White Castle, Samuel Escue

1ST PLACE

White Castle, Samuel Escue

“At the trailhead [to Frances Canyon Pueblito], I saw a lone deer leaving the first tracks of the day. Following its path led me to the ruin. Silent, snow-covered, and undisturbed. I lingered there, taking photos and reflecting on the people who built this place high above the canyon.” —Samuel Escue

 

Close-up of dewdrops on green blades of grass at sunrise, with warm sunlight reflecting off a calm water surface in the background.

2ND PLACE

Alameda Sunrise, Peter Beach

“I scouted the trails and found a heavenly private spot of full-on Zen. The only sights and sounds were hummingbirds darting through the tall underbrush, splashing mallards, bathing geese in the foreground, and the northern end of the Sandias in the background.” —Peter Beach

Close-up of a vibrant yellow sunflower with a unique spiral pattern at its center. Some petals are curled inward, while others radiate outward.

3RD PLACE

Secrets of a Sunflower, Kayla Liechty

“I found it interesting how the petals gradually unfolded day by day, seeing many ‘faces’ in each stage of growth. The face I saw on this particular day was either covering its mouth at a secret it was keeping, expressing surprise, or giggling with amusement.” —Kayla Liechty

A solitary tree stands resiliently atop a rocky hill against a partly cloudy sky.

HONORABLE MENTION

Rooted in Stone, Lindsay Damron 

“The photo was taken in Abiquiú, while I was on a hike. I looked up and saw the lone tree dancing with the clouds.” —Lindsay Damron

Close-up of a curled wild grass stem in focus against a blurred backdrop of a serene, colorful sunset sky, evoking a sense of tranquility.

HONORABLE MENTION

Through the Looking Glass, Vic Wiener

“Looking at this photo now, I am struck by the way it captured both the immediate and the distant and the way it simultaneously holds a moment of stillness and a moment of so many transitions—between summer and fall, between day and night, and, for me, between the life I thought I would have and the life I am now rebuilding.” —Vic Wiener​

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.