Our Stories

Winners of the 2009 PA Photography Contest

Posted on January 5, 2010 by Kate Lemon

You voted, and now, the results are in! After tallying up the 371 votes, we have a winner for the 2009 PA Photography Contest! Congratulations to John Stehle, whose winning “Circle of Life” picture received 28 “like” votes on the North Country Trail Association facebook page!

John's thoughts on his winning picture: "I liked this picture particularly because of its strong contrast of the brilliant orange shelf mushroom with the deep green foliage and the dark brown wood and leaf litter. I believe the mushroom is the Chicken Mushroom, also known as the Sulfur Shelf." — Winner of the 2009 Photography Contest: John Stehle's "Circle of Life" -- John's thoughts on his picture: "I liked this picture particularly because of its strong contrast of the brilliant orange shelf mushroom with the deep green foliage and the dark brown wood and leaf litter. I believe the mushroom is the Chicken Mushroom, also known as the Sulfur Shelf."

John is Vice President of the NCTA Butler Chapter and President of the Butler Outdoor Club, which is a close partner and supporter of the NCT. Here’s what John had to say about his picture:

“This picture was taken along the Hells Hollow section of the NCT, in McConnells Mill State Park on Sept 13, 2009 in the area of Walnut Flats. This area is particularly rich old growth forest in the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge. People love this trail because of the deep forest feel you get, especially along the Slippery Rock Creek.”

John was hiking that day with friend Tom Baumgardner. The two did not travel as far in distance as they intended that day, and John cites the scenic beauty of the trail as the reason for their more relaxed pace.

“One of the nice things about taking pictures along the trail is that you get the opportunity to stop and smell the roses. Especially with a nature shot, you can study and savor the subject.”

Second Place Photo: Brett Watson's Common Wood Sorrel <br> When asked what he liked about his picture, Brett said that he liked "the rich colors, the clarity of the shot, and the contrast between the green leaves and the flower." — Second Place Photo: Brett Watson's Common Wood Sorrel -- When asked what he liked about his picture, Brett said that he liked "the rich colors, the clarity of the shot, and the contrast between the green leaves and the flower."

Runner-up was Brett Watson’s macro photo of a Common Wood Sorrel. He said of his photo:

“I love going outdoors and taking pictures, and I like looking for and photographing wildflowers. That flower was my first sighting of Common Wood Sorrel of the year!”

I asked Brett his opinion of what the North Country Trail offers to photographers, and he surmised:

“I think that it provides a way for them to get to new places and new experiences, and it allows them easy access into the outdoors where they can find new subjects to photograph.”

Third Place: Tammy Veloski's "Adventure Awaits!" featuring her four-year-old son, Dale <br>According to Tammy, "I'm always taking pictures as we hike. I just try to capture people without them knowing- (it's) more natural that way." — Third Place: Tammy Veloski's "Adventure Awaits!" featuring her four-year-old son, Dale -- According to Tammy, "I'm always taking pictures as we hike. I just try to capture people without them knowing- (it's) more natural that way."

Earning third place in the competition, Tammy Veloski’s simple picture of her four-year-old son, Dale, running along the trail, captures the hopes and aspirations of many NCTA members and volunteers: Get more young people outdoors and on the trail! Tammy’s comments share the same sentiment:

“I think we need to get kids and young people (including teenagers) more interested and involved. The question is how to get them interested in enjoying the outdoors.”

Interestingly, all three winning pictures were taken in McConnells Mill State Park in Lawrence County, PA, though the contest featured many beautiful pictures from all across the North Country Trail in Pennsylvania.

Said John Stehle of his win:

“The idea that this was a winning picture was rather surprising to me. I don’t know much about taking a good picture and the camera is an inexpensive Panasonic pocket sized camera. There were so many other really nice pictures submitted in the contest. I’m glad people liked it. It has been great fun looking at all the submissions, especially since it is along a trail that we all know and love so much.”

These are words of hope to other fledgling photographers– You don’t have to be a professional or have the best equipment to get a good picture… Get outdoors and enjoy the trail, and you just might end up with a winning shot!

Dave Brewer: The Bridge at Jennings Nature Preserve

If you haven’t yet, please check out the facebook album, “like” your favorite pictures, and leave comments! Although voting has ended, the photographers would still appreciate your support!

John Stehle - October Vista of the Allegheny Reservoir, Tour de NCT, Allegheny National Forest — John Stehle: October Vista of the Allegheny Reservoir, Tour de NCT, Allegheny National Forest

Love the idea of an NCT photography contest? Think you could win? Good news! COMING THIS SPRING: We’ll be hosting an even bigger photography contest! Open to everyone! New rules, new prizes, NEW YEAR! Get out and practice this winter, and stay tuned to the NCTA Blog and facebook page for information about the 2010 Contest!