Congratulations 2025 Winners

Thank you to each and every one of you who entered this year’s George Masa Youth Conservation Photography Prize. We were genuinely inspired by the passion and creativity you brought to your work. This year, 406 students from 27 states shared their perspectives on the natural world, an extraordinary response that shows how closely young people are paying attention to the places around them.

Congratulations to all of our winners, whose photographs will be featured and celebrated for their skill, creativity, and thoughtful approach to conservation themes. Whether you were selected as a finalist or not, each of you contributed something meaningful. Your images remind us of the beauty, complexity, and importance of the landscapes, waters, and wildlife that shape our daily lives.

Thank you for being part of this year’s contest. We are grateful for your participation and look forward to seeing where your creative journeys lead next.

Wildlife

1st Place – Hidden Beauty, James Velasquez

2nd Place – Eyes of the Wild, Kason Whitehead

3rd Place – A Rhino in My Garden, Elizabeth Honey

Landscape

1st Place – Mountain View, Gus Kraker

2nd Place – Rays of Life, James Velasquez

3rd Place – Virga, Andrew Fote

Water

1st Place – Calm Waves, Lily Grams

2nd Place – The Gorge, Andrew Fote

3rd Place – Whispers of Rain, Caitlyn Herkert

Changing Environments

1st Place – Stone Walled Lifeline, Jacob Higgs

2nd Place – Walking On Water, Nora Asakenas

3rd Place - Polluted Home, Avery Tillford

Conservation in Action

1st Place – Safekeeping Beauty, Keilana Langston

2nd Place – Honorably Discharged, Nicholas Swann

3rd Place – Conservation in Action, Lucas Matthews

Wildlife

1st Place – Predator and Prey, Claire Fillon

2nd Place – Shower Time, Zackary Beguin

3rd Place – Frozen in Flight, Owen O’Connor

Landscape

1st Place – In the Wake of the Sun, Zachary Beguin

2nd Place – Air Time, Ceylian Pache

3rd Place – Vestrahorn, Landon Campbell

Water

1st Place – Reflection of the Forest, Finn Johnson

2nd Place – River of Light, Norah Swann

3rd Place – In the Northern Silence, Zachary Beguin

Changing Environments

1st Place – Tread, Kiy Barry

2nd Place – Concrete Intrusion, Ellie Matheson

3rd Place – Iron River, Ayeza Moheet

Conservation in Action

1st Place – Smoky Smokies, Norah Swann

2nd Place – The Birds Still Fly, Calix Dela Santa

3rd Place - Appreciating Nature, Kelvin Anash