We asked you to give us your best Wisconsin shots, and you submitted over 400 photos. A panel of judges from Wisconsin Trails and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reviewed the entries and selected the best photos in three categories: wildlife, scenery and people, plus the best overall. Here's a look at the finalists and the runners-up in each category, plus what our judges had to say about the winning shots.

Want to see more? Check out the editors' picks here.

GRAND PRIZE



"Fox Kit on Log"
Wildlife, First Place
Michael J. Smith

"This image speaks on a few different levels: an adorable animal shot, technically excellent, maybe also a comment about wildlife's struggle for survival." - Jerry Luterman, Wisconsin Trails photographer

"Love this picture. Wondering what the fox is thinking. Normally I hate cute animal photos but this is very nice." Berford Gammon, Director of Photography, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Fantastic view of an animal that is clearly interacting with the photographer which made this photo an instant favorite." - Sherman Williams, Assistant Managing Editor - Visual Journalism, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"I was amazed that the fox would stay still." - Hugh McGarry, Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"The photographer captured the perfect expression of this creature. You wonder what he is thinking." - Jill Williams, Deputy Managing Editor - Features, Entertainment & New Products, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

 

WILDLIFE

"Cecropia Moth"
Wildlife, First Place
Michael J. Smith

"This is what happens when you look a lot closer at things." - Jerry Luterman

"What the heck is this? If I was flipping through a magazine and came across this I would stop cold to read the caption." - Beford Gammon

"Very unusual look that made me really study the photo to understand it." - Sherman Williams

"I didn't know what it was at first, but I was drawn to it." - Hugh McGarry

"It takes a few minutes to figure out what it is, but when you do it is awesome." - Jill Williams

 

"Bluebird Landing"
Wildlife, Honorable Mention
Michael J. Smith

"Nice moment, nice color. The bird's outstreched wings are just perfect." - Jerry Luterman

"The best of this type of photo that I've seen for a while. Love the light on the bird." - Berford Gammon

"Another great technical image that required patience and planning." - Sherman Williams

"Terrific shot!" - Hugh McGarry

"To capture this bird in flight shows true dedication to the craft." - Jill Williams

SCENERY

"Froze-line"
Scenery, First Place
Kandy Watson

"Really outstanding example of finding the beautiful in the everyday." - Jerry Luterman

"Common everyday item photographed in a very unique way. Bold choice to enter as scenery. Speaks to the rapidly changing seasons here in Wisconsin. Caught my eye quickly because it's so different." - Berford Gammon

"Great eye taking a look at scenery in a way that emphasizes the details of a larger landscape." - Sherman Williams

"Really speaks to the change in seasons." - Hugh McGarry

"An exceptional image. It's a great way to show winter in Wisconsin." - Jill Williams

 

"Siren Barn"
Scenery, Second Place
Shell Foeckler

"Very good composition that also shows the progression of time in Wisconsin." - Jerry Luterman

"Love the framing. I also like the fact that there is some context nearby." - Berford Gammon

"Great composition." - Sherman Williams

"Says it all about the current economic conditions." - Hugh McGarry

"A classic. Great composition." - Jill Williams

 

"Lightning Storm"
Scenery, Honorable Mention
Michael J. Smith

"Technically well done." - Jerry Luterman

"We see a lot of lightning photos and this one is particularly nice. I love the sharp details in the clouds." - Berford Gammon

"Incredible color in the sky." - Hugh McGarry

"Spectacular." - Jill Williams

 

"Robbins Island Boathouse"
Scenery, Honorable Mention
Bill Robbins

"A well done scenery landscape that, while familiar, manages to convey mood and atmosphere." - Sherman Williams

 

PEOPLE

"Peninsula Jogger"
People, First Place
Daniel Seurer

"Perfect timing, awareness of light and composition." - Jerry Luterman

"Love the feel of the solitary runner alone in nature. Great timing - I love the positioning of the runner." - Berford Gammon

"Gorgeous and moody photograph with exceptional lighting." - Sherman Williams

"You can hear the quiet." - Jill Williams

 

"Beach Fun"
People, Second Place
Jamey Penney-Ritter

"A moment of childhood captured in a classic Wisconsin environment." - Jerry Luterman

"Perfect moment - two kids goofing off. Reminds me of summer trips as a kid." - Berford Gammon

"A fun moment on the beach." - Sherman Williams

"A perfect little boy move." - Hugh McGarry

"A perfect summer moment." - Jill Williams

 

"Reflective"
People, Honorable Mention
Colleen Chertos

"An excellent example of seeing beyond the obvious. Very painterly." - Jerry Luterman

"This had a painting-like feel that made what would have been a mundane image special." - Berford Gammon

"An interesting approach - to allow the reflection to be the image." - Jill Williams