PHOTO CONTEST 2024 Student Winners

First Place | Learning the Ropes

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park | Birds

Kelly Bearhs

"As a Wildlife Ecology & Conservation student at the University of Florida, I have always been fascinated with our native wildlife and visit our local state parks quite frequently. One goal of mine in this field is to teach others about native wildlife and spread awareness on how we can protect them. I've been doing this through my photography over the years, sharing my photos & videos on various social media platforms with facts about the species and stories about the moment. The story behind this photo is actually one of my favorites. It was a rainy afternoon and despite the struggles of photographing in the rain, I still decided to try. I came across two adult Purple Gallinules making their way across these plants above the water. This juvenile followed closely, trying its best to make its way over to the adults. You could tell it was still learning how to maneuver across the plants as it would stumble and not be too sure of its footing. It wasn't initially apparent how imperative it was for there to be no mistakes in footing, but little did it know it was marching right above a gator. Luckily for it, the adults were able to warn the juvenile with a call and they were all able to get away safely. I managed to take this photo during its venture across the plants as it balanced between these two stems in a "splits" pose. This experience and unique pose has made it one of my favorite photos I've taken from our state parks and I am very happy to be able to share it with everyone!"

Second Place | Waiting For The Return

Anastasia State Park | Landscapes

Isaac Ewing

"I captured the photo "Waiting For The Return" at Anastasia State Park last November.  As I was out on the beach I noticed a bike up past the drift line. It gives the impression that perhaps a surfer left it there as they went out to ride the swells. And so I captured this simple, yet rich photo.  I love the Florida State Parks especially the beach parks and have such good memories from the Anastasia area. Maybe this shot will inspire you to get out and enjoy those beautiful, wild, Florida beaches that the state parks offer!"

Third Place | The Misty Springs

Rainbow Springs State Park | Waterscapes

Alexander Schaller

"The Misty Springs was taken on a stormy August morning as some friends and I explored Rainbow Springs State Park. The humid air and the dissipating fog gave the springs a mystical look as we made our way around. Florida’s state parks offer incredible diversity across the state and are constantly changing with the seasons and even throughout the day, making every visit a unique adventure—perfect for exploring and photography. "