Missouri DNR photo contest exhibit in state capitol

– The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the 2022 Missouri DNR Photo Contest. I am honored to win first place.

Each year, the department asks amateur photographers to get outside and capture the beauty of Missouri’s natural resources and enter their favorite photos in the annual photo contest. Entries can include images from anywhere in Missouri, featuring its beautiful natural resources, unique state parks, natural phenomena, outdoor recreation, scenic landscapes, weather, wildlife and people enjoying the outdoors.

The response this year was remarkable, with more than 700 captivating entries from 199 photographers. The winning photos can be viewed on the photo contest website at dnr.mo.gov/photo-contest and will be shared on the department’s social media platforms. Following are the winners in each category.

Natural Resources Category:

First Place: "Sunset at Creve Coeur Lake" by Jane Linders of Maryland Heights
Second Place: "Johnson's Shut-Ins" by Brad Osborne of Hannibal
Third Place: "The Air Land Water Trifecta" by Steve Jett of Foristell
Honorable Mention: "Hummingbird on Lantana" by Mary Moore of DeSoto

People Enjoying Missouri’s Outdoors Category:

First Place: "Going Fishing" by Sara Lesire of Caseyville, Illinois
Second Place: "Preschool at Little Creek" by Kim Stealey of O’Fallon
Third Place: "Sunset Walks" by Anon Anderson of Jefferson City
Honorable Mention: “Winter Catch and Release" by Brady Hill of Fenton

Unique Places Category:

First Place: "Elephant Rock" by Romulo Rubio of Arnold
Second Place: "Johnson’s Shut-Ins During Fall" by Brandon York of Park Hills
Third Place: "Dillard Mill" by Kevin Pearson of House Springs
Honorable Mention: “Ha Ha Tonka Spring" by Kevin Pearson of House Springs

Amateur photographers of all ages may enter the Missouri DNR Photo Contest hosted by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The 2023 photo contest will open April 1, 2023.

For more information about the Missouri DNR Photo Contest, visit dnr.mo.gov/photo-contest or email socialmedia@dnr.mo.gov

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 9, 2023 – Winners of the 2022 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest will be showcased at a reception and exhibit viewing at 3:30 p.m. Monday,
March 20, at the Missouri State Museum.

The winning photographs in three categories are currently on display in the museum’s foyer, located on the first floor of the Capitol.

The annual contest invites amateur photographers of all ages to participate. The exhibit includes photographs from the following categories: natural resources, places featuring photos of Missouri state parks and historic sites, and people enjoying Missouri’s outdoors. The reception will be a great opportunity for the public to see the photographs and learn how they can participate in the 2023 photo contest.

The museum is located on the first floor of the Capitol, 201 W. Capital Ave. in Jefferson City. For more information, call 573-751-2854.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.