2026 Photo Gallery

We're thrilled to present the jury-selected honorees for Big Waters' 2026 Summer Photo Contest, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of our conservation community of photographers.

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This year’s competition is proudly sponsored by Sarasota Scene Magazine. The three-member jury responsible for selecting the top 50 images for inclusion included photographer and writer Mary Lundeberg, renowned photographers Harry Sayer and Barbara Banks, and Darcy Kelly-Laviolette, Executive Creative Director for Sarasota Scene Magazine. When making their selection, jurors evaluated submissions on composition, color, contrast, point of view, whether the image told a story, and how well the image fit the category. In addition to selecting which images would be included in the exhibit, jurors awarded a winner in each category as well as an Honorable Mention and overall Best-In-Show.

Best-In-Show:
Whispers of Dawn by Susan Beausang

Honorable Mention:
Breath of the Prairie by Jennifer Jones