In a vibrant celebration of Nature Photography Day, Florida State Parks today proudly announced the distinguished winners of its 2024 “Capture the Real Florida” Photo Contest, showcasing the unparalleled beauty and diversity of the Sunshine State’s natural treasures.
This year’s competition featured three divisions – Professional/Hobbyist, Student, and Mobile Phone – inviting photographers of all skill levels to share their unique perspectives of Florida’s iconic landscapes, wildlife, and experiences. While the full list of winners across all divisions is available on the Florida State Parks Photo Contest webpage, the top honors in the highly competitive Professional/Hobbyist division were revealed today.
Deb Skinner Takes Grand Prize with “Alligator Sunrise”
The coveted Grand Prize in the Professional/Hobbyist division was awarded to Deb Skinner for her breathtaking photograph titled “Alligator Sunrise,” captured at the picturesque Myakka River State Park in Sarasota. Skinner’s masterful shot earned her a remarkable prize package, including a $2,500 B&H Photo gift card, a Florida State Parks Annual Pass, a stand-up paddleboard, and a hammock.
Second-place honors went to Jonathan Crossman for his evocative photograph, “Ghost of the Prairie,” taken at the vast Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in Okeechobee.
Justin Barnes secured third place with “FireFest,” a captivating image captured at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound.
“The Capture the Real Florida Photo Contest always highlights the incredible beauty of our state parks, and this year is no different,” said Chuck Hatcher, director of Florida State Parks. “I want to congratulate the winners and thank all of the photographers who contributed exceptional submissions. A picture is truly worth a thousand words, and I hope these photos inspire even more visitors to discover the unique wildlife, landscapes and experiences that Florida State Parks have to offer.”
Florida’s 175 award-winning state parks, trails, and historic sites consistently offer unparalleled opportunities for photographers of all ages and experience levels to capture iconic wildlife and stunning scenery. The annual contest serves as a powerful platform, encouraging visitors to contribute to the narrative of Florida’s remarkable landscapes and ecosystems through their lenses.
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Finalists for the contest were selected across three divisions and eight compelling categories: Scenic Landscapes, Waterscapes, Wildlife Wonders, Birds, Plants/Flowers, Small Wonders, State Park Adventures, and Parks Overnight.
The 2024 “Capture the Real Florida” Photo Contest was presented in collaboration with Tyler Technologies, a key partner that provides the reservation system for overnight stays across Florida’s state parks.
As Nature Photography Day encourages exploration and appreciation of the natural world, Florida State Parks looks ahead to the 2025 Photo Contest, which is scheduled to open later this summer. Photographers and nature enthusiasts alike are encouraged to explore the outdoors and prepare to submit their own unique view of “…the Real Florida.”
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