Local photographers submitted pictures of the many angles of life in Morgan County, but nature’s critters dominated the entries in this year’s Morgan County Photo Contest. There were fewer entries than in previous years, which we hope we can remedy for 2027, knowing that our county and readership include many talented photographers with a special way of capturing life here in our communities.
A panel of judges picked the following top pictures as First Place winners in the 2026 Photo Contest:
Kasey Perry won Best Landscape Photo with the colorful and sharp “Dusk in the Valley,” a view from the iconic Panorama Overlook at sunset.
Alan Meyer won Best Structure photo with his black and white picture, “Old Frame Building Independence Street,” capturing the historic structure and its struggle with the ravages of time.
Sandy Golden won Best Wildlife Photo for “Papa Blue,” a striking portrait of a male Eastern bluebird here.
Mindy Knipe grabbed the attention of judges with “Fly Guy,” winning Best Closeup photo with this intriguing portrait.
Ann Darling won Best Seasonal photo for her photo “Town of Bath Train Station” showing a wreath-clad depot behind icy branches.
Carl Will’s photo “Follow the Leader” delighted judges for the excellent timing of the photo, showing two dogs eagerly heading for a splash. Will won Best Pets & People photo.
Judges also chose Alan Meyer’s “Yellow Rose Sunburst over Sleepy Creek” as a standout without a particular category, giving it a Judge’s Choice award.
Your turn to vote
Once again, readers will have a chance to vote and pick the Reader’s Choice winners of the Photo Contest.
On Thursday, The Morgan Messenger will post a selection of entries that were photo finalists on our Facebook page so you can choose your favorites.
Just “like” the photos that stand out between Friday, July 3 and Sunday, July 12. The top photo will be the Reader’s Choice winner and the photographer will receive a year’s subscription to The Morgan Messenger, as do all the contest winners.
Winning photos will also be used in the 2027 Photo Contest calendar and all entries may be seen in the newspaper where we see opportunities to share your inspiring photos!
