Cantigny announces photo contest winners

Cantigny Park visitors have chosen the top three prize winners in the Cantigny in Focus amateur photo contest.

The winners are:

• First place: Scott Seifrid of St. Charles for his photographic capture of a ruby-throated hummingbird feeding in the Cantigny gardens.

• Second place: Sharon Koehler of Wheaton for her image of two joyful participants at a breast cancer walk held at the park.

• Third place: Beth Wyse of Warrenville for her shot of a colorful autumn display outside the Cantigny Visitors Center.

The winning shots were among 40 finalists chosen a year ago by a judging panel and displayed at the park throughout 2013. Visitors were encouraged to vote for their favorites. The top three receive a Cantigny gift card ($100, $75 or $50). A Cantigny Park annual membership was awarded to all 40 finalists.

Cantigny in Focus is an annual event for amateur photographers that began in 2006. Submitted images must be from the grounds of Cantigny Park in Wheaton, the 500-acre former estate of Robert R. McCormick.

On Feb. 5, the top 40 images from the 2014 edition of Cantigny in Focus will go on display at the park. The three grand prize winners will again be determined by the public, with voting conducted throughout 2015.