See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest

See the winner of our inaugural Picture of the Year contest as well as the runner-ups.

CHS_POTYTheRavenelBridge

The 2023 Picture of the Year winner.

Photo by Daniel W.

Table of Contents

The votes are in for the CHStoday 2023 Picture of the Year contest. Check out the finalists below, including the winner that you, our readers, voted for.

Winner: The Ravenel Bridge blossoms on a peaceful morning in the Lowcountry

A moment of zen — we can feel the quietness this photo captures on a calm Charleston morning.

* Note: The photos are in order based on number of votes received

Finalist #1 Lightning Over The Ravenel

A flash of lightning turns the sky purple and illuminates The Ravenel.

Lightning Over The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Photo by reader Morgan C.

It’s electric. Storms are typical during the spring and summer, and this picture captures an electric display of lightning.

Finalist #2 Surfing on Sullivan’s at sunset

The sun sets on Sullivan’s Island giving the sky a pink, purple, and blue look, a surf board lays in the foreground with its fin up.

Surfing on Sullivan’s at sunset.

Photo by reader Jenna C.

We love the sense of peace this photo brings while showing off a beautiful Charleston-area beach.

Finalist #3 Charleston Coal Tipple

Lowcountry sunrise over the bridge turns the sky a of range of blue, yellow, and pink.

Charleston Coal Tipple

Photo by reader Young C.

We love how this photo captures some of the city’s beauty and history all in one.

Finalist #4 Golden Hour in the Holy City

The sun shines on the Holy City giving its building and tress a golden glimmer.

Golden Hour in the Holy City

Photo by reader Chad S.

Charleston is beautiful from any angle at any time, but this photo from Golden Hour just hits different.

Finalist #5 Dolphins in the Cooper River

Dolphins playing side-by-side break the surface of the Cooper River with their fins.

Dolphins in the Cooper River

Photo by Matt R.

Nature is a huge part of Charleston’s culture, and this photo captures some frequent + friendly visitors.

Finalist #6 The Call of the Waves

Man charges waves on IOP with surfboard in hand.

The Call of the Waves

Photo by reader Wade L.

This picture takes you on the journey of a surfer. You can almost hear the sounds of the waves.

Finalist #7 Shem Sunset Sweetness

The light from the sunset reflects off Shem Creek, while the sky fades from a fire orange to pale blue.

Shem Sunset Sweetness

Photo by reader Chrissy F.

We can feel the wind in our hair. No matter the time of year, this photo transports you to the front of the boat for that after-dinner cruise.

Finalist #8 Corps Day Parade at The Citadel

Cadets dressed in white uniforms fire cannons at The Citadel Corps Day Parade.

Corps Day Parade at The Citadel

Photo by reader Tom T.

This photo shows the tradition, excitement, and discipline of the age-old Charleston tradition celebrating The Citadel.

Finalist #9 The Sun Setting Over Downtown

Large sun turns the Charleston sky a shade of hot pink, orange, purple, and yellow.

The Sun Setting Over Downtown

Photo by reader Morgan C.

No caption needed. Sunsets are just different in the Holy City; this photo explains why.