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2026 Photography Contest Results

Posted

Congratulations to the Winners and Honorable Mentions!

The City of West Palm Beach and Grassy Waters Conservancy extend their sincere thanks to everyone who took part in the 2026 Grassy Waters Preserve Photography Contest. The Conservancy also expresses its appreciation to our contest judge and professional photographer, Jerry Ginsberg.

  • 77 photographers entered 217 images.
  • There were 2,530 votes for the People’s Choice from 75 voters.
  • Donations totaled over $4,300 to be used for projects and programs at Grassy Waters Preserve.

Best in Show

Beak to Beak by Lee Sussman

People’s Choice

Among the Berries by Rohan Rodrigues

Nature Center’s Choice

Lurking in the Lilies by Christina Foti and Floral Awakening by Patricia Vennett

The awarded photos will be displayed at the Nature Center until after the end of the 2027 contest with occasional breaks for other exhibits.

Click on an image to see it larger or scroll down for all award winners

Best in Show

"Beak to Beak" by Lee Sussman
“Beak to Beak” by Lee Sussman

Nature Center’s Choices

"Lurking in the Lilies " by Christina Foti
“Lurking in the Lilies” by Christina Foti
"Floral Awakening" by Patricia Vennett
“Floral Awakening” by Patricia Vennett

People’s Choice

"Among the Berries" by Rohan Rodrigues
“Among the Berries” by Rohan Rodrigues

Black and White

FIRST PLACE
"Tranquility" by Susan Muñoz
“Tranquility” by Susan Muñoz
SECOND PLACE
"Breath Of The Wetlands" by Jeremy Ferris
“Breath Of The Wetlands” by Jeremy Ferris
THIRD PLACE
"Shades" by Barry Ritter
“Shades” by Barry Ritter

Closeup/Macro

FIRST PLACE
"The Water Collector" by Lee Sussman
“The Water Collector” by Lee Sussman
SECOND PLACE
"Sitting Pretty" by Michele Jarrett
“Sitting Pretty” by Michele Jarrett
THIRD PLACE
"The Visitor" by Patricia Vennett
“The Visitor” by Patricia Vennett

Landscape

FIRST PLACE
"Sunset Serenity" by Patricia Vennett
“Sunset Serenity” by Patricia Vennett
SECOND PLACE
"Tranquility" by Kristen Kearney
“Tranquility” by Kristen Kearney
THIRD PLACE
"Peaceful Reflections" by Trisha Mohl
“Peaceful Reflections” by Trisha Mohl

Wildlife

FIRST PLACE and BEST IN SHOW
"Beak to Beak" by Lee Sussman
“Beak to Beak” by Lee Sussman
SECOND PLACE
"Nature's Fittest" by Earl Devendorf
“Nature’s Fittest” by Earl Devendorf
THIRD PLACE and NATURE CENTER’S CHOICE
"Lurking in the Lilies " by Christina Foti
“Lurking in the Lilies ” by Christina Foti

Youth

FIRST PLACE
"Bird's Eye View" by Kelly Blatt
“Bird’s Eye View” by Arthur Blatt
SECOND PLACE
"Across the Marsh" by Kelvin Verhovlyak
“Across the Marsh” by Kelvin Verhovlyak
THIRD PLACE
"Earth, Wind and Fire" by Kelly Blatt
“Earth, Wind and Fire” by Arthur Blatt

Honorable Mention

"Fire in the Sky" by Kristen Kearney
“Fire in the Sky” by Kristen Kearney
"Flowerworks Display" by Linda Schotthoefer
“Flowerworks Display” by Linda Schotthoefer
"Hunter's Little Paper Wasp" by Scott Manas
“Hunter’s Little Paper Wasp” by Scott Manas
"Into the Horizon" by Kelvin Verhovlyak
“Into the Horizon” by Kelvin Verhovlyak
"Myrtle the Warbler" by Lee Sussman
“Myrtle the Warbler” by Lee Sussman
"On the Run" by Sham Poonaisingh
“On the Run” by Sham Poonaisingh
"Path to Sunset" by Charles Zito
“Path to Sunset” by Charles Zito
"Perched Precision" by Patricia Vennett
“Perched Precision” by Patricia Vennett
"Reflective Elegance" by Edward Muñoz
“Reflective Elegance” by Edward Muñoz
"Serious About Snacks | White Ibis" by Kenan Tartan
“Serious About Snacks | White Ibis” by Kenan Tartan
"Silence In The Marsh" by Sonia Sousa
“Silence In The Marsh” by Sonia Sousa
"Soaring Eagle" by Josue Leon
“Soaring Eagle” by Josue Leon
"Spider Condo" by Jeffery Orner
“Spider Condo” by Jeffery Orner