7th Annual Starved Rock Photography Show Celebrates Nature and Creativity

From intimate wildlife encounters to sweeping landscapes, the 7th Annual Starved Rock Photography Show showcased the stories that unfold when people slow down and truly observe the natural world.

Presented by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) with support and funding by the Starved Rock Foundation, the 2025 show featured 86 entries across eight categories, each capturing a unique perspective of plants, animals, and landscapes from across North America.

The Starved Rock Foundation extends a sincere thank you to all participating photographers for sharing their work, as well as to the judges for their time, expertise, and thoughtful evaluation of each submission.

Graphic courtesy of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks Facebook Page.

The Best of Show honor was awarded to Katherine Buckley of Oglesby, Illinois, for her photograph Jumping Spider, which stood out for its exceptional detail, composition, and ability to capture a remarkable moment in the natural world.

The reception and awards ceremony took place on January 3, 2026, with a large crowd in attendance. The event offered a meaningful opportunity for connection, as photographers were invited to briefly share the story behind their images with those gathered.

Participants gather for a group photo during the Starved Rock Photography Show awards on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at the Starved Rock Visitors Center. The show brought in 86 entries were submitted for this years show. Image courtesy of Scott Anderson for Shaw Media.

Awards were presented to the First, Second, and Third Place winners in each category, with prizes provided by the Starved Rock Foundation. The Best of Show recipient was additionally honored with an engraved eagle trophy.

Award Winners by Category

Trees, Plants, Lichens, Fungi, and Flowers

First Place was awarded to Mushroom in Sunlight by Nancy Brejc. Second Place went to Wild Turkey Tails by Lori Townzen, followed by Third Place for Dew Covered Flowers by Susan Michlik.

Graphic courtesy of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks Facebook Page.

Waterfalls and Icefalls

First Place was awarded to Courtney Dilorenzo for Matthiessen Cascade Falls. Second Place went to Stephanie Reeder for Rocky Waterfall, and Third Place was awarded to Mark Alan Oz for Bond Falls.

North American Landscapes, Parks, and Preserves

Jim Rendant earned First Place with Mill by Cascading River. Second Place was awarded to Billy Zborowski for Utah Canyons, followed by Third Place for Fall Leaves in Water by Kimberly Snell.

Graphic courtesy of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks Facebook Page.

North American Mammals

First Place went to Prairie Dog Family by Joe Virbickis. Second Place was awarded to Peek a Boo Black Bear by Katherine Buckley, with Third Place going to Bear in Tree by Brenda Schultz.

Reptiles, Insects, Fish, and Amphibians

First Place was awarded to Heather Farrell for Bee on Flower. Second Place went to Nancy Brejc for Swallowtail on Coneflower, followed by Third Place for Dragonfly by Tom Ruhland.

Graphic courtesy of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks Facebook Page.

Illinois Parks and Preserves

First Place was awarded to Woodland Perspective by Sabrina Ory. Second Place went to Starved Rock Canyon in Autumn by Jacqueline Smith, and Third Place was awarded to French Canyon by Molly Donaghy.

North American Birds

First Place was awarded to Leroy Buckley for Great Horned Owl Family. Second Place went to Hummingbird by Susan Michlik, with Third Place awarded to Heron by Tom Ruhland.

Graphic courtesy of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks Facebook Page.

North American Bodies of Water

First Place was awarded to Tammy Zellers for Early Fall at Boat House. Second Place went to Jim Rendant for Mountain Lake, followed by Third Place for Vermillion River in Fall by Kate Reed.

Now in its seventh year, the Starved Rock Photography Show continues to celebrate the natural beauty protected by public lands while fostering appreciation, creativity, and stewardship through photography.

Participants gather during the Starved Rock Photography Show awards on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at the Starved Rock Visitors Center. The show brought in 86 entries were submitted for this years show. Image courtesy of Scott Anderson for Shaw Media.

Support from the Starved Rock Foundation helps make programs like this possible and ensures opportunities for connection and conservation continue for years to come.

About the Starved Rock Foundation: The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation is the nonprofit organization for Starved Rock State Park located in North Central Illinois. The Foundation includes a volunteer program which staffs the Visitor Center information desk and leads interpretive hikes, provides educational materials, and conducts special events and presentations. It also raises monies for appropriate materials, equipment, and the improvement of Starved Rock State Park through memberships, donations, and profit from the 100% volunteer-run LeRocher Book Store and Gift Shop in the Visitor Center. Over $500,000 has been donated over the past 30+ years by an elected board of directors. Learn more about the Foundation, becoming a volunteer, or donating at www.starvedrock.org.