Culture

See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest

You all voted on your favorite reader-submitted photo — now, see which one is crowned Picture of the Year.

January 29, 2024 • 
Emily Shea-Owen
PictureoftheYearFinalistsPlaceholder.jpg

“Heron running on water at the Chickamauga Dam.” | Photo submitted by reader Ben S.

Table of Contents
Winner: “Heron running on water at the Chickamauga Dam”
Finalist: “Thunderstorms are as much our friends as the sunshine”
Finalist: “Up-close and personal with Saffron, the Chattanooga Zoo’s newest Red Panda”
Finalist: "Row watchers"
Finalist: "Motorcar Festival Old School”

The votes are in for the NOOGAtoday 2023 Picture of the Year contest. With 1,027 total responses, check out the finalists below, including the winner that you, our readers, voted for.

Winner: “Heron running on water at the Chickamauga Dam”

486 votes. We love seeing photos of Chattanooga’s native wildlife.

NOOGAtoday | storm

“Thunderstorms are as much our friends as the sunshine.” | Photo submitted by reader Tarah K.

Finalist: “Thunderstorms are as much our friends as the sunshine”

259 votes. This photo was captured at the perfect time during a Chattanooga storm.

NOOGAtoday | red panda

“Up-close and personal with Saffron, the Chattanooga Zoo’s newest red panda.” | Photo submitted by reader Jake C.

Finalist: “Up-close and personal with Saffron, the Chattanooga Zoo’s newest Red Panda”

210 votes. We can’t help but smile at this adorable red panda.

NOOGAtoday | Row watchers

“Row watchers.” | Photo submitted by Tony H.

Finalist: “Row watchers”

36 votes. The crowds come out to support rowing events like the Head of the Hooch in the Scenic City.

NOOGAtoday | Motorcar

“Motorcar Festival Old School.” | Photo submitted by reader Brandon M.

Finalist: “Motorcar Festival Old School”

36 votes. This photo freezes time during one of the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival races.

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