Camden Whitehead, pictured with Hali Plourde-Rogers, Executive Director and his winning photo “Cedar Island Over Wash” (center)

Melanie Bennet, Nandua Middle School, with her winning photo: “I was on the boat when this picture was taken. I love representing the Eastern Shore!”

Tricity Bell, Nandua Middle School, and her photo which was the runner up for the Student People’s Choice award

“When I took this photo, I was on a nature trail on a sunny day and just had to admire this puddle.”

“I loved the color of the light and the dark sky and water.”

“This photo is sunset at Cherrystone a few years ago. I am interested in photography because when you take pictures of nature or moments in life it savers the moment and lets you look back and remember.”

“I was on my porch and I saw this view. The leaves caught my eye.”

“This photo was taken near my grandparent’s house.”

“I am a freshman at Broadwater Academy. I took this picture around 7:30 p.m. at night in Cape Charles. I was walking around with friends. I love the nature of the Eastern Shore. It’s a beautiful place and surrounded by water!”

"I am a junior and a Broadwater Academy art student. I took this sunset picture around the end of July while I was on a walk. We had been fishing that morning until a thunderstorm came through. This picture features part of the Bayford Oyster House and the old post office, which are both important buildings for the Eastern Shore."

“I took this photo at Nandua Middle School. I climbed a tree to see the baseball field.”

“I was inspired by a scene on an afternoon hunt. I have hunted this farm for many years and it is always a special place for me.”

“I am in 9th grade at Broadwater Academy. I heard about the competition from my art teacher. I entered this competition because I love taking pictures of the Shore and sunsets on my boat.”

“I was in the backyard at my house and it was sunset.”

“When I took this photo, I was in my mom’s car at sunrise.”

“Our class went for a nature walk and saw this beautiful part of the trees and decided to take a picture.”

“When I took this photo, I was on the school bus. I happened to look out the window. I saw a thin layer of fog beneath the sunrise and realized that I had to capture the moment as soon as I saw it because of how beautiful it was.”

“I took this picture at school by a pond in the afternoon.”

“This photograph is from the interior of Cedar Island which often washes over during king tides and storms. This image is from an inshore tidal pool on a windy clear day in September. My intent with these explorations is to express the fragility and transient nature of the shore, its two bodies of water, the Atlantic and the Chesapeake and the tenuous relationship between the land and its inhabitants.”

“I enjoy photography as a way to share a unique moment captured in time, such as this one during the 2021 monarch migration. My hope is that this photo exemplifies the Land Trust’s mission to preserve Eastern Shore wildlife habitats while living alongside their beauty.”

“I just enjoy living on the Eastern Shore with all the natural beauty around me. The iPhone makes it so easy to remember these moments.”

“I have been taking pictures as a hobby for years. I am at peace behind the camera, framing the perfect picture to remember the moment. Somehow behind the lens of a camera everything feels more beautiful and special.”

“This picture was taken on the Summer Solstice, June 21st, 2022, on Dawson Shoals at sunset. A group of us packed a picnic and headed out on the Atlantic Ocean to spend some unforgettable time together on the longest day of the year. Mother Nature did not disappoint, once again.”

“Capturing nature scenes through photography is one way I document and pay respect to the grand and beautiful landscape available to us here on the Shore. A landscape that serves as both our pleasure and responsibility. I captured this photo just after my son walked down my father-in-law’s dock on Pungoteague creek, net in hand, in search of ‘doublers’ on the pilings.”

“One early Autumn morning, with my spouse rowing his shell and I chasing after him in a kayak on Pungoteague Creek at the confluence of the Taylor Creek, the morning light dancing in the sky and over the water embodied life on the Eastern Shore.”

“I grew up exploring the Barrier Islands with my father, a commercial waterman, which fostered my love of nature and our stunning waterways and marshes. My favorite photography subjects are the beautiful landscapes and aquascapes of our bountiful Eastern Shore. Conservation is the key to our lasting enjoyment of our vast agricultural and aquaculture landscape.”

