BEAVER CREEK, Colorado -The top three racers in each of the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup competitions had best clear some prime wall space at home as Missouri photographer Rob Westrich has selected a set of dramatic limited edition raptor prints to serve as their official trophies.
Westrich is owner and operator of Westrich Photography, one of St. Louis' most respected and prolific photo studios. It was started by his father in 1947 and the younger Westrich reportedly took his first photos at the age of two, albeit mostly of kneecaps and furniture legs. By the age of 15, he was working professionally within the family business.
For the Audi Birds of Prey events, he has chosen a shot of a Golden Eagle for the race winner, a Tawney Eagle for the second place finisher and a Bald Eagle for the third place competitor. Following the races, a plaque with the racer's name, place and event will be added to the photo matting and the finished piece will be shipped to the individual winners.
"Mr. Westrich's photos are incredible," offered Michael Imhof, Vice President of Sales and Operations for the Vail Valley Foundation, "and I can guarantee that they will be extremely coveted reminders of the athletes' success at the Audi Birds of Prey. They are very striking and very personal."
Westrich's decision to undertake The Raptor Series was spawned by a chance encounter with a South American White Hawk named "Ivory" at a fundraising event for the World Bird Sanctuary.
"The attraction to this magnificent bird was powerful and instantaneous," explained Westrich. "I immediately began conjuring up ideas for capturing this raptor photographically and I couldn't imagine not attempting this project. Yet I never knew that this desire to share the beauty of this single bird would evolve into such an extensive project."
One bird led to another and the series was born. Westrich allowed himself the latitude to take the images wherever the birds led him and the result is a collection of portraiture of which he is extremely proud.
In addition to the Audi Birds of Prey trophies, Westrich's Raptor Series photographs will also be on display in the World Cup registration area on the main level of Beaver Creek's Gerald R. Ford Hall. He has donated a 50"x 43" handsomely framed version of the gold medal Golden Eagle print for auction at the annual Black Diamond Ball on Friday evening. The print is Number One in a limited edition of just 50 prints offered worldwide.
For more information on Rob Westrich and Westrich Photography, visit www.westrichphoto.com. For additional information on the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey, check out www.bcworldcup.com.
