More than 100 photographs were submitted in this year’s Nature Photography Contest, each capturing the beauty, wildlife, and landscapes that make Henderson County stand out. From those entries, four winners were selected by an anonymous juror from the Ohio Valley Art League.
The Ohio Valley Art League is dedicated to making art accessible to everyone through rotating exhibits, free community events, and public art receptions that welcome all.
Entries were judged on creativity, composition, and how strongly they expressed their category. Awards were presented in the following divisions:
• Best in Show
• Best Wildlife
• Best Bird
• Best Landscape
Winners receive a prize from The Depot Gift Shop, and many of the submitted photographs help us share Henderson’s story throughout the year in our marketing, visitor guides, and promotional materials.
And now, we are proud to introduce this year’s winners.
Best in Show
Anita Frazer
Juvenile Green Heron, John James Audubon State Park, 2020
“The image was captured at the larger lake at John James Audubon State Park. The heron was perched on a log just offshore and appeared to be trying to catch dragonflies. It totally ignored me, so I was able to capture several images of its failed attempts. I must have been there for 30 minutes. It was a perfect morning with perfect light and a perfect subject.
A friend encouraged me to enter the contest. I submitted this image, captured in 2020, because it remains one of my favorites.”
Best Wildlife
Stephen Chandler
Setting Pretty, Sloughs WMA Sauerhauber Unit, 2021
“It was taken in June 2021 at Sauerhauber refuge. I was looking for waterlilies when I noticed several dragonflies resting on these flowers. With a little patience, I was able to get a few photos of them. and this is the best of those.”
Best Bird
Scott Mitchell
Song Sparrow, Audubon Wetlands
“I was sitting at the pull-off overlooking the Audubon Wetlands one day with my daughter watching the eagle nest, when this sparrow landed in one of the trees close to me. I already had my camera out as I tried to get a shot of the eagles, so it was just a matter of snapping a few shots of this sparrow. Even though it was a shot of opportunity, this photo was my favorite one of the day.
Best Landscape
Doug Coad
Untitled, Quinns Landing Road, 2024
“As I remember, it was right after the first snow last December. There was a blanket of snow on the ground, and it was also sticking to the trees. I was out and about that morning and spotted how it looked with the railroad tracks while driving by. It was a split-second decision to just stop and snap a photo. I thought the snow with the railroad tracks and trees looked like a nice winter scene. I shared my photo on Facebook, and many others thought it looked pretty as well.”
Thank YOU!
Thank you to everyone who submitted to our inaugural Nature Photography Contest. We were blown away by the talent and the way you captured Henderson through your lens.
Missed this year? Or already thinking you could take Best in Show next time? GO EXPLORE! Grab your camera and get outside. We would love to see what you’re capturing around Henderson.
You don’t have to wait for the next contest to share! Tag us @tourhendersonky or use #hendersonky so we can see the adventures you’re having in Henderson, Kentucky!
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