Our 2015 #H2OpalPhotoContest Grand Prize Winner

The photographer behind the 2015 #H2Opalphotocontest grand prize-winning shot sheds some light on the “happy accident” she captured at The Sagamore Resort.

We received hundreds of entries – and many were downright amazing – but this image Elaine Heintz took at The Sagamore Resort two years ago of her family framing the classic Mohican steamboat on Lake George was our selection for best of them all. She wins a three-night stay at her Opal resort of choice, but she’ll be the first to admit that this image kind of fell in her lap. Here’s how Heintz, who has been coming to The Sagamore with her family for a decade, landed her winning photo.

How’d you set up the shot?

I don’t know if you can tell that my family was fishing from the image, because it almost appears that they were waiting for the boat, but the boat doesn’t dock there. It was the first time they had ever fished, just after a storm had come through. I kind of retreated down the dock, and I just really wanted to capture the whole scene and how beautiful it was, with the reflection of the mountains. The boat was just sort of a happy accident.

What made you select this image for the contest?

Well, it’s a canvas on my wall at home, so of course I’m partial to it. I wanted to capture the spirit of the place. I wanted something where you knew you were at The Sagamore.

What do you love about Lake George?

I love the vistas. Something about all the textures reminds me of Europe, if that makes sense, but it’s really the vistas and views. Even when it rains, I say, it’s a great day here.

Does that mean you’ll be heading to The Sagamore for your winning stay?

I will always go back to The Sagamore. My kids have never seen the ocean before, though…so I think we’ll be heading to Florida this time around.

To view our gallery of finalists for the contest, click here.

Where to Stay The Sagamore Resort