Four Basking Ridge photographers, including first place winner Betsy Bacot-Aigner, a frequent contributor to Patch, were winners in state Assemblyman Jon Bramnick's fifth annual photography contest.

Amateur photographers throughout New Jersey entered the contest and submitted over 300 pictures of scenes from around the state. Two photographers from the Gillette section of Long Hill Township also were recognized for their photos.

 “This year’s photos captured the beauty and great diversity of our Garden State. New Jersey has so much to offer, from the numerous state parks to the endless fun at the Jersey Shore,” said Bramnick, whose district includes parts of Union, Morris and Somerset counties.

Reception this Sunday

The public and media are invited to a reception honoring the winners from 4 to 5 p.m. this Sunday in the meeting room of the Westfield Public Library. 

Winners include an overall top prize winner, a “staff pick” selection and additional honorable mention winners in each of the categories. This year’s overall top prize winner is Vivian Bedoya of Franklin Township.

Bacot-Aigner won first place in the Jersey Shore category, and honorable mentions in that category also went to Joanne Bundonis of the Gillette section of Long Hill Township and William Weisgerber of Basking Ridge.

In the Wildlife category, Jim Mulvey of Gillette took third place and Robin Smith and Joe Taveroni, both of Basking Ridge, received honorable mention recognition.

Prizes will be awarded, according to the assemblyman's office.

For further information, please call Assemblyman Bramnick’s office at 908 232 2073.