Keep Iowa Beautiful has announced the winners of its 16th annual photography contest, highlighting the natural beauty and community spirit found across the state.
More than 500 photos were submitted in six categories this year. Winners received cash prizes, including the prestigious Robert D. Ray Best of Show award, which honors the legacy of the former governor and his passion for Iowa’s people and landscapes.
The top Best of Show award went to Scott Hoag of DeWitt for “Heaven with a Zip Code.” Other category winners included photographers from across Iowa and beyond.
Jim Rose of Mason City earned second place in the Iowa Wildlife category for his photo titled “Red Fox Kit Backlit,” capturing a striking wildlife moment and representing north-central Iowa among this year’s top entries.
A Youth Winner was also recognized this year, with Zane Raza of West Des Moines honored for “Driftless Falls.”
All of the winning photos can be viewed online at keepiowabeautiful.org under the photography contest winners page.
