Recently, Midpen wrapped up another successful and awe-inspiring annual photo contest. Looking through the winning entries reveals more than simply pretty pictures. The six winning images shown below and chosen from the 125 submitted reflect the many ways our open space preserves provide Room to Breathe for all residents and visitors across our densely populated Bay Area region.
While exploring Midpen preserves, which are free and open to the public daily, the winning photographers contemplated a wide spectrum of scale and beauty found within nature, from the vast and far-reaching Milky Way to the tiny, individual spores found on the underside of a fern. They witnessed different moments in time, including the start of a new day at sunrise to the quiet stillness of an early twilight. The photographers captured a wide range of settings, from a high ridgetop with spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay to the typical understory of an open oak woodland that can hold a happy surprise somewhat hidden and camouflaged resting on the ground. And they rejoiced in the marvels of nature and of being able to observe wildlife so close to urban areas.
These moments, recorded in the still images that represent the wonder of our natural world, are why more than half a century later Midpen remains steadfast in implementing our mission of land preservation, environmental restoration and ecologically sensitive public access and education. Our work benefits the plants, animals and people throughout our region — providing Room to Breathe.
As you admire the pictures below, consider what Room to Breathe means to you.
People In Nature Category
Shared Trails, Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
By Ksenia Kolosova
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“On a clear August afternoon at Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve, the view stretched all the way to the ocean. Seeing a group of hikers enjoying the trail made the moment feel even more special because the scene bridged the things I love most about our local open spaces: the majesty of nature and the joy of shared experience. For me, photography is about connection and deeply rooted in family. With loved ones dispersed across the world, sharing photos is how we stay close. My grandfather is a photographer whom I look up to; one of the ways I connect with him is by sharing photos like this one, and he sends back voice notes with feedback and encouragement. After capturing the photo of this group of hikers navigating the ridge, our paths later intersected and we traded greetings. I'm grateful for these moments of connection through nature with people near and far.”
Plant Life Category
One Frond of a Tangled Bank, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
By Rebecca Richardson
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“While I was hiking at Skyline one day, the sun broke through the trees and was beaming like a spotlight on this one patch of moss and ferns. One frond was especially striking, between the illumination of the sun and the background of the shadows deeper into the trail. I love those moments when a familiar sight is a little estranged by the conditions of the light or weather, and suddenly you can see it in a new way — the way this delicate frond, spotted with spores, seemed to have unfurled to catch the sun at just this angle. As Darwin wrote so many years ago, 'It is interesting to contemplate a tangled bank!'”
Wildlife Category
Let Sleeping Cats Lie, Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
By Shravan Sundaram
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“The low light conditions were challenging for photography, but it was fun to observe this cat chase California towhees, play with sticks, roll around in the dirt and nap right in front of me. It's truly amazing how much wildlife you can see close to home in our urban parks. The curiosity and energy of this young bobcat was endearing to me and made me stop and capture this image. I estimate the cat was approximately 15-18 months old and fully independent, but clearly still young and playful. Usually, when I observe bobcats, they are very focused on the task at hand (hunting, grooming, etc.) but this cat was clearly enjoying itself in play and still developing its survival skills which allowed for this unique image.”
Landscape Category
Milky Way Chasing, Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
By Julie Elmquist
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“I am in love with the starry night sky, so to capture this image so close to home with the quiet beautiful open space that we are blessed with was magical. The quiet expanse of the night is my happy place.”
Trail Less Traveled Category
Sunrise at Clouds Rest, Coal Creek Open Space Preserve
by Max Kessler
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“Coal Creek Preserve boasts a sweeping view of the Bay with Mount Diablo and Dumbarton Bridge. Some mornings, like the one photographed, I wake up at dawn to reach a vista as the sun comes over the hills and lights up the Bay Area.”
Aspiring Photographers Category (Students K-12)
Snowy Egrets in the Shifting Blue Water, Ravenswood Open Space Preserve
By Iris Apostolopoulos
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“I took this photo while on a walk with my brother. We usually see snowy egrets, but on this occasion there were three together (one just outside the frame) and although they typically fly away pretty quickly, these ones stayed for a long time, giving me the unique chance to really observe them and take several photos. I enjoy wildlife photography because it makes me pay attention to small moments, and this was one of them; nothing dramatic was happening, but the contrast between the egrets’ white feathers and the dark blue moving water stood out to me.”