“The fragile beauty of the Eastern Shore compels us to preserve this resource of undeniable importance. Every week while walking on Savage Neck beach I can see increased erosion and the dramatic movement of sand and water. The experience of being on the Shore is one of witnessing the impact of man and of climate change, and of feeling the call to participate in conservation efforts.”

“Ever since childhood I have appreciated and experienced the beauty of the natural world and try to capture this beauty and wildness in original photographs and paintings. No formal art degree but have taken a number of workshops and classes. Much of my creative energy involves water and my relationship with the sea and in each picture I try to tell a story.

‘Left too Long’ shows a boat in a muted color scheme left on the side of the marsh. A tree has taken root in the bow. Representing the classic struggle of man vs nature.”

“I love taking photos of my daughter all over the Eastern Shore. We often visit the ‘giant’ chairs on Chincoteague. It’s one of our favorite spots.”

“The Eastern Shore of Virginia has been my home for nearly 45 years. As soon as I came here I knew it was an environment that could nurture me and my desire to connect with nature. While the native flora and fauna are a recurrent theme in my paintings, I also hope to portray the effects of larger forces of water, wind, and light as they shape every aspect of the living world. Realizing now the fragility of our local ecosystems, I hope to record the species present in this moment as a testament to my particular moment in time and place.”

“I feel this photo represents how Tangier Island is slowly being lost to the water and yet the natural beauty still abounds. I hope this photograph shows how human activity is affecting places like Tangier, and that we are in danger of losing these great places.

I feel all photographers can use their art form to not only bear witness to what is happening to our environment but to also facilitate a strong reaction in people, to motivate them to make a difference in protecting and conserving our natural world.“

“I am blessed to live on the Bay Shore and to be able to see and photograph our east coast sunsets. This is a fall sunset which I think are the most beautiful.

I rarely miss a day outdoors. I run and paddle board whenever weather permits. I treasure our beautiful Eastern Shore home and thank God I’m able to live in such an amazing place. I rescue turtles in the winter (cold water stunned), flip over horseshoe crabs in the spring, paddle with the dolphins whenever I can, and pick up trash all year long. I love my home and want to protect this land and our amazing wildlife.”

“With all this natural, abundant, and raw beauty, taking landscape pictures comes effortlessly on the Shore. I found out about this photography contest while I was “Fishing with a Friend” near Cedar Island. The Cedar Island USCG station, in the background, appears to be producing the steady stream of puffy white clouds along the horizon. I loved the way the sky appeared so ‘big’ with only the coast guard station in the background. As I look at this picture, I feel abundant gratitude for living on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.”

“This photo was taken at the mouth of Craddock Creek just after sunset on a calm October evening.”

“inspiring moments
strive to capture the fleeting
with my lens and words”

“The natural world provides us with wonders that take us even beyond our imagination. Capturing the little surprises in nature has drawn me to photographing the unexpected. I try to take candid photos that will preserve a mood and create a lasting image for the viewer.”

“I was born and raised on the Eastern Shore. My father was born and raised on Hogg Island. He taught me to take care of nature. This photo was taken at Cape Charles beach and reminds me of something my father probably saw often on the island.”

Winner in the Professional Category.

“I love all forms of photography but find myself drawn to landscape and wildlife photography. One of my biggest joys is flying my drone and capturing aerial landscape and wildlife photos from a vantage point that most land-based photographers don't get. The ESVA is a photographer's dream. Beautiful landscapes and wildlife are everywhere on the Shore. The wetlands and waters are all around and are a testament to ongoing conservation projects that will assist and help our natural resources thrive.”

Winner in the Amateur Category.

“I grew up on the Eastern Shore and my family frequently visited the barrier islands. Cedar Island, Dawson’s Shoal, and Parramore Island are my homes away from home. I now have a son of my own and we enjoy exploring the beauty around us as well. I captured this picture on Parramore Island, after a long walk around the island with my family. I enjoy capturing the Eastern Shore’s endless treasures. Conservation is so important so that my grandchildren and so on can enjoy the same environment I was able to enjoy.”

Winner in the Student Category.

