Meet the winners of our 2026 Photo Contest

We’re thrilled to celebrate the winners of The Wilderness Society's 2026 Hand ’Em Down, Not Over Photo Contest!  The contest was part of our Hand ’em Down, Not Over initiative to celebrate the public lands we share and protect them for future generations. 

Winners were selected by an accomplished panel of six professional photographers and conservation storytellers—including Bob Wick, Tony Bynum, Dené Miles, Matt Payne, Stephen Matera and TWS Visual Production Manager Mason Cummings—who brought decades of experience documenting America’s landscapes, wildlife and public lands. This year’s winning images capture that spirit beautifully and remind us why these places are worth handing down to those who come after us, rather than handing them over industry.

And this is just the beginning. The Hand ’Em Down photo contest will return each year, inviting photographers of all skill levels to share the public lands they love and want to see protected for future generations. This year, winners shared $8,000 in cash prizes — so keep your camera handy and watch for next year’s contest. 

Grand Prize: "Who are you wearing," by Brian Clopp

Our judges unanimously selected this playful kit fox image for the Grand Prize, describing the interaction between the two foxes as a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife photography moment. Beyond the beautiful light and strong composition, the photo captures extraordinary natural behavior and a sense of personality and connection between the animals. The conservation significance of the species elevated the image even further. Kit foxes are adapted to some of the driest environments in North America. They are listed as endangered in Colorado and are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Utah. 

" ... a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife photography moment."

The story behind the winning photograph

I spent three nights camping in the remote desert near Dugway, Utah, alongside the foxes’ den area. Since they would retreat underground during the heat of the day, I started sleeping when they slept.

During one nap, I dreamed that I could hear a man, woman, and child talking about whether I was asleep. I woke up to discover the foxes nearby, chirping and chattering at me—with no other people around. I grabbed my phone and recorded part of the encounter because it was so surreal that I wasn’t sure anyone would believe me.

This photograph captures another memorable moment from those three days: one kit fox wrapping its tail around its sibling like a scarf. That affectionate behavior inspired the title, Who Are You Wearing?

About the photographer 

Brian Clopp is an award-winning wildlife and nature photographer and founder of Winning Shots, where he leads photography tours and workshops in some of North America and Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. His work focuses heavily on public lands. 

Angler in Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming, by Bill Sincavage

Our judges were drawn to the mood and storytelling of this photograph, particularly the angler emerging through the mist and the decision to present the scene in black and white. Its quiet, almost timeless quality made it stand out from the rest of the category.

Mountain goats in Gallatin National Forest, Montana, by Kelly Burnham

Wildlife was an exceptionally competitive category, but the interaction between the mountain goats ultimately set this photograph apart. The judges loved the intimate moment between the animals and the way it captures both wildlife behavior and a sense of connection while still placing them within their mountain environment.

Fog in Redwood National Park, Calif., by Zack Stanton

The judges were impressed by both the technical execution and thoughtful composition of this image, from the foreground fern that draws the viewer into the scene to the towering redwoods disappearing into the fog. The shafts of light, depth and atmosphere came together to create an especially immersive photograph.

Life Outdoors category

Wildlife category

Scenery and Landscape category 

Know someone who takes amazing nature photos? We'd love to see their public lands photos when we open the contest up for Year Two! Please share and keep a watch for next year’s contest starting in the summer months of 2027.

Until then, help us keep public lands in public hands by signing our Public Lands Protector Pledge!