Desert Views Photo Contest Winners

Thank you to all the photographers that shared their best photos showing the isolated desert in the Desert Views Photo Contest with chances to win a Macro Lens and more!

A special thanks to our friend and professional photographer Valerie Millett for her collaboration as a guest judge in this photo contest. "I'm captivated by the geology, sediment sculptures, sandstone art and colors of The American Southwest. I aspire to see as much of it as I can. To touch it, sleep under it, dream about it, write about it, photograph and paint it."

Congratulations Grand Jury Winner "Monument Valley Sandstorm Sunrise V2" by skermy

"One of the characteristics I love about the desert is that it's constantly moving. The sand, the stirring creatures and the dramatic skies. Notions of desolation or a certain blandness that some may visualize when thinking of the desert are quickly dispelled when you spend time here. I love when the desert is on the move, especially when the sand moves. I enjoy Monument Valley and have photographed here many times. Sometimes, landscape photography images of Monument Valley can be somewhat cookie-cutter iconic so I'm encouraged to see images like this that capture such a cool event. Being in the right place at the right time and having your wits about you enough to catch a scene like this brings forth the magic we feel when we move along with the desert. Beautiful silhouettes of The Mittens drenched in dreamy diffuse light. Great job! Congratulations! " - Valerie Millett

Congratulations Runner Up "Night Moves" by ryanbuchanan

"Such a beautifully composed image! It's well thought out and executed perfectly. A beautiful representation of the desert and a spectacular shot. Love it! " - Valerie Millett

Congratulations Runner Up "Death Valley Dune Curve_" by DonLawrence

"One of the reasons I personally love shooting the desert is that it gives me a chance to find, what one of my favorite photographers, Art Wolfe calls, "Found Art" . The curves and shadows of the dunes are such tempting subjects and I love getting lost walking out into the dunes to find this magic. I know Don gets that, this image is an exquisite rendering of the dunes and highlights how artistic they are. Great eye. Great shot!. " - Valerie Millett

Congratulations Runner Up "Night Glow" by imaaok2

"I chose this image of the desert because this is such beautiful and realistic capture of the desert that I personally live among daily. The color of the desert saguaros and the surrounding chaparral stay stunning even in the middle of summer and I love the night glow as the backdrop. Beautiful shot! " - Valerie Millett

Congratulations Amateur Winner "Looking for meaning? Sometimes I wonder... " by dankanasr