3rd Annual Scenic NH Photo Contest Winners
From sun-kissed woods, to moody days and peaceful sunrises, the Granite State’s glory is captured throughout more than 250 submissions. Our prestigious panel of judges — professional photographers Andrea Schwanbeck, Corey McMullen and Michael Blanchette — unanimously decided on this year's winning photographs.
In our third annual Scenic New Hampshire Photo Contest, we take you on a tour of New Hampshire’s breathtaking beauty. From sun-kissed woods, to moody days and peaceful sunrises, the Granite State’s glory is captured throughout more than 250 submissions. Our prestigious panel of judges — professional photographers Andrea Schwanbeck, Corey McMullen and Michael Blanchette — unanimously decided on this year’s winning photographs.
Along with being featured in print, winners received a cash prize (Editor’s Pick/Cover: $500; first place: $500; second place: $300; third place: $200). All winners and honorable mentions also receive a one-year subscription to New Hampshire Magazine.
Editor’s Pick (As seen on the cover!): Ann Marie Shpeley | Smith Cove, in Gilford. Shot with Canon RF 24-105 / Canon RF 5, F4, 1/125, ISO 100. “I have photographed this location in every season over the years and it never disappoints. As I set up my tripod, the sailboats were lined up perfectly in the cove while the sky lit up. It turned out to be one of the best sunrises I’ve seen in quite awhile and one of the reasons I keep going back. Never looks the same twice.”
1st Place winner: David Long| Shot with a Canon R5
“Mirror Lake in North Woodstock is one of New Hampshire’s most beautiful fall destinations, known for its calm water and colorful forested shoreline. In this scene, early morning fog hangs just above the lake as peak autumn foliage covers the surrounding hillside in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green. A lone fly fisherman stands in the water, providing a sense of scale, while a small cabin tucked among the trees adds a quiet human element to the landscape. The still water reflects the colors of the hillside that captures the peaceful character of a New England autumn morning.”
2nd Place winner: Lisa Wolfe | Shot with a Sony A7iii | @lisaphotolandscape | Original Poem “Mountain Hideway” by Lisa Wolfe
“High up in the mountains/ A crisp air takes hold/ As fall colors emerge/ Their story to be told/ Vibrant, warm colors/ Adorning every branch/ Putting on a brilliant show/ Autumn’s last dance/ Swiftly through the air/ Leaves fall to the ground/ Winter season’s knocking/ As the Earth spins round/ Here in this cabin/ A step back in time/ Lingering a little longer/ A seasonal goodbye.”
3rd Place winner: Susan Thiboult
“This photo was taken at Front Park on Lake Massabesic in Auburn, along Londonderry Turnpike (Route 28), at 6 a.m. on April 20. With the temperature at a brisk 28 degrees, the rising sun cast a warm glow across the east side of the lake as a blanket of fog hovered over the water, creating a peaceful and picture-perfect New Hampshire sunrise.”
Honorable Mention: Bridgette Pontbriand | Shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark iv
“June sunrise over Lake Winnipesaukee. I got up early to catch the sunrise. The lake was like glass.Just as I was about to start shooting a boat drifted into my image. Perfect timing!”
Honorable Mention: Ben Adams| Shot with a Canon 80D| @b_adams_photography
“Glencliff Trail on Mount Moosilauke.”
Honorable Mention: Frank Fichera
“Sun-kissed views over Lake Winnipesaukee, early fall at sundown.”
Honorable Mention: Corey McKean | @coreyjmckean
“I arrived to Crawford Notch around 11 a.m. in anticipation of catching the Cog Railway coming through the mountains. This was many days of planning with weather and the timing of the train schedule to line this all up. After a brief ½-mile hike along the tracks to get into position and a 20-minute wait, I was ecstatic as my timing paid off and the train came through! On a beautiful fall day with blue skies and peak foliage, I couldn’t have asked for better conditions!”
Honorable Mention: Julia Fey | Shot with an iPhone Pro
“The iconic North Church in Portsmouth in springtime.”
Honorable Mention: Mary Youngblood | Shot with a Sony A7 III and a 24–70mm f/2.8 lens
“Early on a chilly November morning, I lifted the shade and observed a layer of fog resting gently over the surface of the lake. This harmless natural phenomenon occurs when cold, dry air passes over warmer water, causing evaporated moisture to condense into a veil of visible fog. I immediately headed out with my camera and drove to one of my favorite locations as quickly as possible. By the time I arrived, the fog was already beginning to dissipate, and the first rays of sunlight were breaking through. The water was perfectly calm, creating stunning reflections that made for a memorable scene. On this day, I truly found myself in ‘the right place at the right time.’ “
About Our Judges
Corey McMullen is an outdoor lifestyle, commercial, and landscape photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When not working with outdoor brands and telling photographic stories of living the outdoor lifestyle, you can find him running, hiking, camping, volunteering for local Search and Rescue, and eating all of the breakfast foods.
Andrea Schwanbeck is a Seacoast-based photographer who specializes in wedding, portrait and product photography. Check out more of her work at brasstacksphotography.com.
Michael Blanchette is a New Hampshire- based photographer specializing in landscapes. His images exude a sense of tranquility, mystery and simplicity. He is also passionate about night photography, forever in search of bright stars and a colorful Milky Way. Find more of his work at michaelblanchette.com.
