2023 Photos

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our annual photo contest! We had so many fantastic entries that show the beauty of Virginia’s waters, and the talent of our photographers! Find out more about the contest here and see last year’s entries here.

First Place: Luca Pfeiffer (University of Virginia)

An immature bald eagle fishes during sunrise at Stumpy Lake Natural Area in Virginia Beach, VA.

Second Place: Richard Toledo (Virginia Tech)

This Green Heron is perched at a small pool that sits off of the Virginia Tech Duck Pond. The Green Heron is a very shy — This Green Heron is perched at a small pool that sits off of the Virginia Tech Duck Pond. The Green Heron is a very shy bird so this shot was a treat.

Third Place: Gavriel Cambridge (Virginia Tech)

Cypress trees on Lake Drummond in the Great Dismal Swamp at sunrise.

Honorable Mentions

Whitetop Laurel Creek – Katherine Wardinski (VT)

Night rafting trip on the Lower James River in Richmond – William Lankford (UVA)

Summer sunset at Smith Mountain Lake – Zac Collins (CNU)

Little Stony Creek, located along the Cascades Falls Trail in Giles County – Audrey Lux (VT)

Ice covered branches near the Butt Mountain Fire Tower in Ripplemead, VA – Elizabeth Prior (VT)

The Milky Way is visible in the clear night sky above Elkhorn Lake – George Uehling (UVA)

Entries