The smiles on both faces really sell this shot.
Photo courtesy Meris McHaney
This year’s #DadOutdoors Photo Contest was a big hit, producing hundreds of great photos of dads enjoying everything from fishing to gardening to hunting to hiking. You could feel how proud folks were to submit photos of their dads, and many of the posts on Facebook and Instagram included beautiful messages of thanks for all that dads do.
Last week, we presented you with 10 finalists for the contest’s prizes. The voting for the top spots was interesting, as the lead changed hands several times, and things were neck-and-neck right up until the end. Congrats to all the photographers who made the finals!
Your top choice was Meris McHaney‘s wonderful shot (above) of a dad and daughter sharing saltwater success. Voter Alyssa Halls wrote, “Love the one with the little girl and the Jack!! Kudos to all these dads for getting their kids outdoors and teaching them about the water.” For capturing such a joyful image, Meris will receive a Helios 3 Fly Rod of her choice. (It’s been a good year for Meris, by the way, as she also won the 2018 Rio Amateur Fly Fishing Film Awards with her short film, “Lucky.”)
Voters loved how all the elements of this shot work together to capture the magic.
Photo by@inthemaplemountains
In second place was a wonderful photo of a dad and his daughter planting a garden, courtesy of Tawsha Hannig (a.k.a.@inthemaplemountains). Voter Debbie Hannig commented, “They are all great entries though I am partial to the one with Father and Daughter planting a garden together. To me it signifies that there are so many opportunities for teaching moments.” For coming in second, Tawsha gets an American-made Recon Fly Rod.
This scene perfectly captures the mentor role of a dad on the water.
Photo by Gregg Start
Third place went to this great shot of young Harrison Start fighting a grayling at Cascade Lake, in Yellowstone National Park, while his dad, Greg Start, offers an encouraging hand. Greg’s prize is a Clearwater Fly Rod!
Everyone who voted for our finalists was eligible for a prize, as well. We plugged in the numbers, and the widget at random.org spat out a winner: Frank, who wrote, “Nobody is a loser in this contest because all photographs are excellent. Shame they all couldn’t win.” We agree, Frank. He wins a pair of Orvis Nippers.
Finally, thanks to everyone who participated in any way: by submitting photos, voting, or commenting (or all of these). Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! We hope you get outside today.
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