OSPREY, FL (June 21, 2023) Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is excited to announce the juried selections and winners for their fourth annual Summer Photo Contest exhibit. Photographers of all ages and experience levels were invited to submit their original work showcasing the beauty of natural Florida. Jurors included noted photographer, Kerri Gagne Deatherage; fine artist, Mary Louise O’Connell; and award-winning commercial photographer, Robert Nishihira.
Over 300 photographs from across the state were submitted for consideration. Jurors evaluated submissions on composition, color, contrast, point of view, whether the image told a story, and how well the image fit the category. In addition to selecting which images would be included in the exhibit, jurors awarded a winner in each category as well as an overall Best in Show. The exhibit may be viewed at conservationfoundation.com/summerphoto2023 or by visiting Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast on Facebook.
The jury-selected winners for each category are:
• The Big Picture: Wonderful Morning View by Saskia Angela Weber
• The Art of Nature: Water Botanical by Katherine Kelly
• Fabulously Florida: Equine Portrait by Susan Beausang
• Winged Life: Queen Butterfly on Thistle Flower by Christopher Harrington
• Youth Perspective: Anhinga in Flight by Cody Cianfrance
• Best in Show: Queen Butterfly on Thistle Flower by Christopher Harrington
People’s Choice voting is happening now through August 20 on the Conservation Foundation Facebook page. At the end of the Facebook voting period, the photo with the most likes/loves in each category will be deemed the People’s Choice Category Winner. The image with the most likes/loves overall will be the People’s Choice Best in Show. All voting will take place on Facebook and the likes/loves must be on the original image in the Conservation Foundation 2023 Summer Photo Contest gallery in order to be counted.
Congratulations to all the photographers whose work was selected for this year’s exhibit!
About Conservation Foundation
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government, they work to ensure all people have access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, beautiful natural areas to enjoy, and all the other physical and mental benefits nature provides. Their vital work strengthens Southwest Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at conservationfoundation.com.