The Lyme Land Trust is pleased to announce the Photos of Distinction for the Winter 2025 session of Imagining Lyme. There were many wonderful photos submitted to the gallery this season. Please take the time to look at the other beautiful photographs that are displayed in our showcase gallery. Please visit the gallery to see all the submissions and to submit your photos. The next deadline is June 30, 2025 for photos of Spring.

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

Lighting Lyme
By Meera Rangwala (Youth- Aged 17 or younger)
Private Lyme Habitat

“These Witch Hazel blossoms glow in the sunset. They seem like lanterns lighting our way to a better future.” Meera Rangwala

Meera Randwala’s words describe this photograph well. Taken during the dramatic light of sunset, Meera has beautifully composed the backlit flowers against a darker neutral background. Meera uses the diagonal line of the branch to draw the viewer’s eye across the image. The highest contrast of the image is in the upper right, which showcases the top flowers and the terminal bud, which seem to be pointing towards the unseen. Witch Hazel, a native plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, bloom in the late fall and winter. Thank you for this beauty, Meera.

Augur Winter Sunrise by Joan Rivington
Augur Preserve

“Early morning stillness after snowfall” Joan Rivington

This is truly a magical moment which transcends the mundane. The scene is gently softened by the early morning light, hovering fog, and dusting of snow. The overlapping shapes of the landscape give a sense of deep space which draws us step by step in towards the warm glow of the sunset. What a gift of wonder photographer Joan Rivington has shared with us!

Ice Cold Plunge Couple by Allyson Spurling
Ely’s Ferry Landing

“A chance encounter with this very brave couple breaking the ice drifts to cold plunge together. The sky was so unbelievable I drove down to enjoy the sunset and happened upon them.” Allyson Spurling

At first glance, this photograph by Allyson Spurling could be mistaken for a spectacular sunset on a postcard from a tropical paradise. At closer inspection, one sees that the silhouetted couple is surrounded not by sand, but snow and ice! The impact of the dramatic composition is enhanced by the placement of the focal points off center, as is suggested by the Rule of Thirds. Amazing photo, Allyson!

Winter Magic on Whalebone Cove by Athana Catlett
Whalebone Cove

There are rare moments in Lyme when one is lucky enough to experience that fleeting golden glow during a winter sunset when the world is suddenly radiant with light. Athana Catlett has captured such a moment in this stunning photograph of the setting sunlight reflected on snow covered trees. The choice by the photographer to balance the composition with the warm golden foreground shape on the right and the receding predominantly cool shapes on the left creates a pleasing effect which enhances a sense of rhythm and depth. Nicely done!

Honorable mention –
Iced Grasses by Birgit Musheno
Private Lyme Habitat

“January weather forms on dried meadow grass at the edge of the beaver dam.”

This composition by Birgit Musheno creates a fascinating abstract interaction of shapes, contrasts, and textures. The ice formations remind one of the historic method of making dipped candles, by plunging a string in liquid over and over as each layer solidifies. Lovely!

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.