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

Displaying 13 - 24 of 400
Photo by Archer Williams | The focus on a dark tree in a natural water setting with ducks in the water

Photo by Archer Williams

The focus on a dark tree in a natural water setting with ducks in the water

Location: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Photo by Gianna Carducci |

Photo by Gianna Carducci

Location: Gilbert Arizona

Photo by Sophie Schwertfager | This is a photograph of a Navajo Angora goat I photographed at my very own schools FFA Barn. Navajo Angora goats have a long history in Arizona, they represent a resilient pastoral tradition which was introduced in the late 19th century to Arizona's high desert. They provided mohair for textiles and were integrated into traditional Navajo herds. The Angora goats became a cornerstone of Navajo pastoralism, with mohair and goat milk providing both sustenance and income.

Photo by Sophie Schwertfager

This is a photograph of a Navajo Angora goat I photographed at my very own schools FFA Barn. Navajo Angora goats have a long history in Arizona, they represent a resilient pastoral tradition which was introduced in the late 19th century to Arizona's high desert. They provided mohair for textiles and were integrated into traditional Navajo herds. The Angora goats became a cornerstone of Navajo pastoralism, with mohair and goat milk providing both sustenance and income.

Location: Campo Verde's FFA Barn

Photo by Kamila Chavez | Taken on a school field trip

Photo by Kamila Chavez

Taken on a school field trip

Location: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Photo by Ava Beckwith | Mountain scenery

Photo by Ava Beckwith

Mountain scenery

Location: Superstition Mountains

Photo by Ava Beckwith | Mountain formation with holes indented all over with one giant hole people go to explore

Photo by Ava Beckwith

Mountain formation with holes indented all over with one giant hole people go to explore

Location: Papago Park

Photo by Braedyn Salado | flamingo at the Wildlife World Zoo. Captures a flamboyance and one flamingo spreading out their wings.

Photo by Braedyn Salado

flamingo at the Wildlife World Zoo. Captures a flamboyance and one flamingo spreading out their wings.

Location: Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park, AZ

Photo by Ofelia Slatara Sudano | Sandhill Cranes dance across the early morning sky in an arrow formation.

Photo by Ofelia Slatara Sudano

Sandhill Cranes dance across the early morning sky in an arrow formation.

Location: Cochise Lake

Photo by Izabella Rodriguez |

Photo by Izabella Rodriguez

Location: Flowing Wells High School

Photo by Izabella Rodriguez | This photo shows the reflection of tree branches from a phone screen.

Photo by Izabella Rodriguez

This photo shows the reflection of tree branches from a phone screen.

Location: Flowing Wells High School

Photo by Julie Lashley | This photo shows a Quail posted on a wall, turned towards a clear blue sky, but looking back at what he's leaving behind. It represents the uncertainty and endless opportunities of new adventures, from the point at which you must let go and leave the past behind, taking one last glimpse to take with you into your new horizon.

Photo by Julie Lashley

This photo shows a Quail posted on a wall, turned towards a clear blue sky, but looking back at what he's leaving behind. It represents the uncertainty and endless opportunities of new adventures, from the point at which you must let go and leave the past behind, taking one last glimpse to take with you into your new horizon.

Location: Buckeye, AZ

Photo by Luka Perez | Picture of a chocolate daisy with an ant possibly looking for food.

Photo by Luka Perez

Picture of a chocolate daisy with an ant possibly looking for food.

Location: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch