This month’s Challenge was themed “Tree Trunks” and we invited Mark Braun to judge the last challenge of 2025.
Mark discovered photography as a teenager with his first SLR camera, developing his skills through school projects, freelance newspaper work, and product photography. After a 20-year break for a business career, a 2000 trip to Yellowstone reignited his passion.
He now specializes in nature and landscape photography—especially flowers and Rocky Mountain scenes—while also exploring water, architecture, birds, people, and creative perspectives.
A Cleveland native now living in St. Louis, Mark helped bring the International Photography Hall of Fame to the city and serves as Co-Chairman of the Board, Co-Chair of the Collections Committee, and a member of the Hall of Fame induction committee.
His work has been exhibited in numerous St. Louis venues and published widely, earning recognition in international competitions. His photographs and other creations can be viewed at www.braunsOriginals.com
Congratulations to all of the ranked images and well done to everyone who subnmitted entries not just for this challenges but for all of them throughout the year.
Our first Exhibition of 2026 will be “Cafés & Coffee” in January. The opening night is scheduled for January 30, 2026 and we look forward to seeing you there.
Selected Images
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
4th Place
5th Place
Main Gallery
