For the second time in two years, Ludington Rotarian Steve Begnoche has a winning photo included in Rotary Magazine's annual photography awards. Congratulations, Steve!
"Jitterbuggin, Steve Begnoche, aka American Coot Photography
From Steve: "Jitterbuggin" is one of 11 winning images published by Rotary Magazine in its 2023 international photo contest.
I made it on my now-retired iPhone 6 from my kayak on Upper Hamlin Lake near Victory Park while trying to tire and land the northern pike with one hand while taking photos with the other.
The northern desperately danced in the air trying to throw the Jitterbug lure it had taken. Eventually it tired and I unhooked and released it. A few minutes later I saw this image on my phone and was geeked, to say the least.
I'm pleased the judges were as impressed with it as I was. Of the 11 winning images, only two were taken in the United States, and mine is among photos from Tanzania, Taiwan, Canada, The Netherlands, Egypt and other seemingly more exotic locations.
Two years ago a photo of a summer Ludington sunset made the winners' issue amidst a list of equally exotic other locations. I'm happy to have helped show Ludington to the world through Rotary Magazine." (Source: American Coot Facebook page)