The 2023 Morgan County Photo Contest drew fewer entries this year, but brought high-quality and eye-catching snapshots of life in our county. Photos were mostly submitted as digital images but we did receive some entries that were printed. Any printed photo submissions can be picked up at The Messenger office during business hours.
We are pleased to (finally!) announce the winners in each of the photo categories.
Jennifer Barney’s photo of an iconic summer experience – “Fun in the Natural Springs” won First Place for Best People Photo.
Dena Kerns’ farm scene, “Wait for me!” won second place in the category.
In the Structure category, Jennifer Barney’s skillful night-time photo of Berkeley Castle took First Place for Best Structure Photo. Her photo of the county’s Vietnam Memorial, “Symbol of Remembrance” won second place in that category.
Lara Goodman’s high-definition “Sunset” won First Place for Best Scenic Photo.
Matthew Miller’s photo of a rainbow over bypass construction — “The Sacred and The Profane” – won second place.
Mindy Knipe’s photo, “Bug Life,” won Best Closeup Photo.
“Our local eagle’s nest,” taken by Brenda Dill Clark, won Best Animal Photo. Gail Roy’s photo of three reclining horses, “Perfect row,” caught judges’ attention and won second place in the category.
James Clark’s stark “Winter! Just winter!” won Best Seasonal Photo. Justin Mellott’s photo of the Berkeley Springs State Park gazebo at Christmas won second place in the category.
Phyllis Berens’ sunflower photo, “You are my sunshine,” won First Place for Best Flower Photo. Ann Darling’s close-up of a dewy tulip won second place in the category.
The first-place winner in each category will receive a free yearly subscription to The Morgan Messenger and a 2024 photo calendar featuring entries to the 2023 Morgan County Photo Contest.
The contest isn’t completely finished, however.
Our readers can participate in judging the final category of the Photo Contest – the People’s Choice selection.
Visit The Morgan Messenger’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MorganMessengerWV) and look for the 2023 Photo Contest album. These are submissions to the contest that stood out as top contenders.
“Like” the photo you want to win the People’s Choice category. You can vote for as many as you like. Voting will take place from today, Wednesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 15. The final winner will be published in the July 19 edition of The Morgan Messenger.
