Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award for
Excellence in Still Photography
Excellence in Film or Video

The Housberg Awards recognize film, video, and still photography projects that advance the protection of Alaska's wilderness environment, further discussion of issues relating to habitat and stewardship of the state's natural resources, and enhance greater public education relating to these areas. The award was established in memory of Daniel Housberg, an avid outdoorsman and news photographer, producer, and videographer. Advocacy Arts Foundation of Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to providing support for artists whose careers reflect purposeful work on behalf the environment and social justice, matches the ACF award. These awards are accompanied by a cash prize to the individual.

2008 Recipient for Excellence in Still Photography

Amy Gulick of North Bend, Washington

Amy Gulick is a photographer and writer specializing in conservation and natural history.  For the past decade she has committed her work to educating the public and decision makers on Alaska conservation issues, most notably the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Tongass National Forest.  By publishing her images and stories, speaking to national audiences, and collaborating with conservation organizations, Gulick is a powerful voice for Alaska. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Audubon, National Wildlife, Nature’s Best Photography, Sierra, and National Parks.  In addition, her photographs have been featured in the work of the Alaska Wilderness League, Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, Alaska Rainforest Campaign, and Trustees for Alaska. She is a founding Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers and a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists. Her Internet story “Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Wilderness or Wasteland?” won a Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation.  She is a Mission Award recipient of the North American Nature Photography Association, which also awarded her its Philip Hyde Gant for her project showcasing the Tongass National Forest.

No award was made in 2008 for excellence in film or video.

2007 Recipient for Excellence in Still Photography

Carl Battreall of Anchorage, Alaska

In his early twenties, Carl moved to the Monterey Bay area to study the classic, large-format, West Coast style of photography. At the age of 24, Carl made his first of nine ascents of California’s Mount Shasta, which sparked a fascination with the glaciated landscape that eventually resulted in a move to Alaska in 2001. In 2003, he began a six-year project to explore and photograph all six hundred miles of the Alaska Range, with an emphasis on the threatened and unprotected areas of the range. Carl’s fine art prints have been included in numerous group and solo exhibits throughout United States, including the Smithsonian, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Center for Photographic Art, and the Alaska State Museum. His work is also part of the permanent collection at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Carl’s photography and writing is frequently published in calendars and magazines worldwide.

No award was made in 2007 for excellence in film or video.

2006 Recipient for Excellence in Still Photography

Tom Walker

Tom Walker is regarded as one of Alaska's premier nature photographers with publication credits including Alaska Magazine, Field and Stream, Outdoor Life, Newsweek, Audubon, Sierra, Natural History and National Wildlife.  Walker’s conservation leadership is apparent from his 2004 presentation at the North American Nature Photographers Association's Annual Summit on the use of photography for conservation education. Walker’s work clearly helps to educate Alaskans and the world about the value of Alaska’s wildlife, waters and wildlife.

2006 Recipients for Excellence in Film or Video

Leanne Allison and Diana Wilson for “Being Caribou”

Co-Writers and co-directors Leanne Allison and Diana Wilson have made an amazing film, “Being Caribou,” about the trip of Allison and her husband, wildlife biologist Karsten Heuer, as they follow a herd of 120,000 caribou on foot, across 1,500 kilometers of rugged Arctic tundra to raise awareness of threats to the caribou's survival. During the five-month journey, hunger, fatigue and pain become routine, but the sacrifice is worth it when they witness the miracle of birth just meters from their tent.  Approximately 1 million people across Northern America have seen “Being Caribou.” As a result, Allison and Wilson have helped create a new level of awareness of the value of the Arctic Refuge to Americans.

2005 Recipient for Excellence in Still Photography

George Herben

George’s photography has championed conservation and wildness in Alaska for over 50 years. George has worked throughout Alaska, but Wrangell-St. Elias Park and Preserve became his consuming passion. His documentation of the Wrangell-St. Elias area has contributed immensely to public education about parks and wild places, while calling for continued stewardship and protection.

2005 Recipients for Excellence in Film or Video

Dale Djerassi and Bo Boudart

Producers and directors, Dale and Bo have demonstrated a commitment to encouraging public discourse and environmental activism to preserve such places as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Their film, Oil on Ice, is a thoughtful and moving portrayal of how America’s energy decisions impact the future of the global economy, the environment, and traditional cultures.

2004 Recipient for Excellence in Still Photography

James Barker

James Barker is a widely accomplished photographer and photojournalist who has been living and working in Alaska since 1974. Professionally, James has been affiliated with the University of Alaska Museum, the Smithsonian, and the National Science Foundation. James has been recognized through numerous awards, including the 2003 Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award in the Humanities, and his work has appeared in major institutions in the Lower ‘48 as well as in Alaska’s major state museums. James’ documentary style work has concentrated on people who live and work in the Polar Regions and Alaska Natives. Much of what he has depicted, especially in his work with Alaska Native people, makes it clear that their culture is intricately linked with their environment: their survival depends upon it, and as subsistence-living people their every act shows an ingrained respect and understanding of that environment. His books and essays, including Always Getting Ready: Yup’ik Eskimo Subsistence in Western Alaska, have served as an important bridge for Alaskan communities to better understand and appreciate one another, as well as their relation to the environment.