Tomoka Basin photoS 

Exploring Nature and Artistry 

Grand Prize Winner | Echoes of Bulow Plantation Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park | Historic Encounters

         Valleri Ames

Guest Speaker 

Wednesday, March 18 2026

6 PM | 7 PM, Wed

REC Hall, Tomoka State Park

Please join us and invite your friends as we welcome award winner Valleri Ames. We will discuss photography, artistic interpretations, and the composition of the natural historical legacy of the Tomoka Basin Parks. We will be sharing details for heralding in our first Photo Contest sponsored by the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks. We look forward to hearing antidotes and expanding on what beauty can mean for many in the audience that would like to participate.

More about Valleri

Valleri Ames is a Florida-based, award-winning fine art photographer whose work focuses on landscape, light, and a strong sense of place. Inspired by a deep appreciation for nature and travel, her photography captures quiet moments and natural beauty across Florida and beyond. Her work emphasizes atmosphere, light, and emotional connection, inviting viewers to slow down and experience the environment in a more thoughtful way. Through her images, Ames seeks to create a sense of calm, reflection, and connection to the natural world. Her photography has been featured in juried exhibitions and gallery showcases throughout Florida and has received multiple awards and editorial recognition.

• Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs – Solo Exhibition, Florida Reflections, March 2026

• The Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center, The Sky Remembers, Nov 2025 – Jan 2026

• Gallery at Canon Coffee – Solo Exhibition, May – July 2025

• 100% Pure Florida Exhibition, March 1 – April 3, 2025

• South Lake Art League Spring Show, March – April 1, 2025

• Jax Photography Hub Gallery Showcase – Jacksonville, FL, May 2025

• Season of Trees Exhibition, Nov 8, 2024 – Jan 11, 2025

• She Who Tells A Story Exhibition, Sept 22 – Nov 9, 2024

Awards

• Grand Prize Winner – Capture the Real Florida, Nov 2025

• Photographer of the Year – Universe of Colour Magazine, 2025

• Photographer of the Year – NOIR Club of B&W; Photography, 2025

• 1st Place Photographer – Orlando Camera Club, Feb & Mar 2025

• 2nd Place Photographer – Orlando Camera Club, Dec 2024

• Top 5 Photographers – Florida Women Photographers, Oct 2024 Editorial Publications

• Florida Country & Coast Magazine – Picture Perfect Winner, Feb–Mar 2025

• Universe of Colour Magazine – Spring (Mar), Summer (July), Master of Excellence (Feb 2026)

• NOIR Club Magazine – Spring (Mar) & Summer (July) 2025 Editions

• Artist Closeup Magazine – Aug 2025

• Orlando Voyager Magazine – Sept 2025

• Divide Magazine – Oct 2025