Your photos matter more than ever for trails
Throughout the year, images submitted to the Northwest Exposure Photo Contest photos help support WTA's work. During these challenging times for public lands, your images matter more than ever.
Last year, a little over 6 months into my time at WTA, I had the joy of managing the 2024 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. I’d already spent plenty of time exploring our stunning image library from previous contests. And I had seen the many aspects of our work that those photos support, including our magazine, blogs, social media and fundraising campaigns. But as I watched the photos come in throughout the contest, I was truly blown away by the beautiful images, our community of passionate, talented photographers and the amazing places they explore.
2024 photo contest entry taken at Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. Photo by Kelsey Moll.
Throughout the year, it has been just as amazing to see the photos I loved being used to support our work during these challenging times for public lands. And I am so excited to see the photos you share this year — our 2025 photo contest is now open.
Joe Gonzalez, who manages our social media, among other work, appreciates how much work these photos do for trails.
“We’re all here for similar reasons: to revel in the majesty of Washington’s stunning landscapes,” Joe said. “Images from WTA’s Northwest Exposure photo contest help us tell the story of these places and why they need our help.”
In April, I watched in awe as photos from the 2024 contest were displayed on the giant screen at WTA’s and Northwest Symphony Orchestra's Crescendo which paired stunning images of Washington’s landscapes with a live orchestra. As I heard more than 600 people react to each image in real time, it struck me again how powerful photos are, and their importance to WTA’s work.
An enchanting performance accompanied by stunning images at the 2024 Crescendo. Photo by Victoria Obermeyer
A trail will always change
Trails and public lands are never exactly the same from visit to visit. Wildflowers bloom at different times, downed trees, eroding trails and forest fires change the landscapes. The people we hike with also change. And you never know what wildlife you’re likely to see — and no encounter is like another.
“As a photographer, specifically a wildlife photographer, my biggest hope is that people can relate to my photos and see the beautiful animals in a positive light, which in turn can hopefully help spark a desire to preserve nature for future generations,” said Devon Pradhuman, last year’s grand prize winner.
A mountain goat and her kids. Last years grand prize winner, photo by Devon