Annapolis Woman Wins Top Prize in 2012 DNR Photo Contest

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John Griffin today announced the winners of the 9th Annual Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest. Nearly 200 photographers entered approximately 1,000 photographs this year. Christine Edwardsof Annapolis took overall top honors with her bird photograph, Black Crowned Night Heron, with the bright, white-bodied bird in a dark shadowy tree.

“As always, choosing the top entries was no easy task,” said Secretary Griffin. “I want to congratulate the winners and thank all of the photographers who shared their incredible pictures. Looking at each of these photos serves as a reminder of how beautiful and dynamic Maryland’s natural world really is.”

The five additional first place winners in each category were; Steve Aprile of Easton, On the Beach, in Wildlife; James Stimpert of Baltimore, Autumn on Gunpowder River, in Scenic; Thomas Scilipoti of Baltimore, Wild Plants, in Flora; Janice Browne of Silver Spring, American Lady Nectaring on Clover, in Insects; and Joseph Halpin of Adamstown, Solitude, in People Enjoying State Parks.

Second place winners were; Stephen Talabac of Clarksville, Griffin Harrisof Winnetka, IL; Jason Germeroth of Abington; Chuck Gallegos of Annapolis; Kim Osterhout of Laurel; and Paula Neumann of Alexandria, Va.

“Oh wow! I am thrilled!” said Grand Prize winner Christine Edwards. “I love that bird ─ it’s just so interesting. I captured this photo while kayaking in Clements Creek off of the Severn River. There’s usually always an opportunity to get a good shot out there on the water.”

Edwards will receive the grand prize of $500, a 2013 Maryland State Park Passport, a lifetime subscription to the Maryland Natural Resource magazine and five copies of the 2013 DNR Calendar, which will feature the winning photo on the cover.

First place winners in each category will receive a Maryland State Park Passport, a two-year subscription to the Maryland Natural Resource magazine and two copies of the DNR Calendar. Second place winners will receive a one-year subscription to the magazine and a calendar. All photos that placed will be fetured in the 2013 DNR Calendar.

“What a fun way for us photographers to get exposure,” said Edwards. “And it’s just so nice seeing all of the different types of pictures from around Maryland and the unique beauty and diversity that each one captures.”

The winning photos will appear in the winter issue of The Maryland Natural Resource Magazine, as well as the 2013 DNR Calendar. The Maryland Natural Resource magazine is published quarterly by DNR. Subscriptions are available at dnr.maryland.gov/naturalresource. More information on the photo contest is available at dnr.maryland.gov/photocontest.

 

Full list of winners:

Grand Prize Winner Christine Edwards, Annapolis, Black Crowned Night Heron

Birds

First Place: Christine Edwards, Annapolis, Black Crowned Night Heron

Second: Stephen Talabac, Clarksville, Mom the Protector

Third: George Drake, Centreville, Did You Hear that Bang?

Wildlife

First Place: Steve Aprile, Easton, Last One In…

Second: Griffin Harris, Winnetka, IL, Leonard Frog

Third: Dave Gigloitti, Bel Air, Fawn in Tall Grass

Scenic

First Place: James Stimpert, Baltimore, Autumn on Gunpowder River

Second: Jason Germeroth, Abington, Mountain Road Barn

Third: Christine Edwards, Annapolis, Foggy Morning in Weems Creek

Plants

First Place: Thomas Scilipoti, Baltimore, Wild Plants

Second: Chuck Gallegos, Annapolis, Orange Caps

Third: Janice Browne, Silver Spring, Paw-Paw Flowers by the Potomac

Insects

First Place: Janice Browne, Silver Spring, American Lady Nectaring on Clover

Second: Kim Osterhout, Laurel, Dragonfly’s Eyes

Third: Ralph Kimes Jr., Salisbury, Lady Bug Laying Eggs

People in State Parks

First Place: Joseph Halpin, Adamstown, Solitude

Second: Paula Neumann, Alexandria, Va., Big Spray

Third: Laura Brown, Greensboro, Sunset Lure