A branding iron with smoke rising from it is held against the hide of a cow.

1ST PLACE

Up in SmokeTwyla Sisneros

"Up in Smoke was taken in May 2024 at our annual branding in Colonias. Branding pictures have become some of my favorite photos as they show the lifestyle my family loves and enjoys. Colonias has been our home since 2001 and has been my husband’s family home for many years as they are heirs of the Anton Chico Land Grant. The brand pictured was originally registered to my late father-in-law, Silvano Sisneros, but has since changed to Sisneros Cattle." —Twyla Sisneros

Little Cowboy by Rachel Rose

2ND PLACE

Little Cowboy, Rachel Rose

"Just east of Mule Creek, New Mexico, I found myself caught behind a school bus on my way home from a camping trip. At one of its stops, a little boy in a cowboy hat hopped off and crossed the road with pure New Mexico charm. I couldn’t resist capturing this small but mighty moment on the open road." —Rachel Rose

Through the Storm by Trisha Hughes

3RD PLACE

Through the Storm, Trisha Hughes

"The photograph was taken in southern New Mexico while driving home to Albuquerque from Alamogordo after attending a Celebration of Life for my beloved mother-in-law. As we drove into a powerful desert rainstorm, the sky ahead was dark and brooding, yet illuminated by a sliver of sunset that remained. When we glanced behind us, we were struck by the sight of a beautiful rainbow arching across the sky. It felt like a symbol of hope emerging from the storm, a moment of unexpected beauty amid the difficult journey. The rainbow, appearing in the aftermath of the storm, became a poignant reminder that even in the most trying times, there is potential for renewal and light. Like the storm, grief and hardship can seem overwhelming, but they can also give way to healing and clarity over time. The rainbow serves as a promise that after the storm, there is always the possibility of something brighter on the horizon, offering a sense of peace and hope for the road ahead." —Trisha Hughes

Kitchen Vignette by Evalyn Bemis

HONORABLE MENTION

Kitchen Vignette, Evalyn Bemis 

"The photo was shot on April 30, 2021, at my house using my iPhone 7. I loved the juxtaposition of the shadow of the potted geranium in my kitchen window with the sliced pear. Fruit and vegetable shots always make me think of Edward Weston’s black-and-white pepper. I also have an ongoing project called "Like-Unlike," where I create a diptych with two disparate images that make a strong visual contrast or comparison." —Evalyn Bemis

The House that Built Me, Lindsay Damron

HONORABLE MENTION

The House that Built Me, Lindsay Damron

"We were driving north, heading up to Angel Fire for the weekend, when this window caught my eye from the passenger seat. I instructed the person I was with to turn the car around so I could take a photo. I made the image black and white because it spoke to me more. It accentuates the aged adobe, the detail in the lace window curtain, and the dilapidated structure. While this isn't my home, it reminds me of home. Growing up in northern New Mexico, adobe is such a staple in the culture. This building reminds me of my great-grandmother, Bernadita "Bernie" Valdes De Martinez. The cracked adobe reminded me of her aged hands—hands that created, built, cooked, worked, and raised her family. She contributed to raising me and is so much of who I am today." —Lindsay Damron