little Foot the dog, captured the spirit of exploring a remote region.

As a reflection of the quality of this year's submissions, the following Honorary Mentions and Finalists were recognized: Melissa Park, Ricardo Souza, Federico Cernuschi, Justin van der Toorn, Mike Cowin, Rob Heaslop, Juan Rojo, Jelle De Bruyckere and Ron Gile.

Read the Photo Contest article for the full story and quotes from our winning photographers. View the full Photo Contest Gallery.

Our thanks to all contest participants!

Carmela Burns
Editor, Earth Explorer