Winners of RTK Pictures Contest Introduced

TOPEKA, Kan. — Winners have been introduced for the 14th annual Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) images contest. Photographers of all ages submitted pictures that showcase the mission of RTK, “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.” 

More than 140 images had been entered by 40 proficient photographers on this yr’s images contest.

Bruce L. Hogle of Leawood was the grand prize winner on this yr’s contest. The successful picture was taken at a managed burn on the Flying W Ranch. Even although the picture is a silhouette, the cowboys are nonetheless recognizable. You guessed it – Jim and Josh Hoy.

“Jim and Josh were doing a safety watch with several other cowboys and cowgirls. I’d known them for a few years, and when I saw them side-by-side, I was compelled to take a photo. I only got one shot then they were on the move,” Hogle mentioned.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the many times I was invited to the Flying W Ranch over the years. Josh and Jim were good guys, and always kind to me. They are sorely missed,” he mentioned.

Hogle spends a lot of his time within the Flint Hills each spring to {photograph} burning.

“I’ve been able to meet a few other ranchers in the Flint Hills, all of whom have helped educate me about the importance and significance of this annual ritual.”

He mentioned this picture of Jim and Josh was a as soon as in a lifetime alternative that he’ll at all times bear in mind. A images contest choose mentioned that this picture was a really vital picture, particularly this yr to honor the cowboy legacy Jim and Josh Hoy left behind. The fortunate shot was taken with a hand-held Nikon D 700.

Crystal Socha of Augusta gained the Fan Favorite class by receiving 145 votes on RTK’s Facebook web page. Her photograph was taken within the Flint Hills as a cowboy strikes cattle via the grassland hills within the spring.

Category winners embody: Landscape – Amanda Buus Thomsen, Kiowa; Livestock – Holly Mettling, Bogue; People – Sheridan Wimmer-Doyle, Manhattan; Sunrise or Sunset – Scott Bean, Manhattan; Wildlife – Alan Tajchman, Manhattan; KLA Member – Shea Baird, Levant; Youth – Hadley Gfeller, Junction City; and Honorable Mention – Chelsea Weber, Cedar Point.

Kansas native and National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson was the particular visitor choose this yr. L’picture is the unique sponsor of the competition. The regionally owned photograph printing and film framing retailer in Wichita has been in enterprise for greater than 25 years, specializing of their ready-to-hang plaque mount. Prizes are awarded to the highest 10 successful photographers. All successful entries will be seen on RTK’s Facebook web page or web site www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org.

RTK is an agricultural land belief affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association, with a mission to protect Kansas’ ranching heritage and open areas for future generations via the conservation of working landscapes.

— Ranchland Trust of Kansas