Big Waters Land Trust recently announced the People's Choice winners for its seventh annual Summer Photo Contest, which celebrates the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes, wildlife, and waterways.
Photographers of all ages and experience levels were invited to submit original images that showcase Florida's natural beauty in this statewide competition. This year's panel of jurors included photographer and writer Mary Lundeberg; photographers Harry Sayer and Barbara Banks; and Darcy Kelly-Laviolette, executive creative director of Sarasota Scene Magazine.
More than 130 photographs from across the state were submitted for consideration. Jurors evaluated each image on composition, color, contrast, point of view, storytelling, and how effectively
it represented its category. In addition to selecting the images for the online exhibit, the jurors awarded first place in each category and selected an overall Best-in-Show winner.
"We are incredibly grateful to have so many talented and inspiring photographers in our community participate in this year's Summer Photo Contest," said Angelena Papazian, events coordinator at Big Waters Land Trust. "Each submitted image beautifully captures the unique landscapes and wildlife that make our region so special and highlights the importance of protecting these natural spaces and the species that depend on them."
After the juried selection, the community was invited to vote for their favorite photographs in the Big Waters Summer Photo Contest Facebook gallery. The most reactions in each category was named the People's Choice Winner.
The 2026 People's Choice Winners:
· "In Love with the Land" – Marsh of Solitude by Robert Schlechty.
· "The Art of Nature" – Sombrero Reef Lighthouse by Daniel Eidsmoe.
· "Beautiful Waters" – Late Night Reflections by Faith Bradburn-Keller.
· "It's a Wild Life" – The Look by Kristen Kozlow.
· "Youth Perspective" – Sandhill Cranes on My Sidewalk by Selkie Alyssa Srgo Garner.
· People's Choice Best-in-Show – Marsh of Solitude by Robert Schlechty.
The complete juried exhibit, including the award-winning photographs and People's Choice selections, can be viewed at bigwaterslandtrust.org/spc2026gallery or by visiting Big Waters Land Trust's Facebook page.
About Big Waters
Big Waters protects land and water for the benefit of people and nature through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government. Their work strengthens resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard the community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
Submitted by Shalla Ashworth
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Big Waters photo contest winners capture local beauty
