See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest

The votes are in and the winner of the 2023 Picture of the Year has been decided.

A view of downtown Nashville at night shot from across the river with the Batman building at its focus. Beams of colorful lights jut out due to the camera's shutter speed settings.

Congrats to the inaugural Picture of the Year winner.

Photo submitted by Dakota J.

Table of Contents

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

Winner: Nashville in neon

We’ve got to give a round of applause to Dakota J. for experimenting with camera settings to capture Music City in a new light.

Finalist: A picture is worth a thousand words

But Pekka Rinne’s contributions to Smashville are priceless. As captured in this photo by Megan V., Rinne’s statue will welcome Nashvillians to Bridgestone Arena for years to come.

Two people talking and laughing standing up against the bronze Pekka Rinne statue outside of Bridgestone Arena.

The Nashville Predators unveiled this ~12-ft statue of retired goalie Pekka Rinne in 2023. | Photo by Megan V.

Finalist: Nashville parks are paws-itively perfect

Jordan S. really knows the Parthenon’s (and Frankie’s) angles. Does this not look like a postcard from the park?

A dog with its mouth open laying down on the grass in front of the Parthenon in Centennial Park on the right.

Freddie taking a break from walking in Centennial Park. | Photo by Jordan S.

Finalist: Downtown hits all the right notes

Laura W. is in tune with color. The Schermerhorn Symphony Center really shines bright against these varying blue hues.

A light blue toned sky and skycrapers surround the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and its fountain.

Downtown walking tour

Photo submitted by Laura W.

Finalist: Sunrise, sunburn, sunset, repeat

Did Shawn C. capture clouds or cotton candy floating over Lower Broadway? We’ll let you be the judge.

A view from a rooftop with Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge's rooftop in view, overlooking a pink and purple sunset towards Bridgestone Arena.

Sunset on Lower Broadway. | Photo submitted by Shawn C.

More from NASHtoday
We’re asking our readers to submit their top questions about Nashville. We’ll do our best to answer them in 2026.
These city gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
Whether you’re looking forward to Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas, here are some ways you can celebrate around town this year.
It may not change for you, but if it does, expect a new pickup day starting in early February.
Billy Strings? Check. Rascal Flatts? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
From plows to color-coded routes, Nashville has outlined how it will handle whatever winter brings.
A grassroots effort is helping Middle Tennessee properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out and so is our annual roundup of your year in local news.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Eastpoint is the new name for the mixed-use district planned on Metro-owned land along the East Bank.