Conservation Foundation Announces Winners for Summer Photo Contest

September 1, 2021 – Sarasota

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and presenting sponsor Elizabeth Moore announce the People’s Choice winners for their second 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. Jury members included presenting sponsor, Elizabeth Moore; noted photographer, Mary Lundeberg; noted photographer, Grant Jeffries; and fine art painter, Mary Louise O’Connell.

Over 300 entries were received for consideration. 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 21 through August 21 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 1,000 likes on Facebook, the overwhelming winner was Diane Suner’s photograph, Sea Scallops at Sunrise. 

“Photography is a uniquely personal way to connect with nature,” says Conservation Foundation president, Christine P. Johnson. “It’s always a treat to look at the photos submitted and see how differently people view and experience our natural world. We congratulate this year’s winners and look forward to the continued growth of our annual virtual event.”

The People’s Choice category winners are:

• The Big Picture Category Winner: Sea Scallops at Sunrise by Diane Suner
• A Way of Life Category Winner: Sunset Serenity by Lana McDonald
• Wild and Wondrous Category Winner: Mirror Image by Gunilla Imshaug
• Attention to Detail Category Winner: Bee-utiful! By Gary McNulty
• Youth Perspective Category Winner: Azalea Blossom by Gideon Hersh
• Best in Show: Sea Scallops at Sunrise by Diane Suner

The full gallery can be viewed at conservationfoundation.com/summerphoto 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!