We’re thrilled to announce the winners of Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s 2025 Photo Contest! This year marked the contest’s 10th anniversary, making it an extra special celebration of the incredible wildlife and landscapes of our great state. Thank you to everyone who entered photos and cast votes, and to Bass Pro Shops of Memphis, Nashville, Kodak, and Bristol for providing this year’s prizes. The winning photos will be featured in our 2025 calendar, showcasing the best of Tennessee’s natural beauty.
The 2025 calendar showcases the diversity of Tennessee’s wildlife, with each species playing a unique and important role in its ecosystem. Anyone who gives $60 or more, or signs up for a monthly gift of $10 or more, by December 31, 2024, will receive the 2025 calendar as a thank you, until supplies run out. All donations directly support the Federation’s conservation efforts across Tennessee.
2025 Photo Contest by the numbers:
- Nearly 2,000 photos submitted
- 213 photographers from 122 cities in 10 states
- More than 4,000 votes cast between 48 photos for People’s Choice
- 17 winning photos featuring 14 species of wildlife
- 33 honorable mention photos
Calendar Cover Photo Winner
Wild Turkey by Griffin Nagle
Originally from Pennsylvania, Griffin Nagle is a hobbyist nature and wildlife photographer who now resides in Western North Carolina. When he is not among his wildlife friends, he is trekking the landscapes, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, and wandering throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. See more of Griffin’s photos at griffinnaglephotography.com or on Instagram @griffinnagle
People’s Choice Award Winner
Pleasant Moment by Terry Weaver
Terry Weaver is a self-taught photographer whose interests include wildlife, landscape, and sports photography. He has been practicing photography for the better part of 30 years. His main objective is to capture still images so others can enjoy and appreciate their beauty for years to come. See more of Terry’s work on Facebook @terryweaver.photos
Landscape Photo Winners
Greenbrier Fishermen by Sunshine Miller
Sunshine Miller is a Gatlinburg photographer who mainly captures families, couples, and seniors. Sometimes this puts her in the right place at the right time. She captured this photo of an adult and child fishing in Greenbrier Cove during a rescheduled photo session. Sunshine’s photos can be found on Facebook and Instagram @NaturalSunshinePhotos
First Light by Stan Ricker
Stan Ricker has worked in the audiology field for 23 years. He enjoys close-up and macro photography because it allows him to discover worlds that he normally wouldn’t see. He specializes in photographing mushrooms, which you can see more of on Instagram @stan.ricker
Ramsey Prong in Winter by Jessica Hill
Growing up next to Cumberland Gap National Park, Jessica Hill became captivated by the stunning beauty and wildlife that surrounded her. Jessica is a freelance photographer and lives in Knoxville with her husband and their Jack Russell Terrier. In her spare time, she and her husband travel as much as possible, exploring the world and photographing its incredible wildlife and landscapes.
Monthly Feature Winners
After the Snow 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
Flirting by Kelli Thompson
Kelli Thompson is a photographer whose primary focus is the natural beauty that surrounds us. Her favorite subjects are the lakes and streams in East Tennessee, wildflowers, and wildlife—especially birds. You can find her work at kellithompson.smugmug.com or Instagram @kellithompsonphotography
Ruby-crowned Kinglet by Douglas Loud
Douglas Loud is a wildlife and landscape photographer from Maryville, TN. He wants each photo to tell a story—from the majestic flight of a heron across serene waters to the vibrant hues of singing songbirds. See his stories at loudphotography.com or on Facebook @loudphotographypics
The Frog King by Scott Russom
Based in Nolensville, TN, Scott Russom enjoys spending time outdoors, discovering new locations for wildlife photography, and sharing his images with friends and family. He finds it especially rewarding to share this hobby with his wife, Jennifer, as it allows them to travel and enjoy their favorite pastime together.
Luna Moth in Daylight by Jessica McDearman
Jessica McDearman lives outside Memphis, TN, with her husband, two daughters, and a handful of animals. She has always had a passion for nature and hopes her photography will encourage others to find beauty in places that are often overlooked. Connect with her on Instagram @jessicamcdearmanphotography
Just Chilling with My Bestie! by Jennifer Russom
Jennifer Russom was inspired by her husband, Scott, to pick up wildlife photography as a hobby. She loves that you never know what you might see and capture behind the lens day to day. It also allows her to meet some amazing photographers and birders at the local parks.
Warpaint Shiner by Betsy Bowden
Betsy Bowden lives and works in Marion County, Tennessee. Her love for the region’s diverse wildlife inspires much of her photography, highlighting species that are often overlooked but crucial to the area’s biodiversity. Through her work and art, Betsy strives to foster connection between people and nature.
Yellow-crowned Night Heron by John Ray
John Ray is a proud husband, dad, and Papa. His love for the great outdoors began as a child from hunting and fishing with his dad and brother. This love has now translated into a passion for wildlife photography and conservation. John’s photos can be found on Facebook @JohnRayPhotos and Instagram @johnray_photography
Curious Squirrel by Tim McLeod
Growing up in East Tennessee, Tim McLeod always felt a deep connection to the outdoors. His photography reflects the beauty of the region’s landscapes and wildlife, with the goal of inspiring others to appreciate and explore the natural world. See more of Tim’s work on Instagram @tennesseescene
Early Bird by Michael Pachis
After spending 40 years in the information technology business, Michael Pachis combined his love of nature with photography as a creative outlet. He joined the Memphis Camera Club in 2012 and has been learning and taking photos ever since. His photos can be found at mpachis.com or on Facebook @MpachisPhotography
The Buck Stops Here by James Enos
James Enos is an award-winning photographer with more than 40 years of experience. James and his wife moved to East Tennessee in 2007. He loves both the action of rodeo photography and the calm feeling of photographing waterfalls and wildlife. See his photos on Facebook @jamesenosphoto
Juvenile Sandhill Crane by Donna Bourdon
Donna Bourdon left corporate life to pursue her lifelong ambition to share the beauty of wildlife through her lens. Her work has received awards from BigPicture Natural World Photography, National Wildlife Federation, and more. See Donna’s work at donnabourdon.smugmug.com or Instagram @Bourdondonna
Honorable Mention Winners
Laurie Anderson
Bobby Blythe
Aaron Burns
Kalley Cook
Paul Driessche
Brenda Gilbert
Ashley Herst
Michael Kaal
Greg Knott
Terry Korpela
Angela Lannom
Timothy Loyd
Ronald Manley
Tami Maples
Priscilla Morris
Holly Nelson
Ryan Rice
Garrett Swartwood
Allen Sparks
Rebecca Stone
Jo Ver Mulm
Bryce Wade
Featured photo by Terry Weaver
