The South County Tourism Council announced the winners of its 11th Annual South County Photo Contest Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. at a reception and awards presentation at the South County Museum, Narragansett.

Steve Wood of Wakefield won first place with “Enjoying the Sunset.” Ashley Richer took second place with “Anticipation” and third place was Steve Wood with “Fun in the Surf.” Winning photos and honorable mentions will be on display at the Museum through September. Honorable mentions included Tammy Anderson’s “Unexpected Umbrella,” Amy Martira’s “About Time in Weekapaug” and “Gulls Reclaim their Beach,” Steve Wood’s “Fireworks” and Catherine O’Connell’s “Early Morning Fishing.”

David Zapatka of North Kingstown judged the show and explained his choices to the photographers and their guests. “The essence of South County is here,” Zapatka said of the winning photograph. “This nicely composed photograph captures a moment within the context of South County. Without the young couple presumably celebrating their engagement, it’s just a nice photo of the lighthouse. Without the lighthouse, it’s just a photo of a celebration. Put them together and you have our winner.”

Forty-five photographers from throughout South County entered a total of 285 photographs, 20 of which are on display at South County Museum through September. The entries featured the people, places or events within the South County area. Photography may be seen in South County Tourism Council’s domestic and international advertising and promotional materials, bringing recognition to the photographer.

The South County Tourism Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the towns of Charlestown, Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, West Greenwich and Westerly as a single leisure travel destination known as “South County.” For more information, please visit www.southcountyri.com.