Arizona students awarded $10,000 in nature photo contest

PHOENIX – Students from around the state of Arizona impressed professional photographers in the 11th Annual “Adventures in Nature” Student Photo Contest, a partnership amongst The Nature Conservancy in Arizona, Arizona Highways magazine and Arizona’s Family.

“For almost a century now, Arizona Highways has been showcasing the beauty of the state,” said Robert Stieve, the magazine’s editor. “There’s a lot to be proud of, including our co-sponsorship of this wonderful photo contest. Every year it’s exciting to see the images come in and think about how much effort went into making them. And that’s one of the most important aspects of this — to get the kids off of the couch and into the great outdoors. They work hard. And it really shows.”

What started as a Tucson competition has expanded across the state. This year, more than 400 talented Arizonans, ages 13-18, entered nearly 700 photos taken right here in Arizona.

“Over the years, our Adventures in Nature Student Photo Contest has blossomed, showcasing the immense talent of student photographers across our state,” said TNC Arizona State Director Daniel Stellar. “Arizona Highways, a founding partner, has been instrumental in its success while also offering professional feedback and guidance to the promising photographers. Additionally, over the past seven years, Cox Communications has generously awarded $70,000 in cash prizes. The contest provides a meaningful experience for the students and each year the caliber of photos continues to impress!”

This year, Jessica Finnie of Peoria took home first place for “Reprimand” (pictured above). In her application she stated, “This picture captures two wild mustangs engaged in a fierce chase. Mustangs establish their dominance within the social hierarchy of a herd and reprimand younger stallions who challenge their rank. In this photograph, the younger horse is being reprimanded by the reigning mustang.”

This year, Jessica Finnie of Peoria took home first place for “Reprimand” (pictured above). In... — This year, Jessica Finnie of Peoria took home first place for “Reprimand” (pictured above). In her application she stated, “This picture captures two wild mustangs engaged in a fierce chase.(Jessica Finnie/TNC 2024 Student Photo Contest)

Coming in second and third place, respectively, were last year’s winner, Arianna DuPont of Tucson for “Life Finds a Way” and Aidan Yu of Chandler for “Egret Entrance.” Last year, Aidan won an honorable mention for each of his two submissions.

Winners receive up to $10,000 in prize money. The breakdown is $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place and $1,000 for third place. All honorable mentions earn $250. They are:

Tanner Marsh, Gilbert, AZ - “Least Bittern”
Andrea Guardi, Vail, AZ - “A Fire in the Sky”
Presley Gyuro, Tucson, AZ - “Chubby Cheeks”
Katie Piscopo, Gilbert, AZ - “Macro of a Flower”
Tobi Lindsay, Vail, AZ - “The Yellow-Stare”
Norah Schwimmer, Scottsdale, AZ - “Sonoran Storm”
Owen Waggoner, Surprise, AZ – “Milkyway Over Monument Valley”

See the top 10 winners’ photos here.

This year’s judges were Arizona Highways magazine photo editor Jeff Kida, Phoenix-based professional photographers Suzanne Mathia and Mark Skalny and former UA president turned current Chairperson of Large Synoptic Survey Telescope Corporation (LSST) and acclaimed photographer John Schaefer.

To learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s work in Arizona, please visit //nature.org/Arizona.

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