Judges’ Choice Winners of the 13th Annual Ocean and Coastal Photography Contest
Dear Ocean and Coastal Community,
Thank You Ocean, California Coastal Commission, and the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts of California are proud to announce the Judges’ Choice winners of the 13th Annual Ocean and Coastal Photography Contest.
Brian Friedman’s photograph “Coming Through” (top, left) of a large school of mackerel under a dive boat off Catalina received the 1st place prize from the judging panel of photographers and naturalists. Brian lives in Los Angeles and has been diving for over 20 years. He has been doing underwater photography for the last six years and loves diving in the Channel Islands because of all the beautiful photographic opportunities they offer. For his prize, Brian will enjoy an overnight hotel stay donated by the Fairmont Newport Beach Hotel.
The second place winner is “Lanphere Dunes” (right) by Andrea Pickart. Andrea works as an ecologist for the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and has spent her career working to control invasive species, restore native vegetation, and restore ecosystems, including dunes and salt marsh habitats. She photographed this image when she was out taking a walk as the sun was going down, “enjoying the beauty for beauty’s sake,” which she says is sometimes hard to remember to do when she is working. For her prize, Andrea selected an overnight stay at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.
Dylan McDaniel’s photograph “Blanket of Rain” (left) received the Judges Choice 3rd place award. Dylan, just 20 years old, is a native of San Juan Capistrano and became interested in photography while a sophomore in high school while taking pictures for the Dana Hills football team. This particular photo was taken while bodysurfing at a “secret spot” in Laguna Beach while the sun was slowly setting; he was the last one out of the water that day. For his prize, Dylan will enjoy an overnight stay at the Fairmont San Jose Hotel.
The 3 winners above are in addition to 13 “Honorable Mentions” available for viewing at http://www.mycoastalphoto.com . David Harbin’s photograph of Monterey Wharf, ”Harbor Sunrise”, received over 1,200 stars by online voters and was named the contest’s “Viewers’ Choice”.
On behalf of the California Coastal Commission and the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts of California, we’d like to thank the participants in 13th Annual Ocean and Coastal Amateur Photography Contest. We hope you will participate again next year!
Sincerely,
| Matt Stout Chief of Staff/Communications Director, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Co-Chair, California Thank You Ocean Campaign |
Amy Vierra Ocean and Coastal Policy Analyst, California Natural Resources Agency Interim Co-Chair, California Thank You Ocean Campaign |