Chamber Capture Ely photo contest winners announced

The judges are done tabulating scores, and the results are in for the third annual Capture Ely Photo Contest hosted by the Ely Chamber of Commerce.

There were four categories, including Shopping, Family Fun, Outdoor Recreation, and Nature. Each category has first through fourth places and pays out $200 in Chamber Bucks for first place, $100 for second, $50 for third, and $25 for fourth, totaling $1,500 in prizes.

“We had a fantastic group of photographers this year, and it was really difficult choosing just four for each category,” stated Eva Sebesta, executive director. “The Nature category received almost 40 images, followed closely by Outdoor Recreation.”

The Capture Ely contest was started in 2022 to highlight the many facets of Ely and area photographers. Photos from the contest are used in the Chamber’s annual business and visitor guide, social media, and on the Ely. org website.

The lucky winners for this year’s contest include: Nature 1. Reflections – Judith Nagel 2. Fall on Fall Lake – Kim Breimeier 3. Two for the Money – Michelle Wild 4. After the Storm – Thomas Johnson Family Fun 1. Cooling Off – Diane Kromer 2. Helping Great Grandpa – Donna Meier 3. Enjoying an Ely Sunset – Donna Meier 4. Block Printing at the Folk School – Abby Sirek Outdoor Recreation 1. Lunch Break – Adam Borchert 2. Son Fishing – Daniel Raza 3. No Skating Rink Needed – Diane Kromer 4. Boundary Waters Walleye – Donna Meier Shopping 1. Cabin Cuisine – Kendra Kauppi 2. Sunrise on Chapman – Abby Sirek 3. Zup’s Shopper – Kendra Kauppi 4. Treats – Catherine Raza View all the winning photos at Ely.org/capture-ely. Next year’s contest starts on Jan. 1, 2025, so get those cameras ready.