JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners for the 2024 MoDNR Photo Contest. This annual competition invites amateur photographers of all ages to explore and capture the stunning beauty of Missouri’s natural resources, showcasing the state’s diverse landscapes and vibrant outdoor activities.
This year, nearly 450 entries were submitted, highlighting Missouri’s unique state parks, breathtaking scenery, weather phenomena, wildlife and the joy of outdoor recreation. These photographs not only showcase Missouri’s landscapes, but also encourage everyone to visit, appreciate and protect our natural resources.
The winning photographs can be found on our Missouri Resources magazine website, at missouriresources.mo.gov. In addition, winning photos will be on display at the Womans Building at the 2025 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
Natural Resources Category:
- First Place: “Lightning Bolt at Sunrise” by Pam Stewart of Higbee
- Second Place: “Majestic Mallard” by Chance Wolfe of Republic
- Third Place: “The Aurora Comes to Missouri” by Randy K. Habel of Fenton
- Honorable Mention: “Exposed” by John Taylor of Ballwin
People Enjoying Missouri’s Outdoors Category:
- First Place: “Discovery in the Stream” by Melissa McFarland of Festus
- Second Place: “Cosmic Explorer” by Dan Zarlenga of Florissant
- Third Place: “Enjoying the Lake” by Fredrick Emch of Maryland Heights
- Honorable Mention: “Overlooking the Bluffs” by Alexander Jimenez of Troy
Unique Places Category:
- First Place: “Illiniwek Village” by Dan Zarlenga of Florissant
- Second Place: “Rust and Renewal” by Melissa McFarland of Festus
- Third Place: “Bridge 66 to Past” by Julie Brown Patton of Wildwood
- Honorable Mention: “Johnsons Shut-Ins in October” by David A. Peterson of St. Clair
The 2025 photo contest will open April 1, 2025. For more information about the MoDNR Photo Contest, visit dnr.mo.gov/photo-contest.