Youth Photographer Voted People’s Choice

OSPREY, FL (August 20, 2020) Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and presenting sponsor Elizabeth Moore announce the People’s Choice winners for their inaugural Summer Photo Contest exhibit. Photographers of all ages and experience levels were invited to submit their original work showcasing the beauty of Florida’s natural lands. Of the nearly 200 images submitted, only 50 were selected by jury to be in the exhibit. Jury members included presenting sponsor, Elizabeth Moore; noted photographer, Cliff Roles; noted photographer, Stephen B. White; and executive director of Art Center Sarasota, Lisa Berger.

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 15 through August 15 and the most liked/loved image in each category received the honor of being recognized as People’s Choice.

Eleven-year-old Marley Smith received the top honor of People’s Choice Best-in-Show for her photograph titled Falcon Fury. Heading into sixth grade at Babcock Neighborhood School in Charlotte County, Smith lists photography, nature, and art as her passions, making this competition the perfect opportunity to show her skills.

“I love nature photography because it’s fun to go outside and get out of the house,” says Smith. “I like taking photos that are close-up, sharp and full of natural light. Thank you Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for the great opportunity!”

“Engaging youth and connecting them to the beauty of our natural world is a central component in Conservation Foundation’s work,” says Conservation Foundation president Christine Johnson. “If you don’t know something, you can’t love it, and if you don’t love it, you won’t want to protect it. This contest was all about helping our community experience and celebrate the beauty of nature. We are honored to recognize this young photographer and encourage her to follow her passions for both photography and the great outdoors.”

The People’s Choice category winners are:

• Best in Show: Falcon Fury by Marley Smith
• In Love with the Land: Perfectly Imperfect Happy Flower by Denise Equinda
• The Wonder of Water: Majestic by Kerri Deatherage
• Backyard Beauty: Eagle Feast by Wendi Crisp
• Up Close and Personal: Caterpillar Frenzy by Jeff Weber
• Youth Perspective: Falcon Fury by Marley Smith

Congratulations to all the photographers whose work was selected for this year’s exhibit!