OSPREY, FL (August 22, 2026) Big Waters Land Trust is pleased to announce the People’s Choice winners of its seventh annual Summer Photo Contest, which celebrates the extraordinary beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes, wildlife, and waterways. Photographers of all ages and experience levels were invited to submit original images that showcase Florida’s natural beauty in this statewide competition.
This year’s esteemed panel of jurors included photographer and writer Mary Lundeberg; renowned photographers Harry Sayer and Barbara Banks; and Darcy Kelly-Laviolette, Executive Creative Director of Sarasota Scene Magazine.
More than 130 photographs from across the state were submitted for consideration. Jurors evaluated each image on composition, color, contrast, point of view, storytelling, and how effectively it represented its category. Photographer identities were withheld throughout judging to ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation. In addition to selecting the images for the online exhibit, the jurors awarded first place in each category and selected an overall Best-in-Show winner.
After the juried selection, the community was invited to vote for their favorite photographs by reacting to images in the Big Waters Summer Photo Contest Facebook gallery. Voting remained open through July 30, and the photograph with the most reactions in each category was named the People’s Choice Winner.
The 2026 People’s Choice Winners are:
- In Love with the Land – Marsh of Solitude by Robert Schlechty
- The Art of Nature – Sombrero Reef Lighthouse by Daniel Eidsmoe
- Beautiful Waters – Late Night Reflections by Faith Bradburn-Keller
- It’s a Wild Life – The Look by Kristen Kozlow
- Youth Perspective – Sandhill Cranes on My Sidewalk by Selkie Alyssa Srgo Garner
- People’s Choice Best-in-Show – Marsh of Solitude by Robert Schlechty
“We are incredibly grateful to have so many talented and inspiring photographers in our community participate in this year’s Summer Photo Contest,” said Angelena Papazian, Events Coordinator at Big Waters Land Trust. “Each submitted image beautifully captures the unique landscapes and wildlife that make our region so special and highlights the importance of protecting these natural spaces and the species that depend on them. We sincerely thank everyone who entered the contest, as well as those who took the time to vote for this year’s People’s Choice winners.”
The complete juried exhibit, including the award-winning photographs and People’s Choice selections, can be viewed at bigwaterslandtrust.org/spc2026gallery or by visiting Big Waters Land Trust’s Facebook page.
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.
