OSPREY, FL (July 8, 2026) – Big Waters Land Trust is excited to announce the juried selections and winners for their seventh annual Summer Photo Contest. Photographers of all ages and experience levels were invited to submit their original work showcasing the beauty of natural Florida to this online competition. This year’s esteemed jurors include photographer and writer Mary Lundeberg, renowned photographers Harry Sayer and Barbara Banks, and Darcy Kelly-Laviolette, Executive Creative Director for Sarasota Scene Magazine.
Over 130 photographs from across the state were submitted to this year’s contest. When making their selections, 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 overall Best-In-Show. Photographer names were omitted during the selection process. The exhibit may be viewed at bigwaterslandtrust.org/spc2026gallery or by visiting Big Waters Land Trust on Facebook.
The jury-selected winners for each category are:
- In Love with The Land – Breath of the Prairie by Jennifer Jones – (Best Representation of Mission, Honorable Mention)
- The Art of Nature – Nature’s Calligraphy by Jennifer Jones
- Beautiful Waters – Emerald Green Waters by Andrew Furness
- It’s A Wild Life – Whispers of Dawn by Susan Beausang – (Best-in-Show)
- Youth Perspective – Cuddle Time by Harper Cook
People’s Choice voting is happening now through, July 31, 2026, on the Big Waters Land Trust Facebook page. At the end of the Facebook voting period, the photo with the most likes/loves in each category will be deemed the People’s Choice Category Winner. The image with the most likes/loves overall will be the People’s Choice Best-In-Show. All voting will take place on Facebook and the likes/loves must be on the original image in the Big Waters Land Trust 2026 Summer Photo Contest gallery to be counted. People’s Choice winners will be announced on Facebook throughout the day on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Congratulations to all the photographers whose work was selected for this year’s exhibit!
About Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters protects Florida’s land and water for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government, they work to ensure all people have access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, beautiful natural areas to enjoy, and all the other physical and mental benefits nature provides. Their vital work strengthens Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
