DAVID LAWRENCE, First Place, Animals, Accipiter’s Focus
Caught on camera
See through the lens of local photographers
A
photo can express things we can’t. No matter how many attempts at description, you just have to be there to see certain things. Luckily, a camera and the right photographer can help show others the moments they miss. Central Coast photographers share the moments they experienced and want others to see as part of our annual Winning Images contest. Since 1994, New
Times Media Group has asked for those images. This year, local photogs submitted 374 photos into the contest and our judges narrowed them down to three winners in eight categories, plus honorable mentions. Every entry also came in with a $10 fee, which was rolled back into prize money for the winners, who also receive awards from the contest’s sponsors. The winning photographs will be on display at The Photo
WINNING IMAGES 2026 Shop (1027 Marsh St., SLO) through July 12 and at the SLO Botanical Garden (3450 Dairy Creek Road, SLO) from July 13 to Aug. 2. Check out the winners from 2026 on the following pages. ∆ Contact Editor Camillia Lanham at clanham@ santamariasun.com.
JUDGES San Luis Obispo native and perennial Winning Images judge Peggy Mesler is a photographer and the owner of The Photo Shop in SLO, where she shares PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGY MESLER her appreciation for—and knowledge of—photography with customers, clients, and friends. Peggy earned a journalism degree from Cal Poly, and she opened her shop in 1995.
10 • Sun • June 18 - June 25, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
Marta Peluso has been involved in the arts on the Central Coast for four decades. She taught photography in the art departments at Cal Poly and at Cuesta College and directed the Cuesta College Art Gallery for 16 years. She also served PHOTO COURTESY OF MARTA PELUSO for five and half years as executive director of ARTS Obispo, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council. She is an exhibiting photographer who is currently writing a memoir centered on the life of her sister Patti, replete with photographs and titled You Still Got Me.
Dean Sullivan is the owner of Sullivan Studios and owner/ publisher of the Estero Bay News. Dean photographed his first wedding in 1978 and has been capturing weddings, special events, and commercial assignments ever since. An award-winning professional photographer, Dean was certified PHOTO COURTESY OF DEAN SULLIVAN through the Professional Photographers of America for years. He’s worked with clients that include California State Parks, Cal Poly, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, and the San Luis Obispo Symphony. Dean is also a licensed FAA drone pilot, providing aerial imaging services for both commercial and editorial projects.