The Lyme Land Trust is pleased to announce the Photos of Distinction for the Winter 2026 session of Imagining Lyme.  Please take the time to view all the beautiful photographs that are displayed in our showcase galleries. Please visit the gallery to see all the submissions and to submit your photos. The next deadline is June 30, 2026 for photos of Spring.

The judges felt that the following photographs stood out based upon the criteria of emotional impact and creative design. Here is the list of the those photos with judges’ comments.

Winter Run on Salem Road
Submitted by Gloria Grace-Ferri
Photo taken by Diba Khan-Bureau
Temporary Lyme Habitat

“It was so much fun running that morning…no cars! My friend Diba Khan-Bureau took the pic as I was running towards her on Salem Road.” said submitter Gloria Grace-Ferri. A rare major snowfall in Lyme causes our everyday world to pause and gives us the opportunity to enjoy the peace and beauty around us, if we choose to seize the day. Without traffic, roads are transformed from dividers and obstacles into a safe conduit within the natural habitat. The direction and perspective of the snow covered road invites us in to experience a magical winter wonderland. The sense of scale with the snow covered trees towering over the tiny Day-Glo figure adds a sense of awe and fun. So fun!

Written by Wendolyn Hill

Fox Trot
By Scott Martin
Private Lyme Habitat

There is something very appealing about this image of a Fox trotting by. It is rare to successfully capture a photo of an animal in motion in its natural environment, seemingly unaware of the human eye watching. The gesture of the head, legs and full fluffy tail, and slightly blurred focus convey a sense of swift movement and determination in this healthy, magnificent animal. Scott took advantage of the contrast between the warm orange colors of the fox which stand out against the blue tones behind it. The cool long shadows of dusk or dawn enhance the sense of direction and movement. Thank you Scott for this awesome image!

Written by Wendolyn Hill

Foggy Sunrise at the Farm
By Heather Bannister
Tiffany Farm

One of the biggest challenges a photographer has is editing out distracting elements – excluding elements that distract or don’t add to the primary intent of the photograph. Part of the Japanese esthetic is simplicity. “Foggy Sunrise” has employed that simplicity. All distracting elements have been removed by the snow, by the morning mist, by the camera angle. Lining up the break in the fence with a distant parting of trees to perfectly frame the rising sun suggests an ability to plan and anticipate nature, or a moment of serendipity well captured, or both. The perfectly horizontal and distinct fence post, wires, and snow line create a strong foreground. It is unusual because such a horizontal usually blocks or interrupts the viewer’s eye from exploring deeper into the photo. But here, the break from solid post to bare wire and tensioning springs, creates a visual path inviting the eye on to the perfectly framed sun. One must appreciate the non-visual elements of the photo. The visual keenness to recognize a potential subject and the discipline to shape that potential into a well-balanced finished photo. Well worth the effort.

Written by Joe Standart

Honorable mention –
Under the Cover of Fog
by Athana Catlett
Private Lyme Habitat

Atmosphere (Fog, Rain, Mist, Low angles of light, nighttime, dusk) are all tools photographers can employ to give their photos that extra something. These elements add drama, depth, relatability. In fog, elements closer to the camera are more distinct and stand out. Elements further away become less distinct. Our brains are familiar with that in real life. Thus, photos of foggy scenes immediately create a feeling of depth, volume, and space. The photo becomes more dynamic. In “Under the Cover of Fog” we see these elements at work; the foreground branches and signature tree are darker. The background trees are lighter and less distinct. There is a nice balance of the elements in the photo that help lead the viewer’s eye from the foreground bushes, to the tree off center left, and back to the trees shrouded in fog. These elements also create an effective circular composition which keeps the eye moving. The photographer has combined these elements to create an inviting, textured photo. Nice Work.

Written by Joe Standart

The judges for this session were Wendolyn Hill and Joe Standart.  Comments were written by Wendolyn Hill, based upon the judges’ discussion.

Joe Standart is an internationally known, award-winning photographer. His national public art initiative, Portrait of America, began in New London in 2004. Learn more about Joe.

Wendolyn Hill is an artist, award winning photographer, and former professor of art. Learn more about Wendy.