First Place Winner
August 2026 Competition
A Farmland Sunset That Felt Like Home
Jill Bolin was standing in her friend Sherry's yard in Franklin, Indiana, waiting for the sky to do what Sherry had been promising it would.
"Our friend, Sherry, just kept going on about how awesome the sunsets were at her place," Bolin recalls. So the two of them waited outside until the light was right — and Bolin captured it just as the sun touched the horizon over the surrounding farm fields, silhouetting a birdhouse and telephone pole against the fading color.
"It gives it a spiritual essence," she said.
A Lifelong Hoosier, At Home Outdoors
A proud Indiana native, Bolin says the photo captures more than a pretty sunset — it captures the way of life she's known since childhood.
"There may be a lot of farm fields in Indiana, but they make a great photo set up, whether it be for a sunset or a sunrise," she said.
Bolin is a mom of four — Justin, Alyssa, Joseph, and Jaryn — and grandmother to four more: Nixon, Clayton, Aalayah, and Milah. "My kids and grandkids complete my life," she said. When she's not chasing a shot, she loves camping, the beach, and time on the water, along with crafting and trying new kinds of art. She and her husband are avid travelers.
Look Closely
Ask Bolin what detail people might miss, and she points left. "The bird silhouette that is on the left side of the birdhouse," she said — a small, quiet detail tucked into a big sky.
It's that kind of attentiveness she hopes her photo inspires in others. "I hope my photo encourages people to get outdoors and see what mother nature has to offer," she said. "Get off the cellphones and tablets, and explore."
Finding Out She'd Won
Bolin had just gotten off work when the notification came through — a relief after wondering ever since voting closed.
"It was a great relief, since I had been wondering about it from the end of the voting period," she said. "But very grateful for all of my voting people."
It's her first win of this kind. "It is an exciting moment for me. I have never won anything like this," she said. "But I couldn't have done it without the support of family, friends, and the people that enjoyed my photo content."
A Donation Close to Home
In honor of Bolin's win, Socialmark has made a donation to the American Cancer Society — a cause she chose because of how close to home it hits.
"My sister-in-law, nephew, and aunt are cancer survivors. I also lost my father-in-law to it," Bolin said. "I have several friends that are enduring this horrible disease, and I hope the contribution helps with further research for a cure."
Grateful for Her People
Bolin is thankful for everyone who voted and shared her photo — and she made a point of thanking one supporter by name.
"I want to thank all my family, friends, and anyone that enjoyed my photo and voted," she said. "I especially want to thank Sherry G. She was a driving force, and the reason I captured the photo."
A Little Crop Could Make a Masterpiece
Bolin's parting advice is for anyone who has ever come close to deleting a photo that didn't seem quite good enough.
"People take pictures daily. I encourage everyone to look deeply at the photo before deleting it — a little crop and adjustment could make a masterpiece!"
