1ST PLACE
In Omi’s Garden, Joaquin Martinez (above)
“My daughter spends most Sundays with her Omi (grandmother), and helps her to tend the chickens and the vegetable and flower garden. She and the chickens have really gotten to know each other. I took this photo as Luna was singing a sweet song to "Omlette" as she cooed back in a very graceful duet.” —Joaquin Martinez
2ND PLACE
Sky City Buffalo Ram Dancer, Eric Newnam
"Although I live in California, I find myself driving over to take in the magic of the desert Southwest pretty often, due to having family in New Mexico. I had the opportunity to watch a public performance of the Sky City Buffalo and Ram Dancers while in Albuquerque. They happened to be in close proximity to the balloon field, which I was visiting at the time, and made a special effort to spend as much time as I could to take in the mysterious symbolic sights and movements that were being presented. I also aimed to present and show the form and the movement with the imagery that I was making. I tried to get away from a purely documentary representation and speak to the sense and the feeling of it." —Eric Newnam
3RD PLACE
Tribal Enlightenment, Michael Edminster
“I seldom miss a chance to attend the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque. Prior to the pandemic, when the event was put on temporary pause, the strong Native American community of New Mexico attracted Indigenous folks from around the world to enjoy dancing, music, and the pleasure of each other's company. Stationing myself in an area with good lighting, I love to photograph the entry processions and dancing. I hope this image captures the spirit of a Plains Dancer after a competition." —Michael Edminster
HONORABLE MENTION
Chama 455, Jim Shepka
In the photograph Chama 455, Rio Rancho–based photographer Jim Shepka captures a Cumbres and Toltec train engineer venting steam from Engine 455.
HONORABLE MENTION
Zuni Silversmith, Will Keener
"Working on a plank table next to an outside window in his Zuni Pueblo home, Vincent Hooee cuts, grinds, braises, twists, shapes and polishes his creations from silver and gemstone. A grandfather and great-grandfather, Hooee has been working with jewelry—a family tradition—since he was 16. His rings, bracelets, pins, and necklaces are sold to buyers in Zuni and nearby Gallup to help support his family. I've known Hooee for several years and was invited to a session at his workbench as he crafted a butterfly pin." —Will Keener