Florida State Parks has announced the winners of its 2024 Capture the Real Florida Photo Contest in celebration of Nature Photography Day. The contest featured three divisions: Professional/Hobbyist, Student, and Mobile Phone. The results for the Professional/Hobbyist division have been released, while winners from other divisions can be found on the contest’s webpage.
Deb Skinner secured the Grand Prize in the Professional/Hobbyist Division with her photograph “Alligator Sunrise,” taken at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota. Skinner was awarded a $2,500 B&H Photo gift card, a Florida State Parks Annual Pass, a stand-up paddleboard, and a hammock.
Jonathan Crossman received second place for his photo “Ghost of the Prairie,” captured at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in Okeechobee. Justin Barnes took third place with his photo “FireFest,” shot at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound.
Chuck Hatcher, director of Florida State Parks, remarked on the contest’s role in showcasing state parks’ beauty: “The Capture the Real Florida Photo Contest always highlights the incredible beauty of our state parks, and this year is no different,” he said. “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 state parks provide opportunities for photographers to capture iconic wildlife and stunning scenery. The contest aims to encourage visitors to tell stories about Florida’s landscapes through photography.
Finalists were chosen from eight categories: Scenic Landscapes, Waterscapes, Wildlife Wonders, Birds, Plants/Flowers, Small Wonders, State Park Adventures and Parks Overnight. The event is presented alongside Tyler Technologies which supports reservations for overnight stays across Florida’s state parks.
The 2025 Photo Contest will open later this summer. On Nature Photography Day itself, both photographers and nature enthusiasts are encouraged by Florida State Parks to explore outdoors and share their perspectives on “the Real Florida.”
