Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful names Nature Photography Contest winners

From press release

LOVES PARK, Ill.—During a reception Thursday, Sept. 23, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) announced the winners of its Nature Photography Contest.

David Zimmerman of Pecatonica claimed first prize with “Seeking Enlightenment,” his photo of sunlight peering through trees. Kerissa Leverton of Lena took second place with “Snow Queen,” her photo of icicles on tree branches; Alan Franseen of Rockford took third place with “Hidden Treasures,” a photo of a tree branch in a field of flowers; William Midgett of Rockton took fourth place with “Renewal,” a photo of the sun setting behind a single tree; and David Zimmerman received fifth place with “In the Spotlight,” a photo of a purple flower.

Lori Gummow, executive director of KNIB, said: “Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful would like to thank everyone who entered our contest. The submitted photos certainly showcased the natural beauty that can be found right here in our community.”

The $500 in prizes for the contest included Camera Craft gift certificates, photographic prints on canvas, a camera bag and magazine subscriptions. Books featuring the top 25 entries, with the winning photo on the cover, were for sale at the event, and can be purchased by contacting KNIB.

The judges for the contest were Amy Correnti, staff photographer for the Rockford Register Star; Chris Warkocki, professional photographer, instructor and partner in FotoEnvy; and Jon Lamrouex, owner of Jon M. Lamrouex Photography.

To see the winning photos, as well as the top 25 entries, visit knib.org or, for more information, call KNIB at (815) 637-1343.