OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY – A young fisherman silhouetted against a golden sun setting over the Pend Oreille River is the grand prize winner of the 2016 “Pretty in Pend Oreille” photo contest held by the Pend Oreille County Economic Development Council.

The photo, titled "True Passion for Fishing," by Jessica Honl of Washougal, Wash., is the judges' unanimous pick for the contest's “best of show” prize.

Jamie Wyrobek, council director, said nearly 150 photos were entered in the contest to feature "Scenics" and "Lifestyle & Family" photos snapped during summer and fall.

“We had so many terrific photos that our judges had quite a debate about the one we might pick as winner,” said Wyrobek. “In the end the judges all favored 'True Passion' because it had so many elements about what makes Pend Oreille County such a great place to live – our wonderful natural environment, recreational opportunities, scenic beauty. And the photo had good technical merit for composition and exposure.”

The grand prize is lift tickets for a family of four at 49 Degrees North Ski & Snowboard Resort, plus two nights’ lodging at Penny’s Place on the River, provided courtesy of the prize sponsors.

"Begin," a richly hued scenic of rowboats at a misty sunrise at Marshall Lake, by Stephen Alkire of Newport, Wash., was named the Scenics runner up. Alkire wins a one-night stay for two at Northern Quest Resort and Casino plus dinner for two at Masselow’s Steakhouse, provided by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians.

 First-place winner in the "Lifestyle & Family "category was "Thirsty Moose" by Renee Shawgo of Newport.

First place in the "Scenics" category was "Reflections in the Glass" by Chris Butler for Mead, Wash., featuring brilliant autumn colors reflected in Sacheen Lake received 346 votes.

The winners, and all the excellent entries, can be viewed at www.pocedc.org.

The Pend Oreille County EDC works to support economic development activities that promote job creation and honor the culture and natural beauty of area.