RTK
TOPEKA — Winners have been announced for the 12th annual Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) photography contest, including a Brownell resident. Photographers of all ages submitted photos that showcase the mission of RTK, “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.”
Scott Bean of Manhattan was the grand prize winner in this year’s contest. His photo titled “On The Hillside” was taken in the Flint Hills near Manhattan. The image is a great representation of Kansas landscapes, livestock and agriculture.
“The evening light was perfect for showing the shapes of the Flint Hills and I really liked the depth of the view and how you could see a long way across the prairie here,” said Bean.
Conservation is important to Bean as he supports the RTK mission by donating prints for auction fundraisers.
“Having this photo selected for the grand prize was a surprise, there is so much great photography entered into the RTK contest each year, which is a testament to all the talented photographers around the state, the beauty of our landscapes and the compelling scenes of ranch life and agriculture,” he said.
Haven Johnson of Assaria won the Fan Favorite category by receiving the most votes on RTK’s Facebook page. Her photo was taken in Ottawa County.
“It means a lot to win this award because of my passion for the outdoors and livestock. Thank you to all who voted and thank you for the opportunity.” Johnson said.
Winning images were selected by a panel of RTK and Kansas Livestock Association representatives, along with special guest judge and professional photographer Jim Richardson. Richardson is a Kansas native and has traveled the world as a National Geographic photographer for over 35 years. He also speaks nationally and internationally.
Category winners include: Landscape – Callahan McIver, Council Grove; Livestock – Crystal Socha, Augusta; People – Justine Henderson, Minneapolis; Sunrise or Sunset – Lauren Fischer, Wright; Wildflower or Wildlife – Loree Krier, Ashland; KLA Member – Ashley Fischer, Dodge City; Youth – Kaycee Gross, Brownell; and Honorable Mention – Lacey Jones, Wilmore.
L’image is the exclusive sponsor of contest. The locally owned photo printing and picture framing store in Wichita has been in business for more than 25 years, specializing in their ready-to-hang plaque mount. Prizes are awarded to the top 10 winning photographers. All winning entries can be viewed on RTK’s Facebook page or website, located at www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org.
RTK is an agricultural land trust affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association, with a mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.