A dramatic sky with dark, swirling clouds dominates the image as a group of horses run across a green field. The sun sets on the horizon, casting a golden glow.

1ST PLACE

Into the Light, Timothy Baca

“This photo captures a high-energy burst across the eastern New Mexico plains, where a group of horses charge forward, manes whipping and hooves stirring dust into the fading light. Overhead, the sky churns with dramatic layers of storm clouds, their dark textures streaked with fire as the sun smolders low on the horizon, painting the scene in blazing oranges and deep twilight blues.” —Timothy Baca

A dynamic landscape with blurred motion effect; a river runs through earthy tones under an expansive, cloudy sky.

2ND PLACE

Abiquiú Dream, Rob Lang

“Abqiuiú Dream was created in camera and not in postproduction. I create dreamlike imagery by moving with the landscape. The colors are natural, and movements are shaped by how I choose to explore the landscape with my camera and body.” —Rob Lang

Black and white image of tall grass waving in the foreground with blurred, shadowy mountains in the background.

3RD PLACE

Bosque Grass at Chupadera, Uwe Schroeter

“The Chupadera Mountains, a small wilderness area in central New Mexico, provide a splendid backdrop for images created at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.” —Uwe Schroeter

Misty landscape of a hill with sparse, bare trees protruding through dense fog.

HONORABLE MENTION

Above the Fog, David Turning

“A winter arctic blast was forecast, so I headed up to the Sacramento Mountains, hoping for some cool atmospheric conditions or maybe a snowstorm to photograph. I ended up in an area where a forest fire had burned back in 2000, and as the fog from the winter storm rolled in, my view of the hills and dead, standing trees across the way were constantly changing. I took image after image of the ever-changing scene; this turned out to be one of my favorites from that evening.” —David Turning

A single green tree dusted with snow stands resiliently on smooth red rock formations.

HONORABLE MENTION

Quiet Wintering, Igal Brener

“I am consistently drawn to the sight of trees thriving in New Mexico's rocky desert landscapes. This photograph was captured during a hike in a red-rock area of western New Mexico, coinciding with an unexpected snowstorm. The conditions were exceptional: snow was actively falling, coating the leaves of the trees, and creating a vivid contrast with the exposed earth. To compose the image, I focused on the interplay between the strong shape of the tree and the highly textural and detailed surface of the background rocks, further enhancing the visual impact through the powerful juxtaposition of dominant colors: the brown-red rocks, the green foliage, and the white of the new snow.” —Igal Brener

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.