Nandua Middle School

“The background of my photo is a sunset that is pink and purple with sunlight shining from the clouds. I love taking photos because it is really fun to capture a pretty moment on the Shore. I love nature because I go outside a lot with my dad and sister. Sometimes we drive on trails through the woods in my neighborhood. When we go through the woods and to the beach, there are really pretty photos that you can take.”

“While the majority of my photography involves human subjects, and is photojournalistic in nature, I feel a strong pull to capture landscape scenes here on our beautiful Eastern Shore of Virginia. When I am experiencing nature, most especially on the Eastern Shore and in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (a longtime special family place), I am at peace. Conservation is not only an important effort, but a teaching tool that will reach and benefit the next generation(s). Photography is a special tool that can capture the peaceful, untouched beauty that surrounds us.”

“Inspired by Spanish exile poet Luis Cernuda’s definition of poetry, photography should include “a magical power that heals.” The ibises in “Eastern Shore Reflections” are, for a brief period of time, motionless in front of their own reflection. Their pose and the contrast between the reflective water and the smooth background invite us to stop and behold. I meant to capture a magical, comforting scene, an example of what we can look for and find on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.”

“This photo captures one of the most unique things to the Eastern Shore, the Barrier Islands. This is Hog Island, once a thriving community that lived off the land. I think this photo captures the beauty of the Eastern Shore in a way that only an aerial photo could. This is because without barrier islands there would be nothing protecting the Shore from offshore storms. It shows the Shore is always changing and that the livelihood of so many people relies on something as fragile as an island.

Nature conservation is very important to me because I love fishing and hunting. Without conservation efforts the populations of fish and migratory birds and many marshes and coastlines would be almost gone.”

“I began taking photos with a cheap camera and drone about three years ago. Over time, I started to get better and better and I eventually made a instagram account (jfn_iv_photography) to share the photos. I enjoy photography because I like sharing places people don’t know exist, until they see one of my pictures or videos. I enjoy covering the nature and shoreline of the Eastern Shore because of the remoteness and unexplored nature of it, places few people have been before.”

“I retired here to the Eastern Shore four years ago. Walking my dog every morning, I discovered the beauty of this magical place and a passion for capturing it with my camera. As I improved my skill and people started inquiring about purchasing my work, I knew I wanted these photos to be something more than just a way to make money. I read some articles about conservation photography. This is where I found the real meaning behind my work and my photos. If I can capture the ordinary and make it look extraordinary, if I can show people the details of the world around them, then perhaps I can inspire in them a desire to protect it.”

“Nature is both my job and my therapy. I have fallen in love with nature photography and as a scientist and hobbyist I hope to provoke some fascination or excitement for the wonders around us, no matter how small.”

“Formerly a commercial photographer and owner of a studio. BFA from School of Visual Arts in NYC, majoring in photography. Adjunct professor of photography at Centenary College in New Jersey. Retired to Eastern Shore near Chincoteague. Currently a landscape artist.”

“As a lifelong hunter and sportsman, nature is like church to me. The modern world can be very tiring for us all, but the beauty of God's creation never is. Photography is one of the best ways to capture the natural world. And it's my favorite medium because the emphasis is on the subject and not the photographer. A great photo does justice to the subject, whether it's an animal, landscape, or moment. I hope the "Tog" achieves that to some degree, because tautog have an undeserved reputation as an ugly fish. Yes, it's a more subtle beauty than an angelfish or parrotfish. But to me, it's no less impressive.”

“Albert (non-verbal) is most comfortable outside or on a trail in the woods. Albert communicates his love of nature in his works of art and photography.”

“I have lived on the Eastern Shore on and off my entire life. I believe this is one of the most beautiful places on earth.”

“While I am not originally from the Shore, I have been here a little over a decade. Each time I visit a place, the beauty of it never ceases to amaze me. This picture, "Gliding Through the Sunset" was captured at Cape Charles Pier. What a cool sight it was to watch him take off right from the shore and spend some time gliding through the sunset. Nature is my calming place.”

“I love the Virginia Eastern Shore. The sunsets and sunrise are the best. But when you get the wildlife, it's out of this world. You have it all here on the Shore. I love just to capture what I see. And here you will always get it.”

“As an architect, I listen to the environment for cues about interacting with the physical environment. This photograph is a record of the wind, the sun, the tides and the currents and how they shape the earth in the moment and over long periods of time. Nature and Conservation speak to our ongoing conversation and engagement with our world, both manmade and natural.”

“I am avid photographer and artist based in Onancock and Richmond, Virginia. I am always looking to capture that special moment in nature full of wonder and awe by using a camera or a paintbrush. The Eastern Shore offers so many of those precious moments. Each image tells a story or inspires the imagination. It is so vitally important for organizations like VES Land Trust and communities to come together to always protect the land shared by wildlife and people. These wild wonderous moments must be forever available to all.”

“Before I was able to talk, I knew to look for oystercatchers and black skimmers. I realize the place I took for granted growing up is a place like no other. It’s special because it’s hidden away from the public eye, where nature is allowed to be herself. And where nature thrives, so do the humans that live among her. Pictures nearly always fall short of the moment as they are just a single blink of reality. But those blinks matter, as they remind us even years later of the bigger idea. This picture is from my nightly walk. As the full moon pulls in the King Tide up into my driveway and I move my car to higher ground, I am reminded of the power and change of nature. This picture helps tell the story of the peaceful yet untamed and wild personality of nature that demands our respect and protection.”

“I took one photography class in college and enjoyed developing my own photos in a dark room. Since we moved to the Shore two years ago, we have been constantly in awe of the beauty here and sometimes we are drawn to capture it by photo. My husband built a wooden rowboat. We took the boat out one evening last summer to Kiptopeke State Park with our grandchildren. The texture of the water, the old concrete boats and sky called out to me. And of course the iconic silhouettes of the Pelicans.”

“This will be my fourth year participating in "Picture the Shore" and "Paint the Shore" with my art students. I love giving my students the experience to showcase their own work next to working artists. I am extremely proud of the work they produced and know they learned a lot. For my photo this year, I chose to submit the magical moment I had in my front yard as the Eastern Shore was able to experience the Northern Lights on October 10th. It will be an experience that I never forget. Seeing the lights made me feel incredibly small and humble and reminded me of just how beautiful and mysterious God's creation is.”

“Having spent most of my life on the Eastern Shore, it’s easy to admire the unmistakable beauty of the pristine waterfront views and barrier islands. More than just extraordinary views, the Eastern Shore is deeply rooted in history and heritage, just like the mycelium of the mushroom in this photo. On this day, I stopped to appreciate this small treasure that could have otherwise gone unnoticed. In this way, the art of photography reminds me of the subtle beauties in nature and the significance of land conservation.”

“I have taken pictures for more than 40 years, focusing on sunsets, sunrises, birds in flight or at rest, and now seaside vistas. The bayside denizen of my photo was scrabbling ahead of us as we strolled along the Savage Neck shoreline. He disappeared around the edge of a beached crab box and we thought he had gone to ground. Imagine our surprise and delight when we passed the box and found him looking up at us, almost as if he was playing hide and seek! My interest in conservation was stoked by my sixth grade teacher, who prompted my appreciation for the woods and waterways of Northern Minnesota. Such photo scenes are the product of the conservation of such beautiful water environments, and may they ever increase!”

“I am a graduate research assistant in the Department of Plant Pathology. I completed my bachelor's degree at an agricultural university in India, where I developed a deep appreciation for the intricate relationships within ecosystems. My photo entry reflects my passion for capturing the beauty of nature and its vulnerabilities. Photography allows me to convey the delicate balance of our environment and the urgent need for conservation. Each image I take serves as a reminder of the wonders of nature and the responsibility we have to protect them. To me, nature represents resilience and interconnectedness. As a photographer, I aim to highlight these qualities to inspire others to appreciate and advocate for our natural world.”

“I love taking photos of sunsets and this is my first ever time putting my work out to the public. So exciting!!”

“I have been an avid amateur photographer since I could hold a camera. Nature has always been my favorite subject. We are so fortunate on the Shore to have an abundance of natural resources that deserve our respect, admiration, and protection. I chose this photo because it captures the beauty and power of nature from the very special Fisherman Island along with the human elements of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and the remnants of a pier. In the end, nature always wins.”

“I was born and raised on Virginia's Eastern Shore. All of my life I have felt very inspired just by being outdoors. Whether it be the sky, clouds, trees, animals, birds, sunsets, farmland, beaches, or the beautiful Barrier Islands, I love taking their photos. There is no doubt that the Eastern Shore has made me who I am. This makes me thankful for those who love and care for our beautiful area for others to see and enjoy. Also, there is no place more beautiful than taking photographs at Occohannock Creek especially at sunset!”

Northampton High School

“Photography has an important significance to me because I love being able to capture moments and being able to hold a memory of special times. In this photo, you can see here a little fawn from the Eastern Shore who stands in the tall grass where he lives freely. There are many of these little guys around this area so saving them and their homes are very important to wildlife. I personally think nature and conservation is very important because it ensures that the wildlife can enjoy the natural world as well as future generations.”

Nandua Middle School

“I like my photograph because it has a butterfly in action flying into a sunflower with bees on it and the way the trees in the background are blurred out.”

Nandua Middle School

“I did a picture of a dock with a view of a really pretty light blue lake. In photography you can express yourself. It also lets you capture the moment and anything you feel. I feel that it shows your creativity. I think nature deals with animals, plants, mountains, and weather.”

Nandua Middle School

“In my photograph, I was able to capture the northern lights that were visible on the Shore a little bit ago. I really like the large pinkish red spot and the way the dock stands out. I felt like I needed to include a photograph with water in it since its such a significant part of the Shore. Nature conversation is so important not just for our local wildlife but to our lives. The local fauna and flora help keep us and our loved ones safe.”

Nandua Middle School

“I took this photo because to me it captures the shore from the water to the dock and wildlife everywhere.”

Nandua Middle School

“I thought this plant was a pretty one. I got lucky enough to catch the moment of a bee and a cricket on the plant.”

Nandua Middle School

“I really like flowers and monarch butterflies. So I was hoping that I could capture a moment with both in the same picture. Lucky enough I found a butterfly on a yellow flower and took the picture. I’m interested in photography because it just makes you be more observant.”

Nandua Middle School

“I am 13 and I really like taking photos. I have a boy scout badge in photography and take a lot of photos on my own time. My photo is of a girl in my class walking next to a dog on a narrow pathway surrounded by trees and a field.”

Nandua Middle School

“I am an artist but not in photography. I chose this photo because I think it shows how the Eastern Shore stands out among other places to live. I love the fact that conserving is giving a place for animals to thrive instead of barely getting by.”

Nandua Middle School

“I thought the sun shining between the trees was beautiful.”

Nandua Middle School

“I liked the photograph that I choose because the colors are vibrant. They are warm colors and it looks so cute.”

Nandua Middle School

“Our art class took a field trip. On our walk, I found a rock and I put it on a stick.”

Nandua Middle School

“Water is always in the background when you think of the Shore. In my picture, I focused on a stick with a spider web and let the background (a creek) blur out. I love photography because you can take a slice of reality and play with it to make something new. I especially like animals, and you can't have any animals without a habitat.”

Nandua Middle School

“My photo is a first person point of view. You are walking out on to a deck and you look up and see an amazing pretty baby blue sky.”

“My name is Maddie and I like to take pictures of the sky. So I choose this one of the Aurora Borealis! I love nature so much and I love that people conserve nature. I think it’s great that people conserve nature. Personally if I ever littered, I would regret that decision the rest of my life!”

Nandua Middle School

“I was interested in the photo because of the color and the little animals that were in the flower. For me, nature means a beautiful place where there are many little animals. That is why we must always take care of our nature.”

Northampton High School

“I love taking pictures of everything outside. I could show so many but I found this one with the sunset the most beautiful, because it truly just screams Virginia.”

Nandua Middle School

“My background is very random. I just like to capture things I like and seem good. The main reason I'm interested is because it’s very peaceful to me and relaxing. Nature is a source of many things to me like inspiration and peace.”