Conservation Foundation announces Summer Photo Contest’s People’s Choice winners

Best in Show honoree receives more than 1,600 Facebook likes

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, based in Osprey, and presenting sponsor Elizabeth Moore have announced the People’s Choice winners for their third annual Summer Photo Contest exhibit.

Photographers of all ages and experience levels were invited to submit their original works, “showcasing the beauty of natural Florida,” a news release explains. The jurors comprised Moore; noted photographer Kerri Gagne Deatherage; multidisciplinary artist Traci Kegerreis; fine artist Mary Louise O’Connell; and fine artist Karen Chandler, the release notes.

“Hundreds of local photographers submitted their images for consideration,” the release adds. Jurors evaluated submissions on the basis of composition, color, contrast and point of view, as well as “whether the image told a story, and how well the image fit the category,” the release continues.

Following the jury’s selections, “community members were invited to vote for their favorites by liking/loving the images in the Conservation Foundation Summer Photo Contest Facebook gallery,” the release points out. Voting took place from Aug. 1 through Aug. 31. The most liked/loved image in each category was honored with recognition as a People’s Choice winner, the release adds.

“The photo with the most likes/loves overall received distinct recognition as People’s Choice Best in Show,” the release points out. With more than 1,600 likes on Facebook, “the overwhelming winner was Diane Suner’s photograph, Reflections of a Royal Tern,” the release says.

The People’s Choice category winners are as follows:

  • The Big Picture — Stormy Lightning by Anita Ella.
  • A Way of Life on the Land — Snacktime by Richard Weisenfeld.
  • Florida in Focus — Reflections of a Royal Tern by Diane Suner.
  • Attention to Detail — I Only Have Eyes for You by Gary McNulty.
  • Youth Perspective — Banyan Twirl by Gideon Hersh.

The full gallery may be viewed at conservationfoundation.com/summerphoto2022 or by visiting the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast page on Facebook.

“Congratulations to all the photographers whose work was selected for this year’s exhibit!” the release concludes.