The SATW Bill Muster Photo Awards recognizes excellence in photography and is named for renowned photographer Bill Muster, who generously established a foundation to support this annual travel photography award. Since 1981 SATW has presented the Muster Awards and...
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Named for the late Bill Muster, a renowned photographer and SATW (Society of American Travel Writers) member, the SATW Bill Muster Photo Awards recognize excellence in travel photography featuring nature, people, and cultures.
After serving in WWII, Bill Muster graduated from the University of Illinois and devoted his life to capturing images for newspapers and media companies. He was a venerated member of the SATW community. Since 1981, SATW has presented the Muster Awards and cash prizes for travel photography in a range of categories. After Bill Muster died in 1989, his children Nori and Bill Jr., generously continued their father’s legacy with an annual gift that funds the cash prizes awarded.
“Photographers tell stories with their cameras,” said SATW Past President Elizabeth Harryman Lasley, “and travel photographers use arresting images to reveal insights into the world’s landscapes, cultures, and people. The SATW Bill Muster Photo Awards honor some of North America’s best practitioners of this visual storytelling. We’re so grateful for the Muster family’s support of this award, one of the most prestigious in travel journalism.”
The awards are presented annually at SATW’s annual convention. The images must have been taken between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024, and entrants must be SATW members.
The following awards were announced at the 2024 SATW Convention in İstanbul, Türkiye.
2025 Photographer of the Year
Gold: Mark Downey
Silver: Donnie Sexton
Bronze: Eric Lindberg
Single Subject
Gold: Bob Holmes
Silver: Ellen Clark
Bronze: Vanessa Dewson
Action Adventure
Gold: David Stock
Silver: Kerrick James
Bronze: Debi Lander
Animal
Gold: Vanessa Dewson
Silver: Karin Pezo
Bronze: Dave Bouskill
Architecture
Gold: William Tang
Silver: Brad Johnson
Bronze: Debi Lander
Culture
Gold: Cosmo Condina
Silver: Juliana Broste
Bronze: Carol Waller
Merit Award: Kerrick James
Merit Award: Shel Zolkewich
Food
Gold: Lisa Ballard
Silver: Doug Peebles
Bronze: Len Garrison
Merit Award: Brad Johnson
Natural Scenic
Gold: Dino Vournas
Silver: Carol Waller
Bronze: Robin Karpan
People (General)
Gold: Kerrick James
Silver: Doug Stremel
Bronze: Christopher Baker
People Portrait
Gold: Christopher Baker
Silver: Sherry Spitsnaugle
Bronze: Bob Holmes
Merit Award: Katy Koontz