Last updated on July 1st, 2025 at 05:36 pm
From amazing wildlife to striking landscapes, this year’s Grand Prize winners of the annual Capture the Real Florida photo contest seized on some special moments in Florida State Parks during 2024.
“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,” said Chuck Hatcher, director of Florida State Parks.
This year’s contest featured three divisions – Professional/Hobbyist, Student and Mobile Phone.
Professional/Hobbyist Category
First Place — Deb Skinner
“Alligator Sunrise”
“I love to take photographs, especially of landscapes and nature. Myakka River State Park is one of my favorite places to visit when I am in Florida. … Like many photos in this category, it all comes down to timing and light. That is exactly what happened with this shot of Alligator Sunrise. I was exploring the Deep Hole with friends when the moment came together. I took the photo without expecting much from it.”
Related:
- Myakka River State Park: Fantastic, even after 2024 hurricanes
- Camping at Myakka River State Park brings out the nature in you
Second Place — Jonathan Crossman
“Ghost of the Prairies”
“I was hiking during the peak of dry season and was seeking refuge from the heat in one of the hammocks throughout the prairie. When I turned a corner, there was a male bobcat also hiding from the sun’s intense rays cooling off. I’m super grateful for preserved spaces in Florida that give a safe quiet area for large predators. Shoutout to the hardworking rangers and volunteers who keep the parks beautiful!”
Related:
Third Place — Justin Barnes
“FireFest”
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
“Jonathan Dickinson State Park hosts an annual festival promoting and educating about the benefits of prescribed burns, called FireFest. Arriving just after sunset, I made it just in time to watch ignition of their public prescribed night burn. This was my first time at the festival and first time witnessing a prescribed burn in person. I had heard about this through a former AmeriCorps member and have been touring the various state parks since. In this photo I captured a fire technician using his drip torch to spread the fire through the forest. I like the reflection of the fire in his glasses as the fire spreads around him.”
Related:
- Jonathan Dickinson State Park: A Florida treasure
- Loxahatchee River: Kayak a wild, scenic river in South Florida
Student Category
First Place: Kelly Bearhs
“Learning the Ropes“
“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.”
Related:
- Paynes Prairie: Bison and wild horses? Yup, in Florida
- Gainesville-Hawthorne: One of state’s best bike trails
Second Place: Isaac Ewing
(© Isaac Ewing, courtesy Florida State Parks)
“Waiting for the Return”
Anastasia State Park
“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.”
Related:
- Anastasia State Park seduces. Stunning beach, shady campground
- St. Augustine fort: Castillo de San Marcos makes history fascinating
Third Place: Alexander Schaller
“The Misty Springs”
“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. “
Related:
- Rainbow River gushes with pure spring water; it’s like kayaking in an aquarium
- Best tubing in Florida: 4 beautiful springs and 2 rivers with pure white sandbars
Mobile Phone Category
First Place: Blaire Bisbee
“Drifting Through Nature’s Canvas“
“This particular adventure included a stop at Devil’s Den before heading to Rainbow Springs the next day, where we paddle boarded halfway down the run, immersed in its crystal-clear, frigid waters and vibrant scenery. After our paddle, I visited the gift shop overlooking the springs. As I looked down, I noticed a kayaker perfectly positioned, surrounded by nature’s beauty. I quickly captured the shot …
To me, this image is a reminder that magic often happens in quiet, unexpected moments.” Florida’s State Parks continue to offer that sense of wonder, and I look forward to discovering more!”
Related:
- Rainbow River gushes with pure spring water; it’s like kayaking in an aquarium
- 11 enchanting Central Florida state parks with camping
Second Place: John Hutcheson
“Sunset”
“We consider St. Andrews State Park to be our ‘home park’. For years, we took our kids to the park and enjoyed the beauty of the sand, water, jetties and pier. The kids loved building sandcastles, splashing in the water, going out onto the pier or climbing over the rocks along the jetty. Last year while we were visiting family over Thanksgiving, I found myself wandering back out to the park. I hoped to capture a beautiful sunset, and I was not disappointed. The clouds parted enough to allow this colorful sunset. I stood there mesmerized until darkness settled over the park.”
Related:
- Two of 10 top beaches in USA are in Florida, according to annual ranking
- Stunning Panhandle beaches with camping
Third Place: Martin Strasmore
“Birds of a Feather“
“When I moved to Florida 10 years ago, I didn’t expect to find so many state parks and conservation areas offering places to go to escape the busyness of daily life, and become surrounded by the beauty and stillness of nature. I find the sunrises and sunsets in these places magical. The combination of golden sky, landscape, water and our majestic birds are what I attempted to capture in this photograph. Walking into Fakahatchee swamp through the knee deep water, surrounded by cypress trees and orchids is a unique experience I love. This was taken from the new boardwalk at sunrise.”
Related:
- Fakahatchee Strand: Big, wild and great for Everglades hiking and kayaking
- Florida panther territory: Refuge for the few
2025 Florida State Parks Photo Contest: Submissions for the 2025 contest are being accepted through September 1, 2025. For more information, go to photocontest.floridastateparks.org
See them now before domestic immigrants and developers pave it over and put up another thousand strip malls.
Yes I agree with them being great calendar pictures. I would buy one if published.
These photos are wonderful! They would make a wonderful calendar. Thanks for sharing with us.