New York State Parks challenged outdoor enthusiasts to plan an adventure, pack a camera and share their snaps for a chance to win big. Hosted in partnership with ReserveAmerica.com, the New York State Parks 2018 Photo Contest welcomed photography submissions August 29 through November 30, 2018, resulting in over 5,200 incredible entries. The digital contest offered a variety of different photography categories, all with a common goal: showcase the best of New York’s state parks, campgrounds, forests, trails and off-the-beaten path wild destinations.
The time has come to announce the New York State Parks 2018 Photo Contest winners! Through a selection committee and social media vote process, a grand prize winner was chosen, along with winners in five categories, plus a bonus people’s choice honor, determined by the most votes across all categories. The Grand Prize is a $300 New York State camping gift card, a one-year Empire Pass and a Nikon DSLR camera with multiple lenses and premium accessories ($1,030 total package value). The prize for each category is a $100 New York State camping gift card and a one-year Empire Pass.
Thank you to all the participants in the New York State Parks Photo Contest and congratulations to the 2018 winners! View the winning photos and get to know the photographers below.
Grand Prize Winner
Photographer: Jerome Davis
Location: Sampson State Park
Grand prize winner Jerome Davis teaches us all a lesson in “less is more” with this fantastic photograph of the dazzling Milky Way shining above his campsite at Sampson State Park. Davis, a 6th grade teacher and father to two teenage boys, calls Upstate New York home, shared with his wife of 20 years. Together, the Davis family enjoys exploring New York state parks while reconnecting with each other. Photography has been a life-long hobby for Davis, and he credits the winning image to being present in the moment. “This photo was taken on a clear night while out camping at Sampson State Park. We were simply roasting marshmallows, making s’mores around a campfire and sharing stories. I happened to look up at the sky, saw the Milky Way core and grabbed my camera. Being able to capture this in the company of my favorite people made it more special.” Up next? They hope to visit the Watkins Glen, Letchworth State Park and Stony Brook areas soon.
Recommended: New York State Camping Guide
People’s Choice Winner
Photographer: Christy Hibsch
Location: Letchworth State Park
For Christy Hibsch, the outdoors isn’t just a destination, it’s a lifestyle. Along with her husband and two teenage daughters, Hibsch spends family vacations camping at state parks all across the country. Her only rule? “We never camp in the same state park twice, wanting to spend time in and explore as many different parks as possible.” Hibsch also finds pleasure in photographing incredible scenes in nature that other visitors might miss. And that’s exactly what she accomplished in this winning photo. “Letchworth State Park is my local park, and I have been going there since I was a kid. I wanted to capture an image of the Milky Way that comes up over the Upper Falls in the park with the new trestle. The image was captured just before midnight in mid-August. Most people do not see the Milky Way with the naked eye, but it is always there.” Hibsch believes that state parks are usually the most beautiful places in any state, and she hopes to visit the Adirondacks region next.
Point of Interest Category Winner
Photographer: Brandon Sprung
Location: Letchworth State Park
A passion for landscape photography inspired Brandon Sprung to seek new and unique outdoor experiences around his home state of New York. His attention to detail and technical skill created the opportunity for this winning photo moment. “This image was taken on a July morning. I made the one-hour drive to Letchworth State Park and arrived before sunrise. After sunrise at Archery Field, I made my way down to the Upper Falls area where I noticed a hot air balloon inflating in the field. That morning I also was able to capture rainbows over both Upper and Middle Falls.” Sprung understands that photographers rely on the park system to maintain the natural beauty of the public lands. “I am always inspired by the everchanging beauty of these parks and their ability to surprise every time I go out to take pictures.” Up next on his outdoor bucket list? Chimney Bluffs and Niagara Falls.
Recommended: A Complete Guide to New York Campgrounds
Connecting with the Outdoors Category Winner
Photographer: Alex Perfect
Location: Wilmington Notch
There are few outdoor adventures Alex Perfect isn’t willing to try. From hiking and camping, to rock climbing, backcountry exploring, skiing and nature photography, Perfect feels at home in the great outdoors. Originally from Pennsylvania, Perfect now resides in New York and is no stranger to the local state parks. The winning photo, Morning’s Cast, tells the story of a fishing trip in the Adirondacks with his friend Dan. “I suggested we stay at Wilmington Notch since the West Branch of the Au Sable River flows directly behind the campground. One early morning we walked along the banks and waded the ripples and eddies of the river. I am not much of an angler so I brought my camera instead of a fly-rod. Dan found a quiet hole to cast a few flies over. I looked back over my shoulder to see the bright morning light glistening on the water’s surface.” Perfect thanks his parents for encouraging his passion for photography and introducing him to the outdoors. “My parents would take me and my sister camping all the time when we were young. The parks have provided great memories and experiences. When I can, I try to give back by volunteering time, donating or just by visiting.”
Camping Life Category Winner
Photographer: Kevin Jensen
Location: Fish Creek Pond Campground
Kevin Jensen perfectly captured the simple joy of gathering around the campfire at day’s end. Originally from Hobart and currently attending Hartwick College in Oneonta, Jensen is no stranger to New York state parks. In fact, he’s practically a New York camping expert: “Visiting Fish Creek is an annual tradition in my family dating back to my grandmother’s childhood in the 1940s. Every year I camp at Fish Creek and other state campgrounds with my family.” This photo illustrates a special connection between family and nature, and it’s that bond that fuels Jensen’s appreciation for the state park system in New York. “To me, state parks represent a commitment to preserving our state’s scenic and historic resources for the benefit of the general public. Growing up, I visited and camped at dozens of state parks, and I made many fond memories.”
Day Trips Category Winner
Photographer: Karri Marengo
Location: Hither Hills State Park
Summer weekends at the beach spark serious joy for the Marengo family. Just look at those happy, smiling faces in the sand! Karri Marengo resides on Long Island with her husband and their two children, two dogs and one cat, where they enjoy convenient access to New York’s diverse state parks and beaches. Montauk, in particular, is a meaningful destination: “Montauk was actually the location of my first date with my husband. Montauk is now a family favorite. This picture was taken on one of our trips to Montauk last summer.” Next up, the Marengo family hopes to plan camping trips at the Wildwood and Suffolk County regions. And thanks to the state park system, there is plenty of outdoor exploring to do in their own backyard. “Parks in general inspire me to get outdoors more often. I do have to say Long Island has some of the greatest parks and beaches.”
On the Trails / Off the Beaten Path Category Winner
Photographer: Luke Gashi
Location: Mount Jo, Adirondacks
A strict timeline, a true love for the outdoors and pure luck are the magic ingredients to create a photograph this spectacular. Luke Gashi, an avid hiker with a knack for photography, shares the behind-the-scenes secret of his Mount Jo capture: “I woke up at 5 am, met up with few friends at the Loj lodge and we started hiking, arriving at the summit 30 minutes before sunrise. The colors were incredible every step of the way, and when the sun finally came out the sky was on fire.” Gashi grew up on hiking trails with friends, and now enjoys hiking with his wife and twin sons at New York state parks. “We have been getting the New York State Park Pass, and some of our favorites are Minnewaska State Park, Clarence Fahnestock State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park.
Learn more about the New York Photo Contest at nyphotochallenge.com.