Daily Herald photo contest winners for May 2025
Leading the way in the May amateur photo contest is Alexandra Schroeder’s photo capturing an American coot speeding across the water at Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve in Hampshire. The Geneva resident writes, “I was taking photos of the coots and other birds … when I captured this shot of a coot making a mad dash (‘splattering’) across the water. I found it interesting how the coot seemed to walk on water as it was chased away by another coot.”
Coming in second is Ken Simpson’s photo capturing a serene scene of a mute swan gliding across the clear water, creating concentric ripples that play on the reflection of the clouds, while showing the fish darting below.
Bonnie Graham’s photo of an adorable gaggle of goslings takes third place. The Lombard resident writes, “I had to act quickly, as they were walking pretty quickly to get in the water, plus they were getting into direct sunlight and were a bit too close for my telephoto lens. I didn't have much hope on the photo, but I think it turned out pretty well. Someone told me it almost looks like an AI, which I assure you it isn't.”
In the fourth spot is Stacey Van Zeyl’s photo of a small finch nestled in a juniper tree. The Third Lake resident writes, “This yellow female American goldfinch was hopping around … while its mate was on the ground picking up stuffing for their nest.”
An honorable mention goes to Ron Mueller of West Chicago, who spotted this scene while going outside to grab the newspaper. He writes, “The pictures don't even capture the brilliance of the colors. Looked like my neighbors house was on fire.”
Contest rules
The Daily Herald invites readers to submit their own photos to our “Your Images” amateur photo contest.
Once a month, we showcase entries that feature one first-place winner and three runners-up. The contest is open to everyone in the Daily Herald readership area.
• To submit a photo of your own for consideration, email it in .jpg format at highest quality possible to yourimages@dailyherald.com.
• Include your name, mailing address and phone number, plus a detailed description of your photo. Remember to include what you like about it.
• One photo a week per photographer, but enter as many weeks as you’d like.
• First-place winners will receive prizes alternating between The Great Frame Up in Schaumburg and PJ’s Camera in Glen Ellyn.