352-273-2598 ashleynmcleod@ufl.edu

Nick Vitale was recently selected as the winner for the best overall and best of Florida categories with his photographs in the 2016 PIE Center Photo Contest. Vitale is a wildlife researcher for the University of Florida based in the Everglades. This has allowed him to spend a lot of time in places most people don’t ever get to see, as well as study some incredible animals. These experiences have provided Vitale with amazing photography opportunities. When he’s not working for UF, you can find Vitale out photographing wildlife and landscapes, mostly in Florida but also throughout the country. You can see more of his work on his website: www.nickvitalephotography.com.

Overall winner — Limpkin Family

Limpkin family

“I was out on the lake in central Florida one morning photographing the sunrise and thought I had all the shots I was going to get for the day. When I returned back to shore I saw these two limpkins foraging near the water. I quickly grabbed my telephoto lens and got a few great shots of them interacting. The adult was attempting to break into an apple snail. I think the chick was trying to help (or maybe just get the first bite of the meal), as it kept trying to get as close as possible.”


Best in Florida winner — Croc Hatchlings in a Maze of Mangroves

Croc Hatchlings in a Maze of Mangoes

“I had the very lucky opportunity to join a biologist in South Florida who does surveys of these American crocodiles. We went out and located a freshly hatched nest so we could collect information about the hatchlings. The eroded limestone and mangroves made a perfect backdrop for these very cool reptiles.”

Learn what the winning photographers in each category had to say about their “behind the lens” moments:
Category winners