Arizona Students Showcase Photography Skills in Annual Nature Contest

Arizona students are making their mark in the 11th Annual “Adventures in Nature” Student Photo Contest, leaving professional photographers impressed with their talent. In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy in Arizona, Arizona Highways magazine, and Arizona’s Family, this photo contest aims to highlight the state’s beauty while encouraging young photographers to explore the great outdoors.

The contest, which began as a local competition in Tucson, has grown to encompass talented individuals from all across Arizona. This year, over 400 students between the ages of 13-18 submitted almost 700 stunning photographs, all taken within the state borders.

The organizers of the contest are proud of the growth they have witnessed over the years. Daniel Stellar, TNC Arizona State Director, emphasizes the importance of Arizona Highways’ partnership, as they provide valuable guidance and feedback to the young photographers. Additionally, Cox Communications has been a generous sponsor, awarding $70,000 in cash prizes over the past seven years.

Claiming the first-place title is Jessica Finnie of Peoria, with her captivating photo titled “Reprimand.” The image showcases two wild mustangs engaged in a fierce chase, depicting the dominant horse reprimanding a younger challenger. Finnie’s application eloquently describes the dynamics of the moment captured.

Other notable winners include Arianna DuPont of Tucson, who secured second place with her photo titled “Life Finds a Way,” and Aidan Yu of Chandler, who took third place with “Egret Entrance.” Each winner will receive a generous cash prize, with the first-place winner taking home $5,000.

The contest also recognizes several honorable mentions, highlighting the talent of even more Arizona students. Their diverse photographs range from capturing the beauty of nature to intriguing close-ups. The judges for this year’s competition were esteemed professionals from Arizona Highways magazine and renowned photographer John Schaefer.

These young photographers have not only showcased their skills but also discovered the wonder of Arizona’s natural landscapes. The “Adventures in Nature” Student Photo Contest continues to inspire and fuel the passion for photography among Arizona’s students, leaving a lasting impact on their artistic journeys.

FAQ Section:

Q: What is the “Adventures in Nature” Student Photo Contest?
A: The “Adventures in Nature” Student Photo Contest is an annual photography competition for students in Arizona. It aims to highlight the state’s beauty and encourage young photographers to explore the great outdoors.

Q: How many students participated in the contest?
A: Over 400 students between the ages of 13-18 participated in this year’s contest.

Q: How many photographs were submitted?
A: Almost 700 photographs were submitted by the participating students.

Q: Who are the organizers of the contest?
A: The contest is organized by The Nature Conservancy in Arizona, Arizona Highways magazine, and Arizona’s Family.

Q: Are there any notable sponsors?
A: Cox Communications has been a generous sponsor, awarding $70,000 in cash prizes over the past seven years.

Q: Who won the first-place title?
A: Jessica Finnie of Peoria won the first-place title with her photo titled “Reprimand”.

Q: Who were the second and third-place winners?
A: The second-place winner is Arianna DuPont of Tucson with her photo titled “Life Finds a Way”, and the third-place winner is Aidan Yu of Chandler with “Egret Entrance”.

Q: What prizes do the winners receive?
A: Each winner will receive a generous cash prize, with the first-place winner receiving $5,000.

Q: Who were the judges for this year’s competition?
A: The judges for this year’s competition were professionals from Arizona Highways magazine and renowned photographer John Schaefer.

Q: What is the impact of the contest on the students?
A: The contest not only showcases the skills of the young photographers but also helps them discover the wonder of Arizona’s natural landscapes, inspiring and fueling their passion for photography.

Definitions:

1. “Adventures in Nature” Student Photo Contest: An annual photography competition in Arizona for students that aims to highlight the state’s beauty and encourages young photographers to explore the great outdoors.

2. The Nature Conservancy (TNC): An organization that works to conserve land and water to protect the planet’s biodiversity.

3. Arizona Highways magazine: A publication that focuses on showcasing the natural beauty and unique culture of Arizona.

4. Cox Communications: A telecommunications company that has been a generous sponsor of the contest, awarding cash prizes.

5. Peoria: A city located in Maricopa County, Arizona.

6. Tucson: A city located in Pima County, Arizona.

7. Chandler: A city located in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Suggested Related Links:

The Nature Conservancy

Arizona Highways magazine

Cox Communications