Anza-Borrego Desert State Park spans over 650,000 acres, too vast, too hidden, too seasonal for any one person to ever fully know. But for 20 years, photographers have helped close the gap. Through quiet focus, time, and patience, they’ve captured what most of us would never see: a desert iguana disappearing into sand, thunderclouds cracking open above ancient hills, a burst of desert lilies that lasted only a day.
These photos don’t just document the Park. They tell its story. A story of resilience and rarity. Of beauty and biodiversity. Of connection between humans and wild, timeless land.
Why it matters:
For most people, much of the Park will remain unseen. Some species are too shy. Some blooms too brief. Some trails too remote. These photographs open a window—to beauty, to knowledge, and to impact. They help bridge the gap between what the Park is, and what most visitors will ever experience. And in doing so, they help people care more deeply, understand more clearly, and support more passionately.
Why photos matter in conservation:
• 65% of people are visual learners and photography speaks in their language
• Visuals increase engagement by 94%, inviting deeper curiosity and action
• Images are processed 60,000x faster than text and a single photo tells what paragraphs cannot
This year, we invite you to be part of this story. Submit a photo. Cast your vote. Attend the exhibit. Let’s show the world what makes this Park worth protecting.
Contest Awards & Prizes:
Best in Show: Ribbon & two-night stay at La Casa del Zorro, dinner for two at Rams Hi l, & Gift certificate for two to attend an ABF program (restrictions apply).
First, second and third place in each category: ribbons & gift ABF membership for one year.
Honorable mention: ribbon awarded in each category.
Online People’s Choice Award: ribbon & hung in gallery exhibit.
2026 Categories:
People Enjoying the Park
Animals of Anza-Borrego Desert
Black & White
Landscapes of Anza-Borrego Desert
Nightscapes of Anza-Borrego Desert
Plants of Anza-Borrego Desert
New! Youth Category (High-School and younger)
Submit your cell phone photos in any of the categories!
Submission Instructions:
Round 1: Submit Online (Open to all. It’s FREE!)
1. Upload your photograph(s) in .jpeg between November 1, 2025 & December 10, 2025.
2. Submit up to 10 photos per person.
3. Photos may be from any year, so not to worry if you didn’t get to visit the Park this year!
4. Our judges review all submissions, selecting photos they feel are the best of the best.
5. Those that are selected from the initial review will be asked to submit a printed photograph to Round 2 (see below).
6. All online submissions will be eligible for our Online People’s Choice Award (online voting 12/11/2025 - 1/10/26).
7. Read the contest rules before submitting your photo.
8. Photos must be less than 5mb and in .jpeg format to upload.
Want to learn how to submit a winning photo? Watch our Photography 101 Class taught by Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest judges!
You may also like the following events from Anza-Borrego Foundation:
- Next Wednesday, 10th September, 07:00 pm, Anza-Borrego’s Mountain Lions – Lessons Learned in Coexistence (Webinar) in Borrego Springs, California
- Next Saturday, 13th September, 08:00 pm, Night Hike: South Fork Palm Wash in Borrego Springs
- This month, 20th September, 08:00 pm, Anza-Borrego Star Party: Blair Valley in Mount Laguna
Also check out other
Contests in Norfolk,
Workshops in Norfolk,
Photography events in Norfolk.
|
