OSPREY, FL (August 22, 2023) Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is excited to announce the People’s Choice winners of 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.
Hundreds of local photographers submitted their images 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. Following jury selection, community members were invited to vote for their favorites by liking/loving the images in the Conservation Foundation Summer Photo Contest Facebook gallery. Voting took place June 20 through August 20, and the most liked/loved image in each category received the honor of being recognized as People’s Choice.
The photo with the most likes/loves overall received distinct recognition as People’s Choice Best in Show. With almost 500 likes on Facebook, this year’s People’s Choice Best in Show winner was Diane Fairey’s photograph, ‘Corn Snake Enjoying the Salty Air.’
The People’s Choice category winners are:
• Fabulously Florida: Corn Snake Enjoying the Salty Air by Diane Fairey
• The Art of Nature: The Elusive Junonia Seashell by Diane Fairey
• The Big Picture: Matanzas Thunderstorm by Stephen Brown
• Winged Life: Where Are You? by Larry Stone
• Youth Perspective: Wisdom Tree by Gideon Hersh
• Best in Show: Corn Snake Enjoying the Salty Air by Diane Fairey
The full gallery may be viewed at conservationfoundation.com/summerphoto2023 or by visiting Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast on Facebook. 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.