2026 Adventures in Nature Student Photo Contest
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.
GALLERY
Displaying 205 - 216 of 451
Photo by Shawn Brewton
I saw this beautiful flower and I knew I just had to take a picture.
Location: On my school campus
Photo by Katelyn Divjak
Two baby hummingbirds sat in the nest of a tree.
Location: Vail, Arizona
Photo by Chloe Zimbelman
Two otters cuddling and cooling off together.
Location: Tucson, AZ
Photo by Valentina Cheno
I was outside of Pantano High school campus and there was a field of flowers so as I was wondering around taking pictures this flower caught my eye and the small bug was perfectly still siting on the flower and I knew it was the perfect opportunity to take this picture.
Location: Tucson
Photo by Christopher Harris
One day at Andrada High-school our class was out taking photos, during a dry hot day. After nearly an entire hour of being outside, we were making the journey back inside, when a ParaPro that is in my class spotted some tree sap, and with only minutes left, I was able to capture the true essence of this tree sap.
Location: Andrada Highschool
Photo by Christopher John DeJesus
During spring, I was wandering around with my camera searching for any interesting subject I could find when I noticed a vibrang butterfly floating around. I approached it slowly and took shots for several minutes. For a butterfly, it was incredibly cooperative, practically posing for photos.
Location: Tucson
Photo by Finlay Hill
A once in a lifetime catch of a beautiful Painted Lady Butterfly sitting upon a gorgeous purple flower.
Location: Andrada Polytechnic Highschool
Photo by Christopher John DeJesus
During a photography assignment, I noticed a small butterfly circling flowers on a bush behind my school. I spent around 10 minutes crouched down taking various shots as it crawled all over the flowers until I ended up with this detailed shot.
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Photo by Mason Gonzales
A portrait picture taken of a chicken.
Location: Campo Verde Highschool
Photo by Finlay Hill
A photo of a Notch-leaved phacelia flower, in a perfect bloom for the spring.
Location: Andrada Polytechnic High School
Photo by Christopher Harris
One day during class we were outside taking pictures near the school and there were butterflies surrounding a flower, relaxing on it. I stayed silent and got close, and I took the picture, capturing a rare moment of peace in the world.
Location: Andrada Highschool
Photo by Chloe Zimbelman
A snowy day during winter on Mount Lemmon, still full of warmth.
Location: Tucson, AZ