JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 14, 2025 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is excited to announce the winners for the 2025 MoDNR Photo Contest. This annual competition invites amateur photographers of all ages to explore and capture the stunning beauty of Missouri’s natural resources, showcasing the state’s vibrant landscapes and diverse outdoor activities.
This year, over 400 entries were submitted, highlighting Missouri's unique state parks, breathtaking scenery, weather phenomena, wildlife, and the joy of outdoor recreation. These photographs not only showcase Missouri’s natural beauty, but also encourage all of us to visit, appreciate and protect our natural resources.
The winning photographs can be found on our Missouri Resources magazine website at missouriresources.mo.gov. In addition, winning photos will be on display at the Womans Building at the 2026 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
Natural Resources Category:
- First Place: “Just Missed” by Ivan Leung of Ballwin
- Second Place: “Lightning Strikes at Danville CA” by Dan Zarlenga of Florissant
- Third Place: “Watchful Eye” by Joe Fasig of Farmington
- Honorable Mention: “Morning Woodland” by John Taylor of Ballwin
People Enjoying Missouri’s Outdoors Category:
- First Place: “Happily Exploring the Cotton Field” by Lyndsey Neely of Bernie
- Second Place: “Nice to Meet You, Mr. Turtle” by Diana Holt of Fredricktown
- Third Place: “Treats for Donkey” by Beverly McDaniel of Willow Springs
- Honorable Mention: “Fatherhood” by Joshua Roundy of Kansas City
Unique Places Category:
- First Place: “Sandy Creek Shade” by Ray Huskey of DeSoto
- Second Place: “Tavern Conversation” by Tony D. Cook of Fayette
- Third Place: “Milkyway Over Elephant Rocks” by David Bond of Catawissa
- Honorable Mention: “Autumn Katy Trail” by Bob Crow of Hartsburg
The 2026 photo contest will open April 1, 2026. For more information about the MoDNR Photo Contest, visit dnr.mo.gov/photo-contest.