The Wiki Loves Bangla 2025 photography contest was held from March 1 to April 15, focusing on the beautiful and diverse Birds of Bangla. Photographers from across the region shared thousands of images capturing Bengal’s rich avian life. To carefully evaluate these submissions, we assembled a jury of experienced photographers with strong backgrounds in nature, wildlife, architecture, and cultural photography.
Here’s an introduction to the members of this year’s jury and the unique perspectives they bring to the contest.
Abdul Momin – Bangladesh
Abdul Momin is a renowned Bangladeshi photographer whose work has been featured in prominent international publications, including National Geographic, The Guardian, and The Times. With over one hundred prestigious awards worldwide, Momin is known for capturing moments that reveal the beauty of nature, architecture, and culture. As an active Wikimedian for over five years, he has contributed extensively to Wikimedia projects, including Wiki Loves Earth and Wiki Loves Monuments. His broad experience brings a global and cultural perspective to the jury.
Frank “Fritz” Schulenburg – Germany, USA
Frank Schulenburg is an award-winning photographer whose work has been featured in The Washington Post, Smithsonian Magazine, and Forbes, among others. Since 2012, he has specialised in landscape, wildlife, architecture, and travel photography. As Executive Director of the Wiki Education Foundation and a leading Wikimedia contributor, Frank brings both artistic skill and extensive Wikimedia experience to the jury panel. He also made history as the first Wikipedia photographer accredited at the Sundance Film Festival.
Simon Pierre Barrette – France
With a background in wildlife biology, Simon Pierre Barrette is a French wildlife photographer devoted to documenting underrepresented species. His passion for nature photography aligns perfectly with this year’s Birds of Bangla theme. Simon has contributed more than 50 Featured Pictures and 150 Quality Images to Wikimedia Commons, helping raise awareness of biodiversity through captivating images of wildlife.
Syed Abbas – Bangladesh
Syed Abbas is an accomplished Bangladeshi nature and wildlife photographer specialising in birds and butterflies. Since 2012, his creative images have been widely published in nature books and magazines across Bangladesh. His focus on local biodiversity and conservation efforts makes him a vital voice in the jury, especially for this year’s contest centred on Bengal’s birds.
Timothy A. Gonsalves – India
Timothy A. Gonsalves specialises in landscapes, architecture, nature, and machinery photography. His work spans 14 countries, featuring more than 50 Featured Images and over 2,000 High-Quality Images on Wikimedia Commons. An educator and engineer by profession, Timothy combines technical precision with artistic vision, enriching the jury’s perspective on composition and detail.
Why This Jury Matters for Wiki Loves Bangla 2025
By assembling this diverse team, Wiki Loves Bangla ensures that photos of the Birds of Bangla are reviewed by photographers with a deep understanding and appreciation for nature, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Their combined knowledge spans international acclaim, scientific background, technical precision, and local expertise — all vital to fairly recognising the best photographic works.
The jury’s role goes beyond selecting winners: they help set standards of quality and diversity that reflect the spirit of Wiki Loves Bangla. Their dedication allows the contest to shine a spotlight on Bengal’s rich avian life and inspire photographers to continue capturing the extraordinary beauty of their surroundings.
We thank our jury members for their time and expertise and invite you to explore their photography to fuel your inspiration for next year’s contest!
