We’re excited to share the winners of this year’s Blue Hills Photo Contest! The big reveal happened at our Annual Meeting on November 6, where members and friends got a first look at the stunning images that capture what we all love about the Blue Hills—its wildlife, changing seasons, and the sense of adventure you can find just minutes from home.
This year, more than 75 photos were submitted from across the region, with a rich diversity of subjects and styles captured. The panel of five judges had the tough job of narrowing down the standouts in each category. Thank you to professional photographer Matt Darcy; FBH Trustee-at-Large Peter Marotta; Elevate Youth’s Waddy Stryker; FBH member and Page Waterman Gallery and Framing owner Sturdy Waterman; and State Representative Richard Wells.
And now… the winners!
Popular Vote
“Coco Fall Hiker” by Roxana Rubin of Milton
Be Kind!
1st: “Fishing with Uncle” – Macaela Vandermost, Milton
2nd: “Dancing Mushrooms” – Roxana Rubin, Canton
3rd: “Deer at Ponkapoag Golf Course June 2025” – Richard Ortisi, Randolph
What Lives in the Blue Hills?
1st: “Blue Jay Walking Trail” – Justin Calka, Watertown
2nd: “Splash of Color” – William Riley, Milton
3rd: “Through the Veil” – Jack Bruneau, Dedham
Choose Your Own Adventure
1st: “End of the Line” – Anne Herbst, Boston
2nd: “Blue Hills Memories” – Conor Brosnan, Norwood
3rd: “Fall Splendor” – Mary Ciccariello, Quincy
Winners each received special prizes, including gear from Patagonia Boston and complimentary printing and framing from Page Waterman Gallery and Framing. Huge thanks go out to them for supporting local artists and helping us showcase these beautiful winning shots.
We’re also grateful to Dedham Savings Bank, our 2025 Photo Contest sponsor, for making this celebration of art, community, and nature possible.
Check out the gallery below for all the winning shots. And stay tuned for information about timing for the opening reception at Milton Public Library, which will launch the traveling exhibit of winning photos in January 2026.
Winner Popular Vote–Canton Roxana Rubin Coco the Hike Lover fall
What lives 1st place–Watertown Justin Calka Blue Jay Walking Trail
Choose 1st place–Boston Anne Herbst End of the Line
What lives 2nd place–Milton William Riley Splash of Color
Be Kind 2nd place–Canton Roxana Rubin Dancing Mushrooms
Randolph Richard Ortisi Deer-at-Ponkapoag-Golf-Course-June-2025
Choose 3rd place–Quincy Mary Ciccariello Fall Splendor
What lives 3rd place–Dedham_Jack-Bruneau_Through-the-Veil
Be kind 1st place–Milton Macaela Vandermost Fishing with Uncle
Choose 2nd place–Norwood Conor Brosnan Blue Hills Memories
