Local Lensmasters Shine Bright in Annual Starved Rock Photography Showdown!

Photos captured by two Kewanee inhabitants received accolades in the yearly Starved Rock Photography Show. The exhibition showcases images aimed at showcasing the landscapes, parks, and wildlife of North America.

Kewanee’s Irena Adamonis claimed second place for her photograph “Morning Light” in the North American Flowers, Plants, Trees, Fungi, and Lichens Category. She also garnered second place for her image “Kicking Horse River” in the North American Bodies of Water Category, which includes Waterfalls and Icefalls.

Dr. Remi Satkauskas from Kewanee was awarded third place for his photo “Morning Glory over Bad Water Basin” in the North American Landscapes and Parks Category.

An awards ceremony and gathering took place at the Starved Rock Visitor Center in Oglesby on Saturday, Jan. 4, recognizing the victors of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest. Prizes were distributed for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions across each category, including a Best of Show.

All images were evaluated by professional photographers from the IDNR, Starved Rock Lodge, and the Starved Rock Foundation based on criteria like Impact, Creativity, Technical Excellence, Composition, Subject Matter, and Composition.

This year’s contest saw thirty-three photographers participating, with each allowed to submit two photographs. The entries were exhibited in the Kaskaskia Room of the Visitor Center from Dec. 7, 2024, to Jan. 4, 2025.