The Deerfield Valley Art Association’s fifth annual photography exhibit will be on display at the Fiddleheads Gallery through March 30. 

This year’s exhibit includes 60 photos from 19 artists across Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut. Photos cover a range of content, showcasing the unique interests and approaches of the photographers.

“I mostly like nature photography. I’m in awe of nature,” said Glenn Woods of South Deerfield, whose piece “The Lookout” took third place in the show. 

Woods has been a member of the Deerfield Valley Art Association since the mid 1990s. He said he was introduced to the association by his father, who was a painter who enjoyed the classes, workshops and galleries hosted by the association. He said he primarily shoots nature scenes and loves capturing moments where animals show a bit of attitude, such as in “The Lookout,” which captures a peregrine falcon resting on Mount Sugarloaf and giving Woods the side eye. 

“He’s looking over his shoulder as if he’s saying to me ‘I know you’re here and I know you’re not going to hurt me, but I’m going to keep an eye on you,’” Woods said. 

Woods said he’s always looking for a moment where nature shows some personality, and that throughout his 20 years serving in the Air Force he brought his camera “from Germany to Alaska.”

“My camera goes with me everywhere so I’m always ready to capture that special moment,” Woods said.

Carol Dunn, of Hanover, Connecticut, similarly enjoys bringing her camera along with her as she travels. She took second place in the show for her piece “Sharing Royal Secrets” and fourth place for “Morning Commute, Venice.”

“I can take 1,000 pictures without ever taking a step, I’m just twirling around capturing photos,” Dunn said. “There’s something about traveling and exploring new places, you’re drawn to details you wouldn’t notice if it was just in your own backyard.”

“Sharing Royal Secrets” was taken in Australia. Dunn said one day while exploring she saw two little girls through a window. They were dressed up in princess dresses for a birthday party and Dunn couldn’t resist capturing the moment.

“I just thought it was so cute how they were whispering to each other,” she said. 

Peter Esche of Northfield was awarded best in show for his piece “Sunrise in Voyageurs National Park.”

Esche said he studied photojournalism in college, but has always been drawn to nature. His piece in the Fiddleheads show was taken while camping in Minnesota a few years ago. He added he only learned about the art association recently, when he heard about the call for art for this show he looked through his collection and put forth his sunrise for consideration. He feels honored and proud to win first place.

The gallery is open on  Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The exhibition will be on display until March 30. For more information, visit deerfieldvalleyart.org.

Reach  Madison S  chofieldat 413-930-4579 or  mschofield@recorder.com.