Picture the Magic 2024 Photography Contest Winners

The judges were challenged, having to review over 100 entries from 45 photographers, ten of whom were in the under-18 youth group.  Numerous entries displayed great composition, sharp focus, and effective use of lighting. The judges needed quite some time to select the top three images to represent the magic of Mason Neck State Park.     

Grand Prize:  Sunset Heron by Pete Thiringer

Caption:  As we were heading back to the dock at the end of a late summer twilight kayak tour, I saw a Great Blue Heron perched on piling. I stopped paddling and let the kayak slowly drift by. Herons can be quite skittish and often protest loudly when they are forced to leave their perch for their own safety. However, this one seemed content to wait it out until I drifted by.  With the setting sun as the backdrop, this photo to me epitomizes the peacefulness and beauty of the Mason Neck park setting at twilight on the water.

First Place Youth: 

An Afternoon Snack by Shayan Aidan Ahmed

Caption:  This Great Egret stalked across the clustered vegetation of the marsh before finally finding his afternoon snack, a crawfish. I chose this picture because it highlights the food chain in action and how dynamic wildlife encounters really bring this park to life. These types of encounters bring out the wonder and magic of this place that keeps drawing us back.

First Place Adult:  Magic in the Making by Jenni Lam

Caption: I wanted to share the magical pictures I took with my daughters today.  Thirteen years ago to the day my father passed away.  My oldest daughter suggested we go to Mason Neck State Park today to take pictures and the moment we got there, I felt an abundance of warmth and peace. The view, the crisp fall air, and the beautiful sunset was magical. I felt the arms of my dad wrapped around me and my girls (which he was never able to meet; his only grandchildren). I hope you see the magic in these photos.

Honorable Mentions –Youth

Through Reflect by Benjamin Karchner

Day is Done by Dylan Forbes

Honorable Mentions -- Adult

Breakfast by Elise Readen

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in Eastern Redbud by Gary Robinette

Magical Mushrooms by James Closs

Heron Beauty by Angela Camp

Robin and Holly by Chris Cepulis

Muskrats of Mason Neck by Ricardo Vivancos-Pérez

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Untitled – Deer by Jeff Lane

Kayaking into Crepuscular Rays by Jerry Nissley