Winners of the 2023 Photo Contest

There are many ways to look at an image—from the eyes, from the heart, or from an experience—but when it comes to the 2023 Vero Beach Magazine Photo Contest, it’s all of those, but with a swimsuit on!

We asked our Vero Beach Magazine readers to participate in our annual themed contest, and this year the focus is on water. We can’t go far in our beloved county without seeing it in one form or another while walking on the beach, boating on the lagoon, looking out our windows, or, in the summertime, feeling it when the afternoon storms roll in.

The categories we offered included views of the ocean, our beautiful Indian River Lagoon, a look at what’s underwater, and weather; we also threw in an “abstract” option for pictures that don’t quite fit anywhere else. While watching the entries come in, we found that many of you enjoy watching the sunrise over the ocean by the pier in Vero Beach, and even more enjoy the sunset on the lagoon. Not too many of you get to see the views beneath the surface of the ocean, but when you do, the view is spectacular!

Thanks to all who sent in their images for us to see, and our wholehearted congratulations to the winners and honorable mentions in this year’s contest. We wish we had room to publish them all!

Winner: Indian River Lagoon

Photographer: Jamie Wheatley

Subject: Kayaking along the Indian River Lagoon in Sebastian

Honorable Mention: Indian River Lagoon

Photographer: Jennifer Jones

Subject: Sunrise from Royal Palm Pointe

Photographer: Bob Joy

Subject: An early morning view from Gifford Dock Road 

Photographer: Bill & Jennifer Larrabee

Subject: A 2022 SpaceX launch reflected on the Indian River Lagoon

Winner: Ocean

Photographer: Kelly Sprinkle 

Subject: Serenity at sunrise underneath the pier

Honorable Mention: Ocean

Photographer: Bob Joy

Subject: Surf competition at Sebastian Inlet

Photographer: Elizabeth Carothers

Subject: Foam dancing in the ocean in Indian River Shores

Winner: Weather

Photographer: Jennifer Jones

Subject: Thunderstorm off the coast of Grand Harbor Beach Club 

Honorable Mention: Weather

Photographer: Steve Graul 

Subject: Storm over The Driftwood Resort

Photographer: John Nichols

Subject: Lightning on the ocean near Sea Oaks

Winner: Underwater

Photographer: Bill & Jennifer Larrabee 

Subject: SS Breconshire shipwreck off the coast of Vero Beach

Winner: Abstract

Photographer: Elizabeth Carothers

Subject: An early morning view of the ocean from Bermuda Bay

Honorable Mention: Abstract

Photographer: Denise Kacavas

Subject: Light painting at Riverside Park

Photographer: Charlotte Stevenson

Subject: McKee Botanical Garden water lily pond