Inside McKee's Annual Waterlily Photo Contest

If you've spent any time wandering McKee Botanical Garden this season with a camera in hand, now is the time to do something with those shots. The Annual Waterlily Photo Contest, part of McKee's larger Waterlily Celebration, is one of the more distinctive photography competitions in Indian River County, and the deadline to submit is Tuesday, June 9th.

The contest accepts entries across four categories: color, black and white, manipulated, and youth. That range matters. Whether you're a purist who lets natural light do the heavy lifting or someone who takes the image somewhere new in post-processing, there's a category built for your approach. Youth entries give younger photographers a real competitive space, not just an afterthought division.

Judging takes place on Friday, June 12th, and the winning images go on display inside the historic Hall of Giants, one of the most visually striking indoor spaces in the region. Seeing photography exhibited there, surrounded by the towering Royal Palms and filtered natural light, gives the work a context that a gallery wall simply can't replicate. On Saturday, June 13th, visitors to the Waterlily Celebration vote for the People's Choice Award, which adds a public dimension to the competition that keeps things lively.

As for why McKee is worth shooting in the first place: the garden holds a Certified Collection of Excellence designation for its waterlilies, a distinction recognized by only seven gardens in the world. More than 100 varieties are currently on display, including night-blooming and day-blooming species. If you can arrive early on the morning of the 13th, there's a brief window when both types are open simultaneously, the kind of fleeting overlap that rewards photographers who plan ahead.

The submission window is open now. If you've been sitting on a strong frame from a recent visit, this is the moment to enter it. Full contest rules are available through McKee Botanical Garden directly. Don't leave a good photograph on your hard drive.

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Ava Cook

Community Manager at Vero Vine

Hello!
My name is Ava Cook and I am a Freshman at Florida Southern College in Lakeland FL. I am currently a B.F.A musical theatre major with a minor in Business Administration. I love reading, singing, acting, dancing, and writing. My favorite part about Vero Beach and Indian River County as a whole is how close the community is. Vero Vine is important to me as it allows me to do my part it bringing the community together also, sharing events, small businesses, and other local happenings. If you have any questions or any recommendations for me, my email is always open [email protected].