Behind the lens: Photographers’ stories of winning images

Leadership in Agriculture and Natural Resources winner — April Butler

Crops winner — Patrick Ruegger

“This photo was taken in mid March of this year at my family’s property in the Monteocha area of Alachua County. As I was leaving for work one morning the blossoms on the pear tree just seemed to stand out more than usual. Perhaps it was the crispness of the morning light combined with a slight dew that appeared to highlight them on the landscape that morning. In any event, I felt compelled to walk over for closer examination. I happened to have my iPhone in my pocket and decided to capture the moment.”

Landscapes winner — Kumudu Kopiyawattage

Kumudu Kopiyawattage is a Sri Lankan who is currently pursuing a PhD in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida.

“This photo was taken last December in 2015 when I was in Sri Lanka. I was on my way to a one-day meditation program in Polonnaruwa, which is a historically important district in Sri Lanka full of ancient ruins and statues. We spent our night at a place near this tank in the photo, which is called ‘Parakrama Samudraya (meaning – parakrama ocean).  This water reservoir was built by King Parakramabahu the great (1153-118). I just noticed this pelican swimming on the water and sun was setting. I waited about 30 minutes glancing at both because I thought at one moment the pelican would come under the shadow of sun.

I don’t think I am a good photographer. My husband is an excellent photographer and he is the one who encourages me to take photos all the time.”

Wildlife winner — Logan Luse

“After buying the newest GoPro model, I was excited to hike my favorite trail of Paynes Prairie State Preserve off of highway 441, the Bolen Bluff Trail. When approaching the alligator in the picture, I thought about the different angles I could capture. This photo has been my favorite that I’ve captured with my GoPro.

Each step I took towards the dangerous creature, my heart would race faster and faster. Using a clamp and stick that I found along the trail, I was able to hover my camera above the alligator’s tail to capture this view – a view that most most people will never get close enough to see. I’ve lived in Florida for about eight years now and this trail is where I’ve seen my first wild alligators, horses, and buffalos.”

Livestock winner — Ryan Beany

“My name is Ryan Beany, and I am 15 years old. While visiting Mr. Tucker’s ranch, I had the opportunity to have hands on experience with ultrasound, pregnancy checking, and palpation. Afterwards, I was able to see his purebred Brahman cattle herd. I grabbed the camera as I saw the opportunity to take an amazing picture of the interaction of Mr. Tucker and his cattle. To me, this photo disproves any myths about cattlemen mistreating their cattle and represents the trust and appreciation that is evident. Drew Tucker, a 5th generation Florida cattleman, was showing me his Brahman cattle at TA Brahmans in Brevard County. He walked into the middle of the herd and you could see the trust from his cattle along with his genuine compassion and love for his heritage and livelihood.”

People in Agriculture and Natural Resources winner — Heidi Mattson

“This photo was taken in February of 2016 as we were preparing our youngest son Hobie to show in PeeWee Sheep at our county fair. We were attempting to take a few serious photos of our young man and his first year in 4-H but he had other ideas. Our Australian cattle dog mix, Louie, never let Hobie out of his sight in the yard, probably knowing that Hobie’s six-year-old antics required special supervision! I just happened to catch the two of them trotting down the driveway exactly as they usually were: boy feet in the air, canine feet steadfastly guiding. Sadly, during this photo contest Louie passed away from old age; he was almost 13 and lived a long and happy life with us. He will be missed not only by our family but also our extended family of three 4-H clubs, all of whom he considered his flock. This photo and photo contest was an extra special way to remember the wonderful spirit that Louie carried.”

Learn what the photographer of the Best Overall and Best of Florida pictures had to say about his “behind the lens” moments:
Best overall/Best of Florida winner