Please join me in celebrating the amazing winners in our Kids View Finder section of our Virginia State Parks 75th Anniversary photography contest. I am sure you will agree that these young people, ranging in age between 11 and 14, are demonstrating an amazing talent.
People and Nature Category
Evan Mallery won best picture in the People and Nature category with this picture he titled "Mom." This photo was taken at the Sky Meadows State Park Delaplane Strawberry Festival that is held each year over Memorial Day weekend. This photo of his mother, Christine, was taken last year.
Thirteen years old, Evan is not only interested in photography, he also is involved with filmmaking, doing video editing, writing music and playing the viola.
Flora Category
This wonderful example of macro photography titled "From Underneath" is by Abby Shepherd, age 14. The picture was taken at Fairy Stone State Park last summer.
Abigail has been camping in Virginia State Parks since she was 6 months old and her favorite is Hungry Mother. She enjoys being outdoors, running, classical ballet and taking creative pictures. Her mom sent this next picture in, stating: "Here's a shot I took that captures her personality. It's from Hungry Mother. My 14 yr old (on the right) with a scraped knee, no make-up and no worries. Her 12 yr old sister, Sarah, on the left."
Fauna Category
Butterflies were a popular subject in the Fauna category of both the adult and youth contest. Some were amazing, like this one by J. Matthew Hicks age 11 taken at Twin Lakes State Park. He calls this photo "Butterflies." He took this photo a year and a half ago.
Matthew's mom Wendy shared, "Also Matthew is in the 6th grade at Tomahawk Creek Middle School. He enjoys Star Wars and camping, as well as photography." Matthew is in the autistic spectrum and photography is one area that is not affected my his disability.
Seasons Category
And last, but not least is this photo that won the Seasons category. Titled "Douthat in the Morning," this photo is by Jason Hickman, age 11.
Jason's mom, Sharon, shared this picture of their family and friend Evan taken the same August weekend (Jason is in the green t-shirt) at Douthat State Park. Jason took this shot while his mom and dad were asleep in the tent. He loved the mist on the water and couldn’t wait to get the canoe out with his buddy Evan. She adds "They [Jason and Evan] just became Boy Scouts and are looking forward to even more time in the great outdoors. We love the Virginia State parks!"
These four young people can look forward to years of visits to Virginia State Parks. Their prize package featured a Naturally Yours Lifetime Plus Pass for a lifetime of Virginia State Park visits.