Ten-year-old Corbin Adkins is gaining recognition in the photography world after his photo of two mating Gulf fritillary butterflies won the grand prize in Jones Park's 2015 Photo Contest.
A regular at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center in Humble, Corbin came across the butterflies one day while visiting the park with his family. After grabbing his Sony Cyber-Shot from the car, Corbin snapped the photo that would win him the contest.
Photos are ranked on technical quality, composition/aesthetics, as well as subject matter and overall appeal in the adult and junior categories including wildlife, scenic, plants, and people in the park. A panel of judges selected Corbin’s Jr. Wildlife entry as the overall winner out of all categories and age groups because of its powerful yet simple subject and fine detail achieved through a sharp foreground and soft background.
“The beauty of Jones Park often brings out the photographer in people. Every year, we receive so many amazing shots, it’s often hard to choose a winner,” said Jones Park Director Darlene Conley. “This year a clear winner emerged. We hope to see more of Corbin’s photos and can’t wait to see how his talent will grow in the coming years.”
Corbin first developed an interest in photography three years ago after his sister placed in the Jones Park contest. Since then, Corbin has entered the contest every year, placing third in Jr. Wildlife last year and second in Jr. Scenic in 2013, his first year to enter the contest.
The Jones Park Photo Contest started in 1986, and has been held annually in May since 1991. Winning photos will be on display at the Nature Center until Wednesday, July 1. The top photo will also be displayed on Precinct 4's website and in the biannual publication Update. To learn more about the photo contest, visit www.hcp4.net/community/parks/jones/contest.
“There are thousands of photo opportunities at Jones Park from bald eagles to the Redbud Hill Homestead,” said Commissioner R. Jack Cagle. “I invite everyone to help us showcase the natural habitats that make Jones Park unique, so this annual tradition will continue to grow.”
With leadership from Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center is a Harris County Precinct 4 facility located at 20634 Kenswick Drive in Humble. All programs are free of charge and open to the public. Harris County Precinct 4 programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin, or physical ability. Jesse Jones Park Volunteers (JJPV) welcomes applications from interested participants. For more information about the park or any of the activities and programs offered, please call 281-446-8588 or visit www.hcp4.net/community/parks/jones.
