Picture this: Boys and girls, birds and donkeys, Northern lights and bright sunflowers. All of these and more were submitted into the Alabama Living photo contest, which we hold annually to celebrate some of the state’s great amateur photographers.
There were so many entries in the “nature” category that the editors split the category in two: “Nature – scenery” and “Nature – animals and insects.” The editors judged the photos on composition, photo quality, adherence to the category, point of view and creativity. With so many good entries, the judging was difficult!
Thanks to all those who submitted photos this year. The winner of each category wins $100; those and the honorable mentions are shown here in the magazine. Go ahead and start thinking about what you might enter next year!
Alabama Travels
1st place
Matthew Crowell, North Alabama EC
“(The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville) is one of my favorite places that I’ve been to in the whole state. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.”
Arthur Davis, Baldwin EMC
“I decided to arise early in the morning to hike on the trail around the lake right at sunrise. … It reminds me of (the times my wife and I have had at the park), and of the beauty of God’s creation.” (Photo taken at Chewacla State Park)
Lisa Floyd, Baldwin EMC
“Let the good times roll! The Order of Mystic Magnolias have a fabulous time celebrating their 2024 Mardi Gras theme, ‘Girls just want to have fun.’ These ladies have been parading in Fairhope since 1994.”
At Play
1st place
Anna Stanley, Joe Wheeler EMC
Stanley’s daughter, Avery, “loves picking flowers, gathering eggs and taking care of her baby chicks. These were her first baby chicks that she raised from her grown chickens in the incubator.”
Sharon Tucker, Cullman EC
Hayden, a soon-to-be graduate, and Houston, an alumnus of Cullman High School, celebrate achieving a milestone of life’s journey.
Matthew Crowell, North Alabama EC
“I leaned my camera over the edge and pointed it straight down to get this unique perspective of kayakers maneuvering the rapids of Little River Canyon.”
Phil Berube, Dixie EC
“Not only is my grandson cute and adorable trying to fill his bucket, but the individual water droplets reflect him and his blue hat.”
Jeremy Raines, Helena, Ala.
A father and son ride together during the Mother’s Day event at Helena Hollow.
Nature – Animals and Insects
1st Place
Lisa Floyd, Baldwin EMC
“These sweet little donkeys, Becca and Fluffy, make me smile every time I see them.”
Tom Ress, Baldwin EMC
“Eyes bigger than stomach! This white pelican appears to have bitten off more than it can chew!”
Meredith Crigler, Baldwin EMC
“It was a great catch for both of us that beautiful beach morning. He got breakfast and I got the shot!”
Nature – Scenery
1st Place
Drew Senter, Oxford, Ala.
“On a rare night this May, Alabama was pleasantly surprised by the Northern Lights. What a treat to see this natural phenomenon all the way down here in the South!” (Photo taken in Delta, Ala.)
Ernest Flippen Jr., Arab EC
“Was a nice crisp early winter morning. I had noticed these three beautiful wood boat houses many times but the light was never favorable. But this morning I got there early and waited.” (Photo taken on Lake Guntersville)
Hayley Walters, Dixie EC
“Sunflowers and sunsets … it doesn’t get much better than that!” (Photo taken at Society Hill in Auburn)
