Winners of Annual Photo Contest – 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ogeechee Riverkeeper
Contact: Meaghan Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) has chosen the best photographs from across the 5,500 square mile watershed submitted for the annual photography contest. Judges sorted through images that highlighted what makes the Ogeechee and Canoochee Rivers, and the surrounding areas, ecologically and aesthetically remarkable.

This year marked the most entries, from the most photographers, since the contest began in 2020. The guest judge for 2023 was Josh Yates, co-owner of Green Truck Pub and amateur photographer. He enjoys working with vintage film cameras and shooting urban scenes. “I loved seeing the views of other photographers from around the state,” said Yates. “The range of wildlife and views we have in our area is truly amazing.”

The 2023 winners are: 

Black and White: An Ogeechee Halloween, Kristina Strozzo
Funny Wildlife: Struttin’, Don Howe
Landscape: Nighttime at the Cabin, Christian Scott
Plant life: Southern Crabapple, Shannon Matzke
Wildlife: Cardinal, Christian Scott
Portrait: Dog Paddling, Wesley Hendley
Aerial: Ft. McAllister Marina, William Harrell
Honorable Mention: Portal to the Ogeechee, Justin Gehrke

All winners and entries are available to view via the Flickr album. ORK has permission from the photographers to share their work. Contact ORK for files to reprint or share in publications.

2023 Annual Photography Contest

About Ogeechee Riverkeeper: Ogeechee Riverkeeper 501(c)(3) works to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River basin, which includes all of the streams flowing out to Ossabaw Sound and St. Catherine’s Sound. The Canoochee River is about 108 miles long and the Ogeechee River itself is approximately 245 miles long. The Ogeechee River system drains more than 5,500 square miles across 21 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

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RELEASE: ORK accepting entries for annual photo contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

08/18/2023
Ogeechee Riverkeeper
Contact: Meaghan Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST
Multiple categories will put on a spotlight the beauty of the area

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) is soliciting the best photographs from across the 5,500 square mile watershed. ORK’s watershed is home to an incredible diversity of ecological features, and it provides an important habitat for more than 160 rare species of plants and animals.  Judges will be looking for images that highlight what makes the Ogeechee and Canoochee Rivers, and the surrounding areas, remarkable. This is the fourth year for the contest. 

“We’ve been thrilled with the past entries,” said Meaghan Walsh Gerard, communications and administrative director. “The variety of subjects has been inspiring.”

Photographers can enter in multiple categories: Landscape, portrait, wildlife, plant life, underwater, aerial, black and white, and funny wildlife. Since this will be an annual event each December, ORK requests that any images submitted be taken within the same calendar year. ORK hopes to see entries from across the 21 counties encompassing the watershed. 

Gerard also notes that this will be the first year ORK will consider sponsorships. “As always, winners will receive a household membership and ORK merchandise, but we are also looking for a business or two to partner with so we can offer even more prizes.”  Interested companies are invited to contact Gerard.

Submissions are due by November 6, 2023. Winners receive a free membership to the organization and ORK merchandise. Winners will be announced early December 2023. Complete rules and submission guidelines at: ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/annual-photography-contest.


About Ogeechee Riverkeeper: Ogeechee Riverkeeper 501(c)(3) works to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River basin, which includes all of the streams flowing out to Ossabaw Sound and St. Catherine’s Sound. The Canoochee River is about 108 miles long and the Ogeechee River itself is approximately 245 miles long. The Ogeechee River system drains more than 5,500 square miles across 21 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

***See previous entries
2022 Annual Photography Contest

Flower Power

Hydrangea

In our area, late spring and early summer is the perfect time to watch the transition of the seasons and all the blooms that change along with it. The adjustments in temperature and rainfall affects when certain plant species bloom and bear fruit. The seasons prompt gardeners and farmers to plant new crops, and they stimulate new flowers and fruits to bloom. 

Alter your perspective on these changes by taking photos of the same plants each day. Watch how time passes when you review your images.

You can do this in your backyard, a neighborhood greenspace or venture out to new place. A smartphone camera works just as well as a professional camera. Play around with the natural light at different times of the day, different cloud cover, or just after a rain when the petals and leaves are still wet. Use natural lighting, test the macro settings, and capture the smells and sights of different flower blooms!

Photography Workshop

ORK and Parker Stewart will host a members-only nature photography workshop. This low country landscape photography workshop will focus on how to best capture the water, light, flora and fauna of the lower Ogeechee River and ways everyone can use photography as a tool to tell a story about a place and its beauty. The workshop will be held on trails near Fort McAllister. The exact meeting location will be shared with participants before the event. 

Participants of all levels are welcome. Participants must bring their own equipment and have a working knowledge of it. Cameras with manual/adjustable settings are preferred. Tripods are also recommended. This event will be outdoors. Please dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. 

Space is limited – pre-registration is required

This event is for ORK members only. Become a member now


Parker Stewart is a professional photographer, focusing on the magic of the low country. Stewart is a Savannah, Georgia based photographer.  He received a B.F.A. in Photography from Savannah College of Art and Design.  His work focuses on the notion of place and he uses photography as a tool to observe and record these scenes which move him the most.  Currently Parker is working solely as a freelance photographer and fine art printer in Savannah.  His work has been featured on Oxford American’s Eye’s on the SouthLenscratchBooooooom, Aint-Bad and published in The Collective Quarterly, Fare Magazine, Savannah Magazine, Les Echos. Parker’s work has been exhibited in Savannah, Atlanta, and Augusta, Georgia, Washington, DC, Greensboro, North Carolina, and Lacoste, France.   

RELEASE: ORK accepting entries for annual photography contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11/07/22
Ogeechee Riverkeeper
Contact: Meaghan Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST
Multiple categories will put on a spotlight the beauty of the area

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) is soliciting the best photographs from across the 5,500 square mile watershed. Judges will be looking for images that highlight what makes the Ogeechee and Canoochee Rivers, and the surrounding areas, remarkable. This is the third year for the contest. 

“From the Ogeechee Shoals to the expansive marshes, tall pines to knobby cypress swamps, our watershed is home to an incredible variety of ecological features,” said Meaghan Walsh Gerard, communications director for ORK. “We are also a habitat for more than 160 rare species of plants and animals. By displaying the amazing ecological wealth we have, we hope to inspire more people to protect it.” 

Photographers can enter in multiple categories: Landscape, portrait, wildlife, plant life, underwater, aerial, black and white, and funny wildlife. Since this will be an annual event each December, ORK requests that any images submitted be taken within the same calendar year. ORK hopes to see entries from across the 21 counties encompassing the watershed. 

Submissions are due by November 28, 2022. Winners receive a free membership to the organization and ORK merchandise. Winners will be announced early December 2022. Complete rules and submission guidelines at: ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/annual-photography-contest.

About Ogeechee Riverkeeper: Ogeechee Riverkeeper 501(c)(3) works to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River basin, which includes all of the streams flowing out to Ossabaw Sound and St. Catherine’s Sound. The Canoochee River is about 108 miles long and the Ogeechee River itself is approximately 245 miles long. The Ogeechee River system drains more than 5,500 square miles across 21 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

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