New York State Parks in partnership with ReserveAmerica.com is proud to share the winners of the 2022 Photo Contest. Visitors from all around the country submiited more than 6,000 entries over a four month period. The judging panel reviewed images and corresponding stories in six categories including Camping Life, Views and Vistas, Seasonal Spectacular, Making Memories, Action and Adventure, and Hiking. Be inspired by the seven winning photos below.
Thank you to everyone that participated and congratulations to all the winners!
Grand Prize Winner
Photographer: Wendy Blanchard
Location: Bear Mountain State Park, Palisades Region
The judges selected this amazing scenic photo titled “Bear Mountain Bridge Sunrise” that was taken with a Nikon D780 with a 24-120mm lens and circular polarizer. Wendy is a New York resident and mom who loves to get outdoors to take landscape and wildlife photographs.
“I had always wanted to drive to Bear Mountain in the fall. There are beautiful colors there so one day I made the plan and picked up my dad. We got to the Bear Mountain Bridge before sunrise. I remember it being cold that morning and it was taking a while for the sun to peak over the mountain. Iโm a bit stubborn and I did wait for what seemed like hours (but it wasn’t) for the sun to come out.”
Hiking Category Winner
Photographer: Diana Richards
Location: Storm King State Park, Palisades Region
This uplifting photo titled “Roxy Watches the Sunrise” won the hiking category. Diana is a landscape photographer, educator, and dog momma. Below is the story behind this winning photo.
“On hot summer days, I enjoy taking my dog, Roxy, out for sunrise hikes to beat the heat. During this particular sunrise at Storm King State Park, Roxy seemed to enjoy watching the sun rise over the Hudson river just as much as I did. I’m grateful to have captured such a beautiful moment with my pup.”
Views and Vistas Category Winner
Photographer: Courtney Bradt
Location: Crown Point Campground, Saratoga/Capitol District Region
The judges selected this photo titled “Sunset at the Ruins”. Courtney is an avid hiker and camper who enjoys photographing all her adventures with her Sony mirrorless camera.
“The Crown Point Historic Site was actually on my NYS bucket list of places to visit. I was excited when we were able to bring our camper there and spend a weekend exploring. This photo was taken on Labor Day Weekend, one of my favorite weekends to go camping. The evening this photo was taken, the sunset was beautiful to watch.”
Camping Life Category Winner
Photographer: Alessandro Frati
Location: Mongaup Pond Campground, Catskills Region
This winning photo represents Alessandro’s first time camping. He took this image with his phone and feels lucky to have reserved a spot right on the lake.
“I’ve been in the US for the past 10 years living and working in New York City. The city started feeling too tight and last summer I’ve started exploring the Catskills and the Adirondacks parks. The driving distance limited what hikes I could do so I’ve decided to try the campgrounds. In my country (Italy) the camping culture is limited, and I didn’t have the opportunity to experience it earlier, so I was kind of scared at first. It took me a trip to the Mongaup Pond to get hooked on the tent experience – this will become a part of my summers spent exploring NYS.”
Seasonal Spectacular Category Winner
Photographer: Karen Millspaugh
Location: Taylor Pond Campground, Adirondacks Region
The judges felt Karen really captures the New York season with this photo titled “Fall Reflections”. She took the shot with her Nikon D500.
“I was camping in my van in the Adirondacks and spend most every fall hiking and exploring the beauty of the mountains during Autumn since I started to take photos. I had not yet been to this particular area. Someone I was talking to about good places to go and take photos said that even though that campground wasn’t operating by the fall, the lake area was still open and that it was a beautiful spot. So, I added that to my list to explore that fall. I wasn’t disappointed! I happened to have almost an hour with the spot to myself and I enjoyed the peace and serenity of the location. On return trips I have seen some great wildlife, such as many ducks, loons, and minks.”
Making Memories Category Winner
Photographer: Chris Robey
Location: Stony Brook State Park, Finger Lakes Region
Chris captured a great way of making memories in New York State Parks with his photo titled “Evening Camp Fire”. He’s been visiting Stony Brook since he was a little kid. His family would spend many weekends camping at different NYS parks and they loved boating and fishing.
“My photo was taken at Stony Brook State Park in August of 2022. We were camping with three other families, just enjoying a campfire overlooking the creek. We love having our evening campfires and family time with all of our kids.โโโ”
“NYS parks are truly unbelievable! They have created some of the best childhood memories not only for myself but for my kids as well. They are beautiful, well maintained, and unbelievably affordable.”
Action and Adventure Category Winner
Photographer: Kellie Olsen
Location: Wellesley Island State Park, Thousand Islands Region
Kellie took this photo of her husband using a Canon Rebel t6i digital camera and shares their story.
“We are an interabled couple and have been together for over a decade now. Mike, my husband, (pictured) is a complete paraplegic who broke his back working Construction in 2007. We try to live as normal as possible and still get out and do things we both enjoy. Camping is one of our favorite things to do in the summer and we decided to take a midday swim! Mike doesnโt let being confined to a wheelchair stop him from much. He loves to swim! It gives him a sense of freedom still being able to do the things he could before his injury.”
“State Parks mean a lot to us especially. With Mike being disabled, heโs able to obtain the NYS Access Pass making it affordable and feasible to travel to the State Parks. Getting out to camp, kayak, and explore the waters and trails at each is freedom we donโt take for granted!”
Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who participated in the 2022 New York State Parks Photo Contest!
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!