Amateur Photo Contest 2024
Awards Presentation
5 p.m. March 15 - Port Charlotte Library
Prizes will be distributed at an awards ceremony on March 15 at the Port Charlotte Public Library.
At the event, fine art photographer and multi-media artist Margo Kessler Cook, one of this year's judges, will present "A Different Way of Seeing Things," a discussion of how to take photographs from different perspectives. Margo's award-winning photos have been featured in National Geographic and in numerous galleries and museums in the United States.
Winning photos will be displayed at all library branches during the month of March.
2024 Winners
Gallery view
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds coming around
Scott Charles Sorenson, 1st Place - Adult
Soaring over Charlotte County
Izabella Hanselman, 1st Place - Teen
Out of bounds at Centennial Park
Callen Smith, 1st Place - Youth
Every horse deserves a little girl to love them unconditionally
Lana Zeeman, 2nd Place - Adult
My dog Maggie on a sunset walk
Raegan Brown, 2nd Place - Teen
Grow through love
Jesslynn Howell, 2nd Place - Youth
Sunset surfers on Englewood Beach
Barbara Wood, 3rd Place - Adult
Skim at sunset
Sophia Mazza, 3rd Place - Teen
My backyard buddy
Amelia Hanselman, 3rd Place - Youth
Peace River Paradise
Ariele Merone, People's Choice
Judging and Prizes
This year's contest closed on January 31, 2024. Professional judges have now selected the top three entries in each age group. Judging criteria included use of the theme, technical quality of the image, and consideration of the story the image is telling.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes of $75, $50, and $25 will be awarded in each age category:
- Children (ages 6-12)
- Teens (ages 13-18)
- Adults (ages 19 and up)
An additional $25 prize is awarded to the winner of the People's Choice vote, which was held February 1-14.
Awards will be distributed at a special presentation on March 15.
Contest Rules
- Photos should reflect the theme of "Adventures in Charlotte County."
- Color or black & white photos are welcome.
- One entry per person.
- Pictures are submitted via the library website and must be less than 25MB.
- No alteration or manipulation of photographs is permitted except for cropping, red eye removal, and/or adjustment of contrast and brightness.
- By entering, entrants represent and warrant that the photograph they submit is their own original creation, or if they are submitting on behalf of a child that the photograph is that child's original creation, and that the photo has not previously been submitted in a contest or promotion of any kind.
- By entering, entrants agree to have their submitted photograph used and displayed on the sponsor's website, social media, print materials, and any other communication avenues.
- Entries must be submitted by January 31, 2024. Include the photographer's name, age, and a phone number and email address.
