2025 Adventures in Nature Student Photo Contest

A white horse chases a brown horse at top speed through a green and scrubby setting, getting close enough to bite. By Jessica Finnie

2024 First Place photograph by Jessica Finnie

The Nature Conservancy in Arizona, in partnership with Arizona Highways and Arizona's Family,

presents the

12th Annual “Adventures in Nature” Student Photo Contest

Students aged 13-18 are invited to enter up to two photos that capture Arizona’s beauty and wildlife for a chance to win cash prizes. The contest is open for submissions between March 1-31, 2025,  and the top 10 winners will be announced on a virtual awards ceremony on April 17th, 2025. All contestants will receive a Zoom invitation by email.

See last year’s winners here.

Prizes:
First place - $5,000
Second place - $2,500
Third place - $1,000
7 Honorable Mentions - $250 each

Please view OFFICIAL RULES before submitting entries. 

Sponsored by The Nature Conservancy, Arizona's Family TV and Arizona Highways

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We will begin accepting submissions on March 1st, 2025.
Displaying 337 - 348 of 466

Photo by Simon Alter

A fallen tree sits in the creek, creating a diversion. Its roots tangle and cling to the dry soil of the creek bed. Throught raging water or calm streams, this remnant remains.

Location: Sabino Creek, Tucson AZ

Photo by Trisdan Moreland

I have always loved the architecture behind dams. After learning about the Roosevelt Dam in history class, seeing it in person made the connection real for me. I had my love of history, engineering and architecture in one photograph.

Location: Roosevelt Dam

Photo by Paisyn Orr

I went on a hike with friends and captured a moment where the water is falling and it drops in water with wet rocks.

Location: Payson

Photo by Caleb Burton

I found this Bumble Bee and Pineywoods Geranium (Geranium caespitosum) while hiking through a trail in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

Location: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Alpine AZ

Photo by Wilhelm Huber

Captured on Mt. Lemmon in the Coronado National Forest, this sunset bathes the rugged landscape in warm hues of orange and gold. Framed by towering pines, the snow-covered ground contrasts with the fading light, showcasing the serene beauty of Arizona’s Sky Islands. This moment reflects the quiet grandeur of nature, where the wilderness meets the sky in a breathtaking display.

Location: Mt. Lemmon, Tucson

Photo by Aria saucedo

A picture of a cactus on my campus on my first day of taking photos

Location: Tuscon flowing wells high school

Photo by Jayk Wells

Cross at sunset

Location: Cave Creek

Photo by Maya Martinez

This photograph was taken during sunrise in February. This Great Horned Owl flew into my backyard that morning and perched itself on a branch of our very large mesquite tree. As I was trying to photograph this owl, my dog caught its attention and its eyes followed my dog leading it to make direct eye contact with my camera lens.

Location: Vail, Arizona

Photo by Braeden Lambert

A towering cumulus cloud ascends dramatically over the Arizona sky, its sunlit edges glowing against deep shadows, while silhouetted trees and a lone cactus anchor the vast desert landscape.



A towering cumulus cloud ascends dramatically over the Arizona sky, its sunlit edges glowing against deep shadows, while silhouetted trees and a lone cactus anchor the vast desert landscape.




Location: Loop 101

Photo by Natalie Gallardo

This photo of a Vermilion flycatcher was capture on a branch surrounded by many twigs. The bright color of the bird, draws the viewers eye to the bird.

Location: Desert Horizon Park, Phoenix

Photo by Nevaeh Ruiz

A tiny hummingbird flying near my backyard hummingbird feeder. Image taken at my house, 14410 North 44th Street Phoenix, AZ

Location: My backyard, Phoenix.

Photo by Olivia Kauffman

Sunset at Lookout Mountain with a contrasting element using Arizona nature to create a silhouette.

Location: Lookout Mountain