The 2026 MoDNR Photo Contest

We have our winners!

This year marked the twelfth year of the MoDNR Photo Contest and the 389 entries we received didn’t disappoint.

Published by

Scott Smith

October 9, 2026

The department asked amateur photographers to capture the beauty found in Missouri and selected first, second and third places, as well as honorable mention, in three categories: Natural Resources, Unique Places and People Enjoying Missouri’s Natural Resources.

Congratulations to the winning photographers and all those who participated in the contest. See the top photographs selected in each category and learn about the 2027 MoDNR Photo Contest by visiting the MoDNR Photo Contest webpage.

(Click on the thumbnails below for a larger view and to read more information about each image.)

Natural Resources

A clear sky is the backdrop for an eagle's nest made of twigs woven into the top of a dead, weathered tree. A bald eagle is landing with a bundle of grass in it's talons. In the nest, a baby eagle and it's parent are perched.

First Place, Manny Deida, Longview Lake in Lees Summit: “An adult eagle bringing moss for a cozy home.”

A great blue heron is flying in center frame. The background is a misty view of a calm lake with a dead tree branch poking up out of the water in the foreground.

Second Place, Mitchell Cobb, Perry County Community Lake: ” I took this photo on the foggy morning of May 13th, 2025. The fog was starting to lift a bit and as I fished along the bank in my kayak, I noticed this great blue heron perched on a branch just inside the tree line. It eventually got spooked as I drifted closer to it but I already had my phone ready. I managed to get a lot of great pictures of it as it flew off into the thick fog, this being one of my favorites.”

A creek runs over rocky bottoms surrounded by granite boulders along the shoreline. The small waterfalls flowing over the rocks are soft from the movement of the water captured during the long-exposure photograph.

Third Place, Gene Speed, Lon Sanders Conservation Area: “The old mill ruins on McKenzie Creek, daylight photo taken with an ND filter to slow it down. No magical ai tricks applied…”

The sun sets beyond a calm lake. The fiery sky is almost completely blocked out by thousands of geese flying off into the distance. The number of geese in the flock is almost doubled by their reflection in the mirror-still water below them.

Honorable Mention, David Turner, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge: “It was taken during spring snow goose migration in 2025, shortly after sunrise.”

Unique Places

A paved pathway meanders into the distance under bright late autumn foliage. Large granite boulders covered in lichens line either side of the pathway.

First Place, Robert Craig, Elephant Rocks State Park: “Saw a great photo opportunity while walking in the park in autumn.”

Second Place, Lori Vaughn, Ha Ha Tonka State Park: “Part of the castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park.”

A view of the night sky. The almost totally-eclipsed moon is surrounded by stars and glows a dim red. Below the moon is Dillard Mill, also pained red. In the foreground there are reflections of the sky, treeline and mill in the still water.

Third Place, Dan Zarlenga, Dillard Mill State Historic Site: “The red moon of the March 14, 2025 lunar eclipse hangs over historic Dillard Mill, bringing a dash of red to both Earth and sky.”

An owl sits atop a National Forest recreation area sign against thick foliage in the background.

Honorable Mention, Andrea Crews Martin, Dora: “Owl on sign by Hammond Mill in Dora, MO, after a rain.”

People Enjoying Missouri’s Natural Resources

A woman sits on a paddleboard with her dog. The dog is wet and shaking-off, which is causing water droplets to fly everywhere. The water droplets are glowing in the sunshine while the woman laughs.

First Place, Calvin Clemente, Simpson Park in St. Louis County: “A late evening paddle turned into a spectacular light show. I love how the sunset caught the water spray mid-air, wrapping the paddler and her dog in a warm, energetic glow. It’s a snapshot of the pure fun you can find out in Missouri’s outdoors.”

An elderly couple stand on a gravel bar on the edge of a river, holding each other. They are looking down river as the sun sets in the distance.

Second Place, Mary Pisoni, Eminence: “We spent a lovely weekend in Eminence Missouri celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. This beautiful sunset along the Jacks Fork River was the perfect way to end a perfect day in the great Missouri outdoors.”

Two children sit on the top edge of a steel pasture fence, admiring a double rainbow in the distance.

Third Place, Emily Libbert, Meta: “I went out to look for a rainbow after a brief evening storm and found these siblings already sitting on the fence soaking in all the natural beauty.”

A large tree is backlit on the left of the frame. A family of three walks underneath the tree on the right side of the frame.

Honorable Mention, Nancy VanDover, Gray Summit: “Enjoying a beautiful fall day hiking at Shaw Nature Reserve.”

Scott Smith

Scott Smith is the social media coordinator for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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