Photographers capture glories of Virginia's beauty

By: | Richmond Times Dispatch
Published: November 22, 2009

From the Chesapeake Bay on the Eastern Shore to Rhododendron Gap in the far western part of the state, photographers in the Scenic Virginia 2009 Viewshed Photo Competition captured the diversity and breathtaking vistas of Virginia's landscape.

"For the second year in a row, we were thrilled that photographers captured the depth and breadth of beauty that exists in our commonwealth," said Scenic Virginia Executive Director Leighton Powell. "Imbued with deep, gorgeous colors, this year's winning photos are spectacular -- I'd even say dramatic. They celebrate the richness of Virginia's beauty and remind us why we're so lucky to call it our home."

Scenic Virginia is a nonprofit conservation group that works to preserve, protect and enhance the scenic beauty of the state.

Judges for the competition were Ben Greenburg, landscape photographer from Charlottesville; Lucile S. Miller, artist/photographer and former Scenic Virginia board member; and Hullihen Williams Moore, landscape photographer, author and former head of the State Corporation Commission.

Sets of note cards of the winning photos are available for purchase. A set of six cards (one of each photo) is $12, with two sets discounted at $20 (includes shipping and handling). To order, contact Scenic Virginia at (804) 643-8439 or e-mail email@scenicvirginia.org.

Winners in the Scenic Virginia 2009 Viewshed Photo Competition:

BEST IN SHOW: "View of Turk Mountain (from Skyline Drive)"

Photographer: Jesus Perez of Charlottesville

"I had gone on the southern end of the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park in search of some fall colors," Jesus Perez said. "I was somewhat disappointed since the colors were not at their best, and it was mostly cloudy with no sun to bring the colors out. As I was on my way back home the clouds began to break up, and as I approached the Turk Mountain Overlook the sun peeked through the clouds offering this wonderful display."

COASTAL/CHESAPEAKE BAY CATEGORY: "Chesapeake Bay Sunset, Eastern Shore"

Photographer: Adam N. Goldsmith of Richmond

During a trip to Silver Beach in Exmore on Virginia's Eastern Shore, Adam N. Goldsmith was able to capture this image of friends enjoying an "amazing" sunset over the Chesapeake Bay. "After taking my photograph I immediately sat down next to them to relax and enjoy the view," Goldsmith said. "Not one of us moved until every last drop of light had vanished over the horizon."

MOUNTAINS CATEGORY: Night Watchmen (Grayson State Park)

Photographer: Bobby Joseph of Camden, S.C.

"This picture was taken at dusk above our camp site on the Appalachian Trail at Rhododendron Gap located between Grayson Highlands State Park and Mount Rogers," said Bobby Joseph. "We were busy setting up camp as the boys foraged for firewood in the rocks. The sun had disappeared behind them and left a great silhouette. We knew at once that this would be a great picture and memory. Glad we remembered the camera!"

OPEN SPACE/FARMLAND CATEGORY: "Farm Pond, Sunrise"

Photographer: Gary Anthes of Arlington

Gary Anthes chanced upon this view along Richmond Road in Rappahannock County early one morning. "The narrow road had absolutely no shoulders, so I stopped in the middle of my lane, put on my emergency flashers and hopped out," Anthes said. "I prayed no cars would approach from the rear as I grabbed a couple of quick shots through a break in the brush and over a barbed wire fence."

RIVERS/WATERWAYS CATEGORY: "Lightning Boats"

Photographer: James Betts of Richmond

"I have always been fascinated with the power of nature and one of my favorite subjects is lightning," said James Betts. "Lightning is very easy to photograph; the hard part is being at the right place at the right time with perfect conditions. These all came together for me on this night. I had been following a strong electrical storm that was crossing the James River near Hopewell. I set up at Jordan Point Marina on a dock and captured this stunning strike on the river behind a row of docked boats."

URBAN LANDSCAPES CATEGORY: "Fourth of July, Norfolk"

Photographer: Bradley Trotter II of Fairfax

While on a family sailing trip to Norfolk, Bradley Trotter was poised on a pier for the fireworks display. "The fireworks were shot off of two different barges simultaneously on the Elizabeth River," said Trotter, "lending to a spectacular show."