The rules of the contest were few, but not simple. Photographers were asked to submit scenic photos of local places, but also photos that inspired preservation of the Snoqualmie River Watershed and its surrounding farms, wildlife and people.

The winners of the contest made it seem easy.

“I was standing next to (S.R.) 203 when I took that one,” said Danny Raphael, North Bend resident and top photographer in the Snoqualmie River Watershed Forum’s amateur photography contest.

The photo of a dramatically-lit Mount Si is the highlight of a new poster, which the watershed forum is distributing to libraries, businesses, schools and community locations.

“It was sunset on the Ridge at Bandera,” said Claire Meyer, a Mount Si High School sophomore, as explanation for how and when she took her photo of deer grazing, also featured on the poster.

Raphael, Meyer, Bill Cottringer of North Bend, Pat Dunn of Oxbow Farm and Randy Green of Carnation, all were celebrated for their photos at a meeting of the watershed forum Nov. 18. Raphael, attending the event with his wife, Lisa and son, Nathaniel, was presented with a framed copy of the poster and all of the photographers received copies of the poster.

A longtime local photographer and Valley resident since 1988, Raphael considers himself an amateur, whose favorite subjects are family members and local scenery.

“I’ve never ever been in a position that I wanted to charge people for my photos,” he said. “If they like them, I’m happy.”

The poster will be distributed free throughout the watershed, while supplies last. To request copies, contact Polly Freeman at (206) 477-3724 or polly.freeman@kingcounty.gov. Information is also available at www.govlink.org/watersheds/7.