“MIRAGE”: This photograph by Everett Shen won second place photo in Friends of Princeton Open Space’s 2023 photography contest. It is one of more than 20 works featured in the “Perspectives on Preservation” photography exhibition opening on Friday, December 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mountain Lakes House.

Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) presents “Perspectives on Preservation,” a group photography exhibition featuring works by local photographers, on view December 1 to 3 at Mountain Lakes House, 57 Mountain Avenue.

An opening reception is on Friday, December 1 from 6 to 8 p.m., with live music from cellist Dan Kassel, refreshments, and light bites.

The exhibition continues on Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is part of FOPOS’s Holiday Open House.

The exhibition features a selection of images from submissions to the organization’s annual photo contest, sponsored by REI Princeton, as well as photographs of the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve by Princeton photographer Frank Sauer. All photos will be offered for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Friends of Princeton Open Space.

“Through our annual photo contest, we encourage residents to look more deeply at the natural world,” said Fran McManus, exhibition co-curator and longtime FOPOS board member. “We look forward every year to the exhibition, which illustrates the inspiration and beauty that community members find as they explore the many trails and diverse landscapes within the Mountain Lakes Preserve.”

The 2024 Perspectives on Preservation Photo Contest kicked off the day after Thanksgiving in celebration of Recreational Equipment, Inc.’s (REI) Opt Outside initiative, which encourages everyone to skip the malls and head outdoors on what is typically the busiest shopping day of the year. The submission deadline is Earth Day, April 22, 2024. For contest rules and details, visit fopos.org.