Arizona Highways magazine and The Nature Conservancy in Arizona are now accepting entries in their 13th annual student photo contest.
This photo called "Reunited" by Jessica Finnie of Peoria took home first prize in last year's "Adventures in Nature" student photography contest. Finnie also finished first in the 2024 contest.
Photographers ages 13-18 have until March 31 to submit their best nature photos for a chance at a share of more than $10,000 in prize money.
The photos must be taken in Arizona but can feature anything from the natural world, such as vast landscapes, wildlife in motion or close-ups of insects.
Professional photographers Suzanne Mathia and Mark Skalny and Arizona Highways photo editor Jeff Kida will serve as judges for the contest. They will be looking for images that are artistically creative and evoke emotion, according to from The Nature Conservancy.
People are also reading…
The winners will be announced during a virtual award ceremony on April 16, with $5,000 for first prize, $2,500 for second, $1,000 for third and $750 each for seven honorable mentions.
Since its inception, the contest has awarded $90,000 in cash prizes for exceptional photography.
“The best conservationists are those who have a personal connection with the natural world,” said Daniel Stellar, director of The Nature Conservancy in Arizona. “This photo contest encourages students to get outside and explore the wonderful and wild landscapes of Arizona, inspiring them to become champions for nature.”
“For more than a century, Arizona Highways has showcased the beauty of our state through photography,” added the magazine’s editor, Robert Stieve. “As a founding partner of this photo contest, we’re proud to support not only the next generation of environmental stewards, but also the emerging artists who will continue telling Arizona’s story through the power of photography.”
The full contest rules and online submission form are available on the Arizona Highway’s website at: .

