PHOTO CONTEST 2023 Professional / Hobbyist Winners, Finalists and Semifinalists

WINNERS AND FINALISTS

First Place | Morning Glow

Manatee Springs State Park | Landscape

John Hootman

"Getting up early in the morning is essential to capture the wildlife here. It is always a big inspiration for my photography, and this morning proved to pay off big. As the sun ascended, the combination of the fog and sun created a near-picture-perfect combination that stopped me in my tracks. The photo was taken as I walked back down the boardwalk at Manatee Springs." - John Hootman

Second Place | Blue Grace

Ichetucknee Springs State Park | Waterscapes

Curt Mason

"Each time I swim in the Ichetucknee Blue Hole, I feel as though I've pulled back the curtain for a fleeting glimpse of an alien world. I get an elated sense that I've just witnessed a precious secret of the universe that most will never see, but all should. Words do it no justice. There's no more inspiring place to bring a camera than our Florida Aquifer." - Curt Mason

Third Place | American Alligator Chill

Myakka River State Park | Wildlife

Beverly Eaton

"The "American Alligator Chill” photo is of a gator I frequently take photos of at Myakka River State Park. He has such a personality and was lovingly named “Snapper Jack". During lower waters, he likes to rest up on a little exposed island at Fisherman’s Loop. Don't often get to see him in full form, but on this overcast day, he was gracious enough to sit for a pose." - Beverly Eaton

Honorable Mention | Lazy Days

Silver Springs State Park | Park Adventure

Arnett Luce

"My inspiration was a simple back to nature and unplug from the outside world kind of week. My husband and I decided to explore Silver Springs State Park as a camping destination and to take in the beauty of nature. In addition to camping, this park is so unique because it offers manatee, monkey, and bird sightings throughout the park. It also offers hiking and water activities for the entire family. I wanted to capture the essence of the beauty and people enjoying the activities in a calm peaceful manner. I believe this image captures both." Arnett Luce

Finalist | Little Loney Toad Resting on a Bed of Moss

Blue Spring State Park | Details and Small Things

Gabriel Casanova

"I took this photo on a Saturday afternoon after deciding I would only take my macro lens on a nature walk. After being patient and looking around every little space and corner the trail had to offer, I found this little toad resting on a bed of moss. I have found that being in nature’s presence teaches us how to truly be still." - Gabriel Casanova

Finalist | Rock Springs

Rock Springs Run State Reserve | Landscape

Jack Cooper

"I've been going to Rock Springs ever since I was a child and have always thought it had some of the most beautiful and unique scenery in Florida. The crystal clear water streams out of a cave, meanders down to a swimming area and beyond. Along the way there are some sand ponds where you can stand and feel the water coming up out of the ground. After I retired a couple of years ago I decided to continue what I love, taking photographs of the beauty of nature and Florida, my home." - Jack Cooper

Finalist | Beautiful Camping on St. George Island

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park | Camping

Jack McMullen

"It was such a joy for us to stay at St. George Island State Park for a week, just a few yards away from its miles of beautiful and unspoiled beaches! The campground and the surrounding area were incredibly peaceful, and we plan to return again every year. I felt that this photo captured the essence and beauty of this gem of a state park!" - Jack McMullen

Finalist | Bears will be Bears

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park | Wildlife

Jay Staton

"Bears will be Bears" was captured on a motion activated camera setup I built. I placed it on a small game trail deep in the Fakahatchee swamp. I had seen this mother bear and her cub in the area a week prior and thought this would be the perfect place to set up a camera and 2 external flashes. This image was taken 2 days later. Unfortunately, they returned 5 days later and mama bear destroyed my camera. " Jay Staton

Finalist | Dawn Patrol

Sebastian Inlet State Park | Park Experiences

Rick Tucker

"I had decided to go photograph the sunrise on the beach and while watching all the people fishing, I noticed this lone surfer walking up and stopping to survey the conditions. When I look at all the people fishing, there is that energy of the crowds and trying to find a space to fish and then when I look at the surfer... that all seems to melt away into the background, leaving a sense of solitude, an ocean of possibilities. " Rick Tucker