Mayfield junior Alexis Olden has earned her spot in the Lake Placid Institute’s 2025 photography contest, 24 Hours: A Photographic Interpretation of Life in the Adirondacks. Her photograph, “Eagle Eats Deer”, was one of the 20 winning pieces selected out of the over 200 submissions.
Olden is in Jeremy Lebediker’s art class and has always enjoyed photography and the satisfaction of capturing a beautiful scene. She often uses her photography for reference and inspiration when working on other artwork. But unlike her winning photograph, she is usually drawn to sunsets and other fun landscapes. She says “Eagle Eats Deer” was taken on a ride with her parents around the Great Sacandaga Lake.
“My mom really loves wildlife and always wants to stop and watch the bald eagles when we see them,” said Olden. “When we saw this eagle eating a deer on the side of the road, we just had to pull over. It was really close, we were right across the road from it.”
Olden said she wasn’t necessarily thinking of the Lake Placid Institute’s photography contest when she took the picture, but Mr. Lebediker is always on the lookout for opportunities for his students and encouraged her to submit her photos. “Eagle Eats Deer” is a wonderful example of the raw, natural beauty found in the Adirondack Park every day.
The Lake Placid Institute for the Arts & Humanities’ annual photography contest invites high school students to capture a visual interpretation of their surroundings. Photos must be taken within the Adirondack Park and represent one hour of the day. Selected works will be featured in a book and displayed in the Lake Placid Institute for the Arts & Humanities Gallery, 2693 Main Street, Suite 310, Lake Placid, NY 12946, beginning on April 11. There will be an awards ceremony held on Friday, May 2 from 4-6pm.