1ST PLACE
La Virgen, Angel Lopez
“I contacted the Albuquerque Isotopes to attend one of their biggest annual evenings to build my portfolio, and they happily accommodated my request. I arrived early and was allowed into the venue to snap some shots during setup, as many lowrider owners were polishing the exteriors of the cars and testing the hydraulics. I met and talked with numerous lowrider aficionados as we hid from the blistering sun during the record heat that day.
I saw this air freshener dangling in the light and instantly framed the shot while speaking with the owner. Its scent could be noticed as you walked by the open windows. Passionfruit. Normally, when you see La Virgen, the vibrant colors catch your eye. However, this air freshener was monochromatic, so it was easy to edit the photo as such. Stripping away any distractions, the image instantly became cultural nostalgia of lowrider identity in New Mexico.” —Angel Lopez
2ND PLACE
The Guard Dog, Matthew Pollard
“I am an amateur photographer based in Las Cruces. I was at the Borderland Car Show & Food Truck Festival this August in Las Cruces and saw this beautiful brown chihuahua standing in front of one of the fancy lowriders that was being displayed. I met the dog and her family, all very friendly. The dog's name is Robin, and she is 10 years old. She was originally a rescue dog from Georgia and has lived in New Mexico for six years.”—Matthew Pollard
3RD PLACE
Warmth & Innocence, Chanel Flores
“Warmth and Innocence fits because Lanelle, my little muse, brings tenderness to every frame. Between shots, she kept reaching for the water, and I teased that we still had work to do. Then, with her playful confidence, she said, ‘Don't worry I got a blanket!’ Moments later she was already wrapped in it—glowing with pure childhood joy. I snapped fast and caught a moment I never could’ve planned, born entirely on her whim. She keeps me on my toes, reminding me that life doesn’t need a script; the best things appear when we let go and let innocence lead.”—Chanel Flores
HONORABLE MENTION
When Dreams Take Flight, Luis Saenz
“I captured this moment at the 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta during one of the glowing evenings that make New Mexico’s skies come alive. I had driven from Jemez Springs to see the spectacle, camera in hand, wandering through a field of color and heat. Amid the crowd, a young boy caught my eye—kneeling, arm outstretched toward the flames, as if he were the one powering the balloon with his imagination. In that instant, the magic of childhood and the wonder of our New Mexico skies came together, reminding me how imagination can still light up the night.”—Luis Saenz
HONORABLE MENTION
The Hat, Jean Templeton
“I had no idea I had actually captured this shot your magazine has chosen until I got home and realized the main subjects were really the angry bull and a lone hat. It wasn’t until the moment I actually saw this photo and I began to process it in Lightroom that I realized just how important those rodeo clowns really are and what a dangerous occupation they have. Until that moment of insight, as a photographer at the rodeo, I had just wanted them to get out of the way of my shots.”—Jean Templeton
SEE FOR YOURSELF
For the 10th consecutive year, Tularosa Basin Gallery of Photography, in Carrizozo, will host an exhibition featuring the winners. The opening weekend, January 30–February 1, includes artist appearances and refreshments. As the largest photo gallery in the state, Tularosa Basin Gallery features the work of more than 40 New Mexico photographers. The gallery is open Friday through Sunday and by appointment.