2026 Adventures in Nature Student Photo Contest

“Reprieve” by Max Tuttle/Honorable Mention in the 2025 student photo contest, is a photo of a green and purple hummingbird against a dark backdrop.

Photograph by Max Tuttle

The Nature Conservancy in Arizona, in partnership with Arizona Highways Magazine, presents the 13th 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 1st and March 31st, 2026, and the top 10 winners will be announced on a virtual awards ceremony on April 16th, 2026. All contestants will receive a Zoom invitation by email. See last year’s winners here.

Prizes:
1st place — $5,000
2nd place — $2,500
3rd place — $1,000
7 honorable mentions — $250 each

Please view the updated OFFICIAL RULES before submitting entries.

FacebookX
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 Parent/Guardian email address (required)
Enter your phone number
Enter Parent/Guardian phone number (required)
I agree to the contest rules and understand that submitting more than two photos or submitting unoriginal work will result in 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 signing below, I agree to all the terms of this Liability Release and Waiver agreement on behalf of myself and the minor participant listed below.

GALLERY

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Photo by Raina Hunter | A Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) sunbathing in the August heat and showing off his vivid colours.

Photo by Raina Hunter

A Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) sunbathing in the August heat and showing off his vivid colours.

Location: Sweetwater Wetlands, AZ

Photo by Tanner Robertson |

Photo by Tanner Robertson

Location: Sedona, Chicken Point Trail

Photo by Justin Caputo | A person standing atop some rocks they climbed looking off into the distance

Photo by Justin Caputo

A person standing atop some rocks they climbed looking off into the distance

Location: White Pocket

Photo by Tanner Robertson |

Photo by Tanner Robertson

Location: Sedona

Photo by Kody Sierra | Mountain/Rock formation showing reflection in the water below

Photo by Kody Sierra

Mountain/Rock formation showing reflection in the water below

Location: White Pocket AZ

Photo by Jose Ramirez |

Photo by Jose Ramirez

Location: Flowing Well High School

Photo by Jose Ramirez |

Photo by Jose Ramirez

Location: Tucson, Airzona

Photo by Joel Festger | Sheltered within a cradle of branches, a baby mourning dove rests quietly in its nest.

Photo by Joel Festger

Sheltered within a cradle of branches, a baby mourning dove rests quietly in its nest.

Location: Tucson

Photo by Joel Festger | A towering saguaro stands watch over the quiet desert as warm light spills across the rugged slopes of Split Peak, capturing the strength, stillness, and timeless beauty of the Southwest.

Photo by Joel Festger

A towering saguaro stands watch over the quiet desert as warm light spills across the rugged slopes of Split Peak, capturing the strength, stillness, and timeless beauty of the Southwest.

Location: Tucson

Photo by Bryce C Shumate | I went on a trip down to Reddington pass where i saw these beautiful flowers. i walked over to them and picked them up, but i what i didn't know was that there was a very yellow spider on those flowers. When i saw the spider i got spooked by it and threw it down on the ground but realised that it would be a great photo to take so i did.

Photo by Bryce C Shumate

I went on a trip down to Reddington pass where i saw these beautiful flowers. i walked over to them and picked them up, but i what i didn't know was that there was a very yellow spider on those flowers. When i saw the spider i got spooked by it and threw it down on the ground but realised that it would be a great photo to take so i did.

Location: reddington pass

Photo by Korina Loyola Nido |

Photo by Korina Loyola Nido

Location: Flowing Wells High School

Photo by Isac Dominguez |

Photo by Isac Dominguez

Location: Arizona, Tucson