The 2023 Tennessee Wildlife Federation Photo Contest has come to an end, and we are excited to share this year’s winners! The winning photos will be featured in our 2023 calendar. Special thanks to everyone who entered photos and cast votes to make the contest a success.
2023 Photo Contest by the numbers:
- Nearly 5,000 votes cast between 54 photos for People’s Choice
- 17 winning photos featuring 14 species of wildlife
- Photographers came from 112 cities across 13 states
- 202 people entered the contest
- More than 1,500 photos of Tennessee’s wildlife and wild places submitted
- 35 honorable mentions
If you’re a wildlife or nature enthusiast and want to marvel at Tennessee’s great outdoors all year, you’re in luck. Make a $60 or more tax-deductible donation to support conservation by the end of December to receive your 2023 Tennessee Wildlife Federation calendar.
Donate today to get your calendar!
Congratulations to all winners!
Calendar Cover Photo Winner
Passing Fritillary by David Liles
David Liles lives in west Knoxville, TN. He has had a lifelong interest in the natural sciences, especially rocks, plants, and wildlife. He enjoys being creative and uses photography as his outlet while exploring nature. He is drawn to bold colors and stark contrasts that enhance images. “I want the viewer to see color, and to react to it!”
People’s Choice Award Winner
Sweet Dreams by Christopher Barger
Christopher Barger is from Harriman, TN. His start in photography began by taking pictures of his daughters cheering in middle school, and over the past 10 years he has become a sports and community photographer in Roane County. He now takes nature and wildlife images on the side. View more of his work at chrisbargerphotography.shutterfly.com.
Landscape Photo Winners
Morning Mist by Brenda Walker
Brenda Walker has been a nature-lover her whole life and a photographer since 2006. As a K9 search and rescue handler, she often finds herself in untouched areas where she can find wildlife in their true natural habitat. Her photography has been featured in Tennessee Conservationist Magazine and can also be found at brendawalkerphotography.zenfolio.com.
Cypress Swamp by Allen Sparks
Allen Sparks’ interest in nature and wildlife began with fishing trips with his grandfather as a young boy. He is fascinated by God’s creation and enjoys capturing images of his handiwork. He has taught nature photography classes for the past 10+ years at a local Audubon Center and is an active member in the Memphis Camera Club. His photos can be found at flickr.com/photos/asparks306.
New Day at Reelfoot by Ry Tipton
Ry Tipton grew up near Reelfoot Lake but currently resides in South Carolina. He spent several years hunting and fishing in his free time and now hunts with his camera instead. More of his work can be viewed on Facebook.
Monthly Feature Winners
Female Mallard in Flight by Rebecca Stone
Rebecca Stone is a photographer and educator. She is based in Gallatin, TN. When she isn’t working, she spends her time on Old Hickory Lake capturing the beauty of TN’s wildlife. View more of her work on Instagram @rebeccastone73 or visit her website, fstonefoto.mykajabi.com.
Great Egret in Snowy Creek by Timothy Loyd
Timothy is a resident of Hendersonville, TN. After 8 inches of snowfall subsided in January, he stumbled upon this great egret who had chosen to winter over in Memorial Park, patiently waiting out the storm at the mouth of the creek. See more of Timothy’s work on Instagram at @thefeatherchannel.
Perfect Catch by Howard Litvack
Howard Litvack retired four years ago and focused on his love of the outdoors and photography. His business, Legendary Photography, was created, and he began selling his work at local farmers markets. You can view more of his photography at howardlitvack.SmugMug.com.
Sneaky Sibling by Kalley Cook
Kalley Cook loves all types of photography, especially nature and wildlife. Being out in nature with a camera is a way to clear her head. Kalley has always called east TN home and loves showing others what animals can be found right in their backyard. You can purchase her photographs at kalleycookphotography.com.
Horsefly by Thomas Kienzle
Tom Kienzle is a retired scientist with a degree in microbiology. He now pursues his hobbies of nature photography and fishing full time. He also enjoys painting, writing, and traveling to federal and state parks with his wife.
Mid-day Perch by Frank Snyder
Frank Snyder is an avid wildlife and landscape photographer who spends as much time as possible in the Cherokee National Forest, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and other local areas capturing images of the beautiful world of nature in East Tennessee.
Climbing a Limb by Joshua Cotten
Joshua Cotten’s wife bought him his first “real” camera in 2018. In 2020, he and his wife established a hummingbird and butterfly garden in their backyard so they could attract subjects for him to photograph. They enjoy having the opportunity to just sit in the backyard and experience nature up close.
Great Horned Owl on a Perch by Stacey Reid
Stacey Reid is a nurse in Muscle Shoals, AL. Her interest in photography began with a majestic bald eagle, and she also enjoys photographing foxes and owls. View more of Stacey’s work at staceyreidphotography.com.
Easy Does It by Scott Russom
Scott Russom lives in Middle Tennessee and enjoys photographing wildlife and nature with his wife Jennifer. View more of his photos on Instagram @scott_russom_imagery.
Loving the Leaf Litter by Lauren Lyon
Lauren Lyon is a PhD candidate at the Univ. of Tennessee at Knoxville in the Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She has a vested interest in conserving native species in the Blue Ridge Mountains. See more of her photography on Instagram @AppRedPanda.
A Watchful Eye by Dr. Jenna Crovo
Dr. Jenna Crovo developed an interest in photography at a young age and took several photography courses while pursuing her PhD in biology. Dr. Crovo often uses her knowledge of biology to locate and identify photo subjects. You can follow her work on Instagram @jenna_crovo_photography.
Winterberry by Dr. David Sloas
David Sloas, M.D. started taking photos to bring joy to his patients. A self-taught photographer, Dr. Sloas was selected as one of Nikon’s 100 photographers and named one of 20 to watch on Instagram by Business Insider. See more of his work on Instagram @a_man_with_a_nikon.
Honorable Mention Winners
Shane Blythe
Donna Bourdon
Tina Cannon
Carolyn Clark
Sidney Cromer
Susan Dameron
Brenda Gilbert
Cheryl Harris
Melody Huggins
Debra Kienzle
Karen Lewallen
Melissa Long
Ronald Manley
Becky McRae
Priscilla Morris
Nadine Nekvasil
Ryan Rice
Jennifer Russom
Faye Sykes
Bryce Wade
Amanda Young
Donate today to get your calendar!
Featured photo by Christopher Barger
