2025 Louis Parsons III Memorial Photo Contest
Judges: Zachary Garmoe, Terry Plowman, John Sisson, Kevin Stevens, and Jeff Williams.
Sponsor: Jeff Williams, the former publisher of Oceana Magazine, was a close friend of Lou.
Youth Category Sponsor: Kevin Stevens was one of the original founders of Oceana Magazine, which was published in Ocean City starting in 1978. He has a long history with Ocean City and is very pleased to sponsor the new Youth Category for the
Ocean City Boardwalk Category (Grand Prize Winner): "The Life Guard and The Shark" by Tom Powell III. Photo Description: OCBP lifeguard under the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Shark during Hurricane Erin, August 20th, 2025. Judge's Notes: I found the composition and lighting particularly compelling, with the overcast sky complementing nicely the boardwalk lighting on the lifeguard's face. The image does a lovely job of contrasting the fun and joy of the boardwalk with the vital work the OCBP does to keep people safe. The looming storm, the way she is looking, all combines nicely to creating a very powerful image.
Ocean City/Assateague Bay Sunset Category: "On My Way to OC Early Morning" by Barbara Freimuth. Photo Description: The beauty and serenity of the Assawoman bay can't be put into words. Judge's Notes: A beautifully balanced composition, with excellent use of light. The scene reflects a quieter side of the Ocean City experience, with the anticipation of excitement that waits on the other side.
Ocean City Beach Category: "Down the Line" by Jason Dawson . Photo Description: The beach to me has never been about sitting on the sand. It has always been about being in the ocean. So many of my favorite childhood memories are in the sea with my dad, family & friends. Judge's Notes: This super-sharp image captures the power of the ocean, which is one of the essential forces that attract Ocean City beachgoers. The beach and buildings in the background appear so small and vulnerable to this crashing wave, the sound of which you can almost hear when you look at this exciting photograph.
People's Choice Winner: "Big Waves Flood Ocean City, Md. Beaches" by George Leukel. Description: Big Storm Passing By Ocean City Floods Beach and Inlet Lot.. Number of Votes: 250
Youth Category & Sponsor Category Winner: "The Big Wheel" by Becket Bailey, Age 13. Photo Description: I took this photo of the big ferris wheel in Ocean City during the summer. The boardwalk is my favorite place in Ocean City and I love the ferris wheel. Youth Category Judge's Notes: A wonderful photo of a ferris wheel in perfect lighting, positioned at an almost abstract angle. The colors are amazing. It conveys the excitement and thrills a young person must feel as they are about to ride up into the sky above the boardwalk! Sponsor Category Judge's Notes: This photo perfectly embodies the Ocean City Boardwalk. The colors are striking against the sky and the composition immediately attracted my attention. I am very impressed the photographer is 13 years old. I am encouraged by our next generation of creative artists and support them.
Youth Category Notable Mention: "Morning Glory" by Beckett Green, Age 17. Description: Photo was captured the morning of Surfers Healing in Ocean City. My little brother participates each year in this traveling camp for kids with Autism. This couple was walking by as I took the photo. Judge's Note: Beautiful morning sunrise over the ocean with a fog bank hugging the water towards the horizon. This photo captures the essence of a morning stroll for a couple together with time. Good balance and use of camera angle to capture the sunrise and the couple strolling on the beach - both complementing each other.
Youth Category Notable Mention: "Museum Fun" by Liam Bennett, Age 5. Description: Liam took this photo with dad's phone while we were vacationing in OC and exploring the new Museum of Ocean City. He loves learning and exploring. Judge's Notes: This is technically a hard subject to photograph. It's a good still life - especially with nice shadows in the back of the display. This achieves an almost 3-D effect of the subject - which is the key.