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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One file only.
5 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png.
Photos must be of locations in Arizona.
Enter short description of photograph
Enter your name (required)
Your Age
Enter your phone number
Enter backup phone number
I hereby certify that this submission follows all contest rules and attempting to submit more than two (2) photographs will result in my immediate disqualification.
As the parent or legal guardian of the minor participant listed above, I hereby agree to the above terms individually myself and on the minor participant's behalf. I further agree that I will be responsible for supervising the minor child for all activities relating to this photography. I release, indemnify and hold harmless The Nature Conservancy and its officers, directors, agents and employees from any and all claims that I or the minor participant may now or hereafter have against any of the aforementioned parties arising out of or in connection with this photography event, including without limitation, any and all claims for invasion of privacy, infringement of any right of publicity, defamation, and any other personal, privacy, and/or property rights or any other rights of any kind. By checking this box, I agree to all the terms of this Liability Release and Waiver agreement on behalf of myself and the minor participant listed.

GALLERY

Displaying 97 - 108 of 232
Photo by isa |

Photo by isa

Location: downtown Tucson

Photo by Grey Brenner | This photograph was taken in a lake in Flagstaff. It portrays a goose swimming in the lake as the water ripples around it.

Photo by Grey Brenner

This photograph was taken in a lake in Flagstaff. It portrays a goose swimming in the lake as the water ripples around it.

Location: Flagstaff, AZ

Photo by Kaden Rogers | I captured a photo of three starlings to show how yet beautiful, also harmful as the starlings are an invasive species I took this photo to open eyes to the harm these beautiful creatures cause to our environment

Photo by Kaden Rogers

I captured a photo of three starlings to show how yet beautiful, also harmful as the starlings are an invasive species I took this photo to open eyes to the harm these beautiful creatures cause to our environment

Location: Phoenix

Photo by Morgan Dormer | This photo captures the beauty of Bell Rock in Sedona, Arizona just before sunset. The lighting is almost golden which brings out the warm colors in the landscape. The path in the foreground adds texture and depth to the photo. The blue of the sky adds contrast implementing an interesting element. The timing of the photo shows a tranquil and timeless feeling.

Photo by Morgan Dormer

This photo captures the beauty of Bell Rock in Sedona, Arizona just before sunset. The lighting is almost golden which brings out the warm colors in the landscape. The path in the foreground adds texture and depth to the photo. The blue of the sky adds contrast implementing an interesting element. The timing of the photo shows a tranquil and timeless feeling.

Location: Bell Rock, Sedona Arizona

Photo by Alexandra Flood | This image captures the Arizona sunset casting beautiful shades over Sedona's iconic Red Mountains while highlighting the essence of the Arizona desert. The distant mountains are visible, with an interplay of light and shadow in the background, filling the sky with soft shades of blue and making a short hike a visually stunning experience in Sedona, Arizona.

Photo by Alexandra Flood

This image captures the Arizona sunset casting beautiful shades over Sedona's iconic Red Mountains while highlighting the essence of the Arizona desert. The distant mountains are visible, with an interplay of light and shadow in the background, filling the sky with soft shades of blue and making a short hike a visually stunning experience in Sedona, Arizona.

Location: Sedona, Arizona

Photo by Simon Alter | These two Saguaros sit and watch the creek, observing, listening, and protecting it. They are the creek's guardians.

Photo by Simon Alter

These two Saguaros sit and watch the creek, observing, listening, and protecting it. They are the creek's guardians.

Location: Sabino Creek, Tucson AZ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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