Florida State Parks announces the winners of the 2025 “Capture the Real Florida” photo contest

This year’s contest awarded a Grand Prize, Runner-Up, and People’s Choice Award in each of five categories: Landscapes, Waterscapes, Wildlife, Park Adventures, and Historic Encounters, a special category added in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Thousands of entries from across the state showcased the iconic places, stories, and wildlife that define ...the Real Florida. 

“Every year, our visitors capture breathtaking moments that remind us why our state parks are among the most treasured places in the country,” said Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks.“Thank you to everyone who shared their images. I invite all Floridians to get out and discover our state parks and maybe even grab that perfect shot.” 

Valleri Ames’ photo “Echoes of Bulow Plantation” taken at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park earned the Grand Prize in the Historic Encounters Category.

Grand Prize Winners: 

• Landscapes: Shane Carrol’s photo titled “Not Alone” was taken at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park in Sanderson. 

• Waterscapes: Dawn Campbell’s photo titled “Early Dawn” was taken at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala. 

• Wildlife: Michelle Huguet’s photo titled “Eyes of the Forest” was taken at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota.  

• Park Adventures: Heather Bossowski’s photo titled “A Camp Sunrise at Gamble Rogers” was taken at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area in Flagler Beach. 

• Historic Encounters: Valleri Ames’ photo titled “Echoes of Bulow Plantation” was taken at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park in Ormond Beach. 

All Grand Prize, Runner-Up, and People’s Choice winning photos can be viewed on the Photo Contest webpage. Each Grand Prize winner received a $1,000 B&H Photo gift card, a Florida State Parks Annual Pass, a stand-up paddleboard, and a hammock. 

Beginning this month, the winning photos will also be on display at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park during its Winter Waterland celebration. 

Florida’s 175 award-winning state parks, trails, and historic sites offer iconic wildlife, remarkable ecosystems, and unforgettable experiences for photographers of all ages and skill levels. The contest is presented in collaboration with Tyler Technologies, which provides the reservation system for overnight stays across Florida’s state parks.  

Get your camera ready! Photographers can begin capturing their favorite park moments on Jan. 1, 2026. The contest submission portal will open in November 2026, allowing participants to spend the entire year taking their best shots. Florida State Parks encourage photographers and nature lovers alike to get outdoors, find their perfect moment, and submit their own view of ...the Real Florida. 

Key Points:

• The contest recognized winners in five categories: Landscapes, Waterscapes, Wildlife, Park Adventures, and Historic Encounters.

• Each Grand Prize winner received a $1,000 B&H Photo gift card, a Florida State Parks Annual Pass, a stand-up paddleboard, and a hammock.

• Winning photographs captured scenes from well-known parks, including Olustee Battlefield, Silver Springs, Gamble Rogers, and Bulow Plantation Ruins.

• All winning images will be publicly displayed at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park during its Winter Waterland celebration.

• Photographers can begin capturing images for the 2026 contest on January 1, with submissions opening in November 2026.