SHYANNE’ “ ‘LAND PRESERVATION’

This is a photo of my husband, Stevie John, (Manatee County Cattleman's State Director) while we were pushing cows to work at a ranch in Myakka. I love capturing these images to share with those who have no idea places like this still exist in Florida. Photography allows me to show people our way of life and the importance of our local farmers and ranchers. Preserving the land through a photo, so future generations can see the way things used to be.” The Duette, Florida, photographer shot her work on an iPhone 12 in Myakka City, Florida.

Portrait: Shyanne Wood is a graduating senior at Durant High School, member of the HCFR Cadet team, a lifeguard and an incredible showman on the Florida Junior Swine Circuit. The Plant City, Florida, photographer shot her artwork at Hunsader Farms in Manatee County using a Canon 6D Mark II.

HE’S ON FIRE!

In high school, I wanted to work at a big news agency as a photographer and travel the world. My brother was a firefighter … and I would ride with them and take pictures of fires. The longer I was there, I fell in love with the fire service. In 1986, I was hired with the Orlando Fire Department. I spent 25 years there and photography became more of a hobby. I retired in 2011 and I started to travel and photograph again. My wife and I combine our travels with my photography in mind. Photography has allowed me to photograph grizzly bears in Wyoming to lighthouses in Maine … and along the way we have met some great people.” Mr. Williams lives in Enterprise, Florida. He shot his work at Boneyard Beach near Big Talbot State Park in Jacksonville using a Nikon Z9, stacking a polarizer and 6-stop neutral density filter to get the light to pop and allow for a longer exposure, which will flatten the waves and make the water smoother, he says.

Miss

This was my first time swimming with the manatees. It was an awesome experience. Photography is my creative outlet and lets me relax. Though I have to say that when I saw this manatee, I was super excited, so not relaxed … but happy more than I can express. The thrill of experiencing wildlife and capturing those amazing moments is what keeps me out for hours. I don't want to miss anything.” This Clermont, Florida, photographer shot her portrait at the Homosassa River on a Nikon 1 AW1 underwater camera.