The Lyme Land Trust is excited to announce the Photos of Distinction for the Winter 2024 session of Imagining Lyme. Our showcase galleries now display many beautiful photos of all the seasons of the year. We are thankful to everyone who shares their favorite photos of nature in Lyme. Please visit Imagining Lyme to see all the submissions and to submit your photos. The next deadline is June 30, 2024 for photos of Spring.

The judges have chosen three photos that stood out to them in the Winter 2024 gallery. The judges for this session were Wendolyn Hill and Joe Standart. Here is the list of the those photos with judges’ comments.

Downed Tree, New Life
By Galo Samiento
Selden Creek Preserve

There are many layers to appreciating this photo. One can start with the use of color. It has a simple but compelling palate of browns and greens that project a quiet, earthy mood.
The direct overhead angle serves to eliminate the busyness of the surrounding forest, while emphasizing the shape and design of the fungus. As one contemplates the photo further one senses that the photographer has employed these compositional elements to reveal the underlying significance of the scene, the circle of life. Forests are repeatedly telling a life and death story. Dispersed by the winds, seeds scatter and begin a new life. Trees and other plants mature and eventually die and, in this case, offer sustenance for new life, the fungus. On the surface, this is a simple photograph, but the title of this work, reveals the deeper thinking of the artist. – Well done!
Joe Standart

Ice Sheet
By Kent Girty
Pleasant valley Preserve

One of the delights of taking a walking in the woods (or anywhere) with a camera is that the world around becomes an endless compositional opportunity. Winter offers its own challenges as so much of the environment becomes a confusion of monotonous grey and brown and requires the photographer to look harder to find compelling subjects. In Ice Sheet, Kent Girty has done a terrific job in simplifying the subject by shooting directly down, eliminating the clutter of the surroundings, and focusing tight in on the random beauty and designs the ice creates. Kent’s sharp focus accentuates the fragile yet bold designs of the ice and becomes a masterpiece of shapes and texture. Often photographs are made better by what is not included. Kent has done a terrific job in eliminating all things that do not contribute to his cohesive, monochromatic, balanced design. – Well done!
Joe Standart

Mt. Archer Woods – Tulip Tree Grove in Winter
By Steve Hoyt

In this winter landscape devoid of leaves, one can see the tall straight structures of the overlapping trees receding far into the distance; the various trunk widths creating a pleasing rhythm. The photographer invites the viewer to step in and wander deep into the forest with these strong silent denizens of the forest. There is nothing to distract from the subtle browns–no sunshine on this overcast day to cast shadows-and one becomes attuned to the slightest variation in the warmth of the tones. Steve has done a great job of capturing a feeling of timelessness, stillness, and peace in this quietly beautiful photograph.
Wendolyn Hill

Honorable mention – Green Between the Leaves
By Bryn Souza
Selden Creek Preserve

One never knows what you will find in the woods when you explore for visual subject matter. Bruyn Souza came upon this wonder and recognized a photographic opportunity. The most striking element of Bryn Souza’s photograph is the beautiful colors, and the use of the contrast of complementary colors–the teal gray of the lichen pops out dramatically next to the reddish brown of the leaves. Bryn framed the photo to create a composition that draws one in to revel in the delicate textures and colors of the scene. Thank you Bryn, for sharing this object of wonder and beauty with us.
Wendolyn Hill

Joe Standart is an internationally known, award-winning photographer. His national public art initiative, Portrait of America, began in New London in 2004. Learn more about Joe
Wendolyn Hill is an artist, award winning photographer, and former professor of art. Learn more about Wendy.