Grand Prize Winner - Debby Berlyne - Green Heron in the Gardens
Brookside Gardens
I was taking photos of flowers at Brookside Gardens when I spotted this green heron perched on a nearby tree. I didn’t have the long lens on my camera that I usually use for bird photography. But the wider angle of the lens I was using let me capture not only the bird, but also its beautiful surroundings. So sometimes using the wrong lens can work out!
First Place Fall - Nathaniel Peck - Yellow Leaf Road
Snaggy Mountain Rock Maze, Garrett State Forest
This hidden rock maze in the mountains of Western Maryland has been captivating visitors for years, myself included. The real magic seems to happen in the Fall though, when freshly fallen golden leaves cover the floor of the maze, turning it into a real life version of the Yellow Brick Road. This photo was taken on a peaceful Autumn afternoon with leaves falling all around me. The ancient roots growing over the side of the maze are one of my favorite photo subjects in the state.
Snapper by Reinhardt Sahmel
Blackwater NWR
The snapping turtle was feeding in the water near wildlife drive one morning. I was fortunate to be in position and immobile already as he moved straight towards me.
Sunrise Heron by Robert Sullivan
Blackwater NWR
Sunrise at Blackwater Refuge on a beautiful, clear winter morning.
Princess Chickadee by Madhuri Shenker
Elkridge
Snowfall always brings excitement to us all, including creature life. It also provides a deeper contrast to colours amongst its stark and crisp white. I love watching the birds in the snow. This Chickadee landed right by me, I had my macro lens on and couldn't move too much. It was a split second before the Chickadee flew off again. And to my delight it turned out to be a perfect image of a Chickadee.
Snowy January Sunrise at Weverton Cliffs by Andrew Rimel
South Mountain State Park
Weverton Cliffs is one of my favorite overlooks in Maryland, and I've always wanted to capture the scene with snow on the ground. In January this year, we got some significant snowfall which presented a perfect opportunity for an early morning hike up to Weverton. Despite the freezing temperatures, the sun started to break through the clouds adding a touch of warm light to the snow blanketing the rocks at the overlook. To emphasize this light reflected off of the snow, I positioned the camera directly above the snow covered rocks to highlight those in the foreground, with the rushing Potomac River and the surrounding mountains below and directly across.
Onion Rain by Sadie Routzahn
Stevensville
I love photographing my garden in the summer as a way to help me wind down from the pressures of life. I love photographing insects and flowers due to their colors and symmetry.
Gathering Chipmunk by Rick Dove
Crofton
I watched a chipmunk carrying seeds into a hollow log and set my camera up so I could take its photo while the chipmunk was standing in the log.
Hoopers Island Lights by Ken Rose
Hoopersville
I picked Wonder for the category. Not sure if its correct or not.
A fellow photographer and I went to Hoopers Island for the milky way and the Perseids meteor shower. Despite the cloudy sky, I was able to capture this shot of the Milky Way.
Fungi ride by Beamie Young
Frederick
I like to photograph mushrooms in my yard. This grew on an old rotting stump. I was surprised to find the snail crawling on it.
Carp Mating in the Grasses By Bill Mish
Tolchester Chestertown
While Kayaking Tolchester Marina, I noticed big splashes in the seagrass. As I watched, I could see Carp rising up in pairs and chasing each other. After many tries, I captured the fish on the surface.
Taking a Lunch Break By Ian Todd
Chesapeake Beach
I was on a walk, going down the street to one of my favorite bird spots when I saw this squirrel eating nuts on the tree. I realized that if I took a few steps back, I could get the tree and leaves to frame the squirrel.