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