Submitted
Winners have been announced for the 13th annual Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) photography contest. 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.”
Crystal Socha of Augusta was the grand prize winner in this year’s contest. This is the third year she has won grand prize, which is a testament to her talent level and how she captures the cowboy way of life. Many of her images are taken from horseback during real cattle drives and work in Flink Hills pastures.
She said, “I have several awesome cowboys who come out and ride for photography workshops. Lynn and his horse are simply amazing! I love watching them work together and those two can fly without wings.”
Lynn in the cowboy in the photo. He was chasing cattle that decided to run in a different direction.
She said, “When he took off running it was like the earth shook. I couldn't get my camera on them quick enough. Lynn is an amazing rider. This was one of those special moments that I was blessed to have been in the right place at the right time to capture!”
Amanda Buus Thomsen of Kiowa won the Fan Favorite category by just one vote! She received 212 votes on RTK’s Facebook page. It was a tight race down to the last second when voting closed. Her photo was taken west of Monument Rocks in Gove County.
“I am absolutely honored to have won the fan favorite category. There were so many great photos in the contest this year and I am humbled and thankful to have my photo chosen,” she 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 – Mike Scheufler, Augusta; Livestock – James Claassen, Meade; People – Shelly Wonders, North Newton; Sunrise or Sunset – Jennifer Wagner, Spring Hill; Youth and Wildlife – Jarett Riley, Galva; KLA Member – Marcella Warner Holman, Spearville; Honorable Mention – Scott Bean, Manhattan; and Holly Mettling, Bogue.
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 www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org.