1ST PLACE
NEW MEXICO EXPERIENCE
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
1ST PLACE
LANDSCAPES
Into the Light, Timothy Baca
“This photo captures a high-energy burst across the eastern New Mexico plains, where a group of horses charges forward, manes whipping and hooves stirring dust into the fading light. Overhead, the sky churns with dramatic layers of storm clouds.” —Timothy Baca
1ST PLACE
WILDLIFE
Rush of the Rut, Grayson Kemp
“I had followed this herd deep into the Valles Caldera before dawn, moving low through the brush to keep my presence quiet. For a long while, everything was still. Then the bull gave a herding call, and the cows surged toward him in a rush of hooves and motion. But he held his ground.” —Grayson Kemp
1ST PLACE
MOBILE
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
1ST PLACE
NIGHTSCAPES
Millions of Miles Apart, Cosetta Lewis
“Dragon Ridge, Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS, and the Milky Way aligned to paint Deming’s dark skies with magic—a once-in-a-lifetime show. Each night while the comet graced the heavens, I chased the stars from a new horizon, composing fresh perspectives beneath the vast silence. This image became one of my favorites—a moment of stillness, just breathing in the quiet brilliance of the universe.” —Cosetta Lewis
1ST PLACE
PEOPLE
Rodeo Wrangler, Jim Shepka
“I captured this Americana-themed image as the wranglers entered the arena at the annual Fourth of July Freedom Rodeo, held at the Tamaya Horse Rehab facility. I wanted to express additional movement, so I intentionally dragged the shutter—all while focusing on the flag while panning. Using a 1/30-second shutter speed, coupled with the sunrays to the right and Sandia Peak in the background, resulted in what you see here.” —Jim Shepka
1ST PLACE
NEW MEXICO’S ROUTE 66/HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS
Neon Lights, Blue Swallow Motel, Reece Parker
“The Blue Swallow Motel, located in Tucumcari, has an amazing array of brightly colored neon lights. In this shot, I was drawn to the reflection of the iconic Blue Swallow Motel sign as seen in the chrome of a classic 1950s Hudson Hornet.” —Reece Parker
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.