CAMP HILL – Jennifer Ingram of Weedville won first place in the Appreciation of Beauty category of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation’s (PPFF) Through the Seasons 2014 Photo Contest.
The winning photograph featured a bluebird perched in a tree at Sinnemahoning State Park. A teacher at Bennetts Valley Elementary School, Ingram says nature photography has always been her passion.
“Anyone can pose a person or stage a scene to create a photograph that’s aesthetically pleasing. Wildlife is unpredictable. Seeing the animal under perfect conditions in its natural habitat with your camera ready takes pure patience and a whole lot of luck. It’s not something you can force or schedule,” Ingram says.
“I enjoy being at the mercy of Mother Nature. It can be extremely frustrating, but equally as rewarding. It’s the simple things in life that are the most beautiful.”
The PPFF contest included six categories: Appreciation of Beauty, Kids in the Outdoors, Outdoor Recreation, Dogs in the Outdoors, Volunteers in Action and a new division, Young Photographers.
All photos had to be taken in a Pennsylvania state park or forest and judging was done by popular vote on Facebook and critics’ choice.
The winning photographs may be viewed at the Foundation’s Facebook page, as well as and other electronic communications including Take Five: Fridays with Pamand Explore: Pennsylvania’s Outdoors in your Inbox.
“Judging the photo contest is a both a highlight and a challenge, as all of the images are captivating. The pictures capture a moment in time—be it a bird in repose or the connection between child and parent or the play of light on water. We appreciate and enjoy all of photos entered in the contest and their celebration of our public lands,” says PPFF President Marci Mowery.
A gallery of the award-winning photographs will be traveling the state. The show will be on display at the state Capitol building in the East Wing Rotunda for the entire month of February of 2015. Visit the Facebook page or Web site paparksandforests.org for additional dates and locations.
The photo contest was sponsored by Penn Strategies LLC and J.C. Oliver, along with support from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.