Photographs from six local photographers were selected for use on special notecards commemorating the Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s 15th Anniversary in 2006.
The photographs were among more than 100 submitted to the “Wild and Wonderful Tampa Bay” photo contest. The contest was open to amateur photographers from Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Participants were asked to submit photos that illustrate the natural beauty of Tampa Bay, or the connection between people and the bay.
The winners will each receive a $50 prize and a framed award certificate, along with acknowledgement on the promotional postcards.
“Morning Dune Scape” by Merle Allshouse
“Pelican Profile” by Don Baker of St. Petersburg
“Milkweed Afternoon” by Kevin Bonello of Tampa
“Nature’s Sprinkler” by William Carson of Tampa
“Afternoon Siesta” by Donald Moyer
“Skyway Sunset” by Nicholas Muskovac
“Egret with Nest Material” by Nicholas Muskovac
“Osprey Landing” by Nicholas Muskovac
The photos were selected by members of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s Community Advisory Committee.
“The quality and diversity of the photos we received was just amazing,” said Nanette Holland, TBEP’s Public Outreach Coordinator. “Our area is obviously blessed with an abundance of very talented photographers who find great inspiration in the beautiful environment we share.”
About the photographers
Merle F. Allshouse, 70, is a Pittsburgh native. He moved to St. Petersburg in 1994 as Director of the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College. Since 2002 he has been associated with the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, serving as a Fellow of the Florida Studies Program, advisor for the College of Business and taking interesting courses. Merle earned his B.A. degree from DePauw University, and M.A. and Ph.D. from Yale. He taught philosophy at Dickinson College for a decade and was president of Bloomfield College in New Jersey for sixteen years. His interest in photography goes back to his childhood when he bought his first enlarger with paper route profits. His photo of a sand dune covered with sea grapes was taken at Pass-A-Grille beach.
Don Baker, 28, is a native of Baltimore and former resident of Washington, D.C. who moved to St. Petersburg in 2005 to marry. His wife, Rebekah, is also an avid photographer. He became interested in photography shortly after his marriage, and is now pursuing a career as a professional photographer. His website is www.photosbybaker.com. Don says he is always looking at “life through the lens,” trying to capture special moments in life and nature that are unique and captivating. His close-up photo of a brown pelican was taken at The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg.
Kevin Bonello, 41 has lived in the Tampa Bay area for more than 25 years, and owns Swurl Media Design, a graphic design and marketing firm in Tampa. His interest in photography began about five years ago, and he enjoys sharing his hobby with his three sons. He views nature photography as a way to explore and reflect the everyday interest and beauty of the Florida environment. His winning photo of a monarch caterpillar was taken in his own backyard butterfly garden.
William Carson, 54, is a native of Tampa. An orthopedic surgeon who has practiced in Tampa since 1983, William has been interested in photography since childhood and credits his mother with teaching him the basics of photography. His other hobbies include boating and fishing with his wife and two teenage children. His photograph of a thunderhead forming over Tampa Bay was taken from the back deck of his home in South Tampa.
Donald Moyer, 59, of Clearwater has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1962. He is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where he studied theater. Don is currently an actor, stagehand and Assistant Production Manager at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Don has been taking pictures as a hobby since his college days. While traveling with touring Broadway shows, he often went to zoos in the towns he visited and took photos of the animals. That sparked his interest in nature photography. His photo of an alligator sunning on a log was taken in the Hillsborough River.
Nicholas Muskovac, 75, is a retired Electronics Engineer who has lived in Palm Harbor for 27 years. He has been involved in photography for more than 20 years and, with the advent of digital cameras, now considers his computer to be his digital darkroom. Nicholas belongs to the Suncoast Camera Club of Clearwater, and is also a member of the Photographic Society of America.
