Winning Shots Revealed in Maryland Nature Photo Contest 2025

Maryland Photo Contest Winners 2025 Announced.Christopher Michael has won the grand prize in the 2025 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest. His winning image, titled “Waterways Wanderer,” features a river otter. The announcement was made by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.The contest received over 1,800 entries across four seasonal categories. Michael’s photo was first chosen as the winter category winner before securing the overall top honor.

Prizes and Recognition for Winners

As the grand prize winner, Christopher Michael receives a $700 cash award. He also gets a Maryland State Park and Trail Passport. Furthermore, he wins free entry into next year’s contest and five copies of the 2026 calendar.First-place winners in the other seasonal categories will each receive $100. They also get a park passport and five calendar copies. Second-place winners will receive copies of the final calendar.

Public Voting for Fan Favorite

The department is also conducting a “Fan Favorite” contest. Voting is open to the public on the Maryland DNR Facebook page. Followers can “like” their favorite photo from October 1 through October 15.The photo with the most likes wins a one-year Maryland State Park Passport. The winner also receives three copies of the calendar. This offers the public a direct way to engage with the contest.All winning photos will be featured in the department’s 2026 calendar. The calendar will be available for sale later this fall. According to the Maryland DNR, it showcases the state’s diverse natural beauty.

Summer I Turned Pretty Movie in Development

The Maryland photo contest highlights the state’s incredible wildlife and landscapes. Christopher Michael’s grand prize win celebrates a captivating native species. This annual event continues to inspire photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Info at your fingertips

Who won the 2025 Maryland photo contest?

Christopher Michael won the grand prize. His winning photo is titled “Waterways Wanderer.” It features a river otter in its natural habitat.

How many entries were in the contest?

The contest received over 1,800 photo submissions. These entries were divided into four seasonal categories. The competition was notably high this year.

What does the grand prize winner receive?

The grand prize includes a $700 cash award. It also comes with a State Park Passport and calendar copies. Free entry into next year’s contest is also included.

How can I vote for the Fan Favorite?

Voting occurs on the Maryland DNR Facebook page. The public can “like” their favorite photo between October 1 and 15. The image with the most reactions wins.

Where can I see the winning photos?

Full-size winning photos are available on the Maryland DNR website. They will also be featured in the official 2026 calendar. The calendar goes on sale later this fall.

When will the 2026 calendar be available?

The calendar will be available for purchase later this fall. It can be bought online at the shopdnr.com website. It features all the category-winning photographs.