FOR THE PAST 23 YEARS, New Mexico Magazine’s annual photo contest has highlighted the state’s natural beauty, culture, people, diversity, and unique charm. Last year, amateur photographers from all over the country participated and submitted more than 2,400 entries for our consideration.

The 2024 photo contest begins July 1, 2023, and ends September 15, 2023. The winners will be revealed in the January/February 2024 issue of the magazine. Subscribe today so you don’t miss out! Click here for official photo contest rules. 

THERE ARE SIX THEMED PHOTO CATEGORIES:

  • People: The characters that make the state.
  • Landscapes: Our epic land and sky, framed beautifully.
  • Animals: All creatures with fins, feathers, scales, or fur.
  • New Mexico Experience: A focus on the unique elements of New Mexico life.
  • Mobile: If you're capturing the magic of New Mexico through mobile phone photography, this category is for you. Note: Photographs taken with your phone or other mobile device are eligible for entry in all categories.
  • Nightscapes: Showing off the enchantment of New Mexico at night.

One grand prize winner will be chosen for the photograph that captures the true essence of New Mexico. Four winners will be chosen from each category and all contest entries will be entered for a random drawing. One People's Choice winner will be determined by online voting.

Thank you to our generous sponsors: La Fonda on the Plaza, Restoration PizzaBosque Brewing,  Wayne Suggs PhotographyThe Hatch Chile Store, World Balloon.

A PRIZE FOR THE PEOPLE!

Everyone who enters the contest will be entered to win one of ten random drawings. 

  • Five people will be selected to win a $25 gift certificate to Bosque Brewing.
  • Five people will be selected to win a $25 gift certificate to Restoration Pizza.

THE GRAND PRIZE 

  • Wayne Suggs Photography Online Processing Session ($400 value)
  • La Fonda Getaway Weekend ($1085 value)
  • World Balloon – Tickets for two (2) for a hot air balloon ride (restrictions apply) ($400 value)

THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE PRIZE

One People’s Choice winner will be awarded to the photograph that receives the most votes online during the designated voting period.

  • World Balloon – Tickets for two (2) for a hot air balloon ride (restrictions apply)

CATEGORY PRIZES

LANDSCAPES:

1st Place

  • World Balloon – Tickets for two (2) for a hot air balloon ride (restrictions apply)
  • Bosque Brewing/Restoration Pizza - $100 gift certificate

2nd Place

  • Bosque Brewing/Restoration Pizza - $200 gift certificate

3rd Place

  • The Hatch Green Chile Store - $100 gift certificate

Honorable Mention

  • New Mexico Magazine Subscription
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Artist Calendar
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Photo Contest Calendar

ANIMALS:

1st Place

  • World Balloon – Tickets for two (2) for a hot air balloon ride (restrictions apply)
  • Bosque Brewing/Restoration Pizza - $100 gift certificate

2nd Place

  • Bosque Brewing/Restoration Pizza - $200 gift certificate

3rd Place

  • The Hatch Green Chile Store - $100 gift certificate

Honorable Mention

  • New Mexico Magazine Subscription
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Artist Calendar
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Photo Contest Calendar

NEW MEXICO EXPERIENCES:

1st Place

  • World Balloon – Tickets for two (2) for a hot air balloon ride (restrictions apply)
  • Bosque Brewing/Restoration Pizza - $100 gift certificate

2nd Place

  • Bosque Brewing/Restoration Pizza - $200 gift certificate

3rd Place

  • The Hatch Green Chile Store - $100 gift certificate

Honorable Mention

  • New Mexico Magazine Subscription
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Artist Calendar
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Photo Contest Calendar

PEOPLE:

1st Place

  • World Balloon – Tickets for two (2) for a hot air balloon ride (restrictions apply)
  • Bosque Brewing/Restoration Pizza - $100 gift certificate

2nd Place

  • Bosque Brewing/Restoration Pizza - $200 gift certificate

3rd Place

  • The Hatch Green Chile Store - $100 gift certificate

Honorable Mention

  • New Mexico Magazine Subscription
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Artist Calendar
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Photo Contest Calendar

MOBILE:

1st Place

  • World Balloon – Tickets for two (2) for a hot air balloon ride (restrictions apply)
  • Bosque Brewing/Restoration Pizza - $100 gift certificate

2nd Place

  • Bosque Brewing/Restoration Pizza - $200 gift certificate

3rd Place

  • The Hatch Green Chile Store - $100 gift certificate

Honorable Mention

  • New Mexico Magazine Subscription
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Artist Calendar
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Photo Contest Calendar

NIGHTSCAPES

1st Place

  • Wayne Suggs Photography Online Workshop/Critique Session ($200 value)
  • World Balloon – Tickets for two (2) for a hot air balloon ride (restrictions apply)

2nd Place

  • Bosque Brewing - $200 gift certificate

3rd Place

  • The Hatch Green Chile Store - $100 gift certificate

Honorable Mention

  • New Mexico Magazine Subscription
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Artist Calendar
  • 2024 New Mexico Magazine Photo Contest Calendar

This year's judges panel:

  • John McCauley, Art and Photography Director, New Mexico Magazine
  • Steve Gleydura, Editor in Chief, New Mexico Magazine
  • Warren Malkerson, owner, Tularosa Basin Gallery of Photography
  • Gabriella Marks, freelance photographer, Treasurer, National Board, American Society of Media Photographer
  • Wayne Suggs, freelance photographer, past contest winner
  • Bryce Turner, graphic designer, New Mexico Tourism Department

Click here for official rules. All prizes are subject to the terms and conditions issued by the providing organization. New Mexico Magazine reserves the right to alter prizes and prize categories as needed.