OSPREY, FL – September 16, 2025 – Big Waters Land Trust, formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, is excited to announce the People’s Choice winners of their sixth 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. This year’s jurors included acclaimed photographer Larry Allan, renowned videographer and photographer Karen Arango, and Darcy Kelly-Laviolette, Executive Creative Director of Sarasota Scene Magazine.
Hundreds of local photographers submitted their images for consideration. Jurors evaluated submissions on composition, color, contrast, point of view, whether the image told a story, and how well the image fit the category. Following the jury selection of the top 50 images for exhibit, community members were invited to cast their votes by liking or loving their favorite photographs in the Big Waters Summer Photo Contest Facebook gallery. Voting took place from June through September 1, and the most liked/loved image in each category earned the distinction of People’s Choice winner.
The People’s Choice category winners are:
- In Love with the Land – Fall in Florida by Liz Leibam
- The Art of Nature – Dragonfly by Chad Mynatt
- Beautiful Waters – Reflections by Chad Mynatt
- It’s A Wild Life – Beauty Born by Susan Smart
- Youth Perspective – The Journey from Sun to Set by Alana Luu
- People’s Choice Best-In-Show – Dragonfly by Chad Mynatt
“We are so inspired by the creativity of all who submitted photographs and grateful to the community for participating in this celebration of nature,” said Tianna Boswell-Porter the acting Director of Marketing and Events at Big Waters Land Trust. “The People’s Choice winners are a reflection of the joy and connection people feel with the natural world around them.”
The winning photographs, along with the full juried exhibit, can be viewed online at bigwaterslandtrust.org and on Big Waters’ Facebook page.
About Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters protects land and water for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, organizations, and government, the nonprofit ensures access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, and natural spaces to enjoy. Their vital work strengthens our resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
