Southern Delaware Tourism (SDT) announces the winners of its 2023 Southern Delaware Photography Contest, the 7th annual contest held by the organization.
SDT is grateful to professional photographers Pam Aquilani and Tony Pratt who served as judges for this year’s contest. Aquilani and Pratt were very impressed with the quality of the many photographs submitted to the contest. They judged the submitted photos on a combination of technical elements like proper exposure, focus and composition as well as the overall story told by the image’s subject.
Southern Delaware Tourism is also extremely grateful for the support of tourism partners who contributed contest prizes, including The Inn at Canal Square in Lewes, Grain on the Rocks, Cape Water Tours & Taxi, Delaware State Parks, Hyatt Place in Dewey Beach, Dewey Beach Parasail, Delmarva Board Sports, Hotel Bethany Beach, Four Acres Living, Brittingham Farms, Good Earth Market and Restaurant, Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, and Above the Dunes.
The winners are:
Grand Prize: Victoria Gordon of Palmyra, NJ for her photo of kayakers approaching Cape Henlopen’s Breakwater Lighthouse. Judges’ comments: Sunsets are always a popular time at the coast and so many people photograph striking red skies reflected in smooth water. This photograph stood out as it puts the viewer in the seat of the kayak and the kayak’s bow leads to the paddling companion in the distance. The smooth water evokes calm and we as viewers can practically hear and smell the moment as well as we can see it.
Southern Delaware Boardwalk Scenes Category: Beth Baker of Greenwood, DE for her photo of a Trap Pond State Park boardwalk trail. Judges’ comments: Boardwalks are indeed iconic coastal attractions. Traditionally found solely along beaches, in recent years many of our beautiful nature trails in the coastal region include elevated boardwalks. Their popularity has soared, and this photograph captures that feeling of an early morning walk or bike ride through a maritime forest. In this photograph the boardwalk itself leads the viewer’s eye through the scene into the adventure and promise held in the trail and woods ahead. A fulfilling feeling indeed.
Southern Delaware Farmer & Foodie Category: Richard Holaday of Lancaster, PA for his photo of a sunflower field in Milton. Judges’ comments: There were so many great food photographs submitted and farmer’s markets were very popular locations to get those shots. When all was said and done this field of planted sunflowers stood out as a beautiful, moody example of Delaware farming.
Southern Delaware Watersports Category: Matthew Beatty of Millville, DE for his photo of a skimboarder at Fenwick Island. Judges’ comments: Southern Delaware truly is a playground for water sports enthusiasts and timing is everything when photographing action in watersports. The leading lines, exposure and perfect moment captured make this a fantastic example of being prepared to make a great photograph.
“This contest was established to celebrate Southern Delaware and to keep our destination top of mind for visitors and potential visitors year-round,” says Scott Thomas, Executive Director of SDT. “We received entries from all over the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. The entries clearly demonstrate the variety and richness of experiences available in Sussex County and the incredible enjoyment people get from visiting and living here.”
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Southern Delaware Tourism supports and encourages the identification, development and promotion of sustainable, year-round tourism in Southern Delaware that contributes to economic growth and improves the quality of life. For more information, call Southern Delaware Tourism at 302-856-1818 or visit their website, www.VisitSouthernDelaware.com.
