Montana Wilderness Association (MWA) today announced the winners of the 12th annual Picture Wild Montana Photo Contest.
The theme of this year’s contest was “The Joy of the Wild.” MWA encouraged participants to submit photos highlighting the connection Montanans feel to our public lands, waters, and wildlife while also showcasing the joy of exploring Montana’s wilderness areas, state parks, national forests, wilderness study areas, and other public lands.
Since 2009, thousands of amateur and professional photographers from across the state have participated in the Picture Wild Montana Photo Contest. This year, more than 160 photographers submitted 600 photos in total.
Prizes for this year’s first- and second-place winners include gear from Montana-based MWA sponsors Mystery Ranch and Obōz Footwear. The third-place winner will receive swag from MWA, including apparel, a “Keep It Wild” water bottle, stickers, and more.
Submissions were judged by Luke Duran, art director at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ “Montana Outdoors” magazine. While great composition and skilled technique played a role in his decision, Duran says that it’s the sum of all the elements captured in League’s photo that makes it special.
“This is a technically masterful photo, with gorgeous composition, a compelling visual story, and lots of elements to gaze upon,” says Duran. “The image answers the call of the theme with a sort of quiet, contemplative joy – almost like a mediation in a natural, serene space.”
High-resolution versions of the winning photos are hyperlinked above. If you’d like to be connected with the winners for an interview, please reach out to Keely Damara at kdamara@wildmontana.org.
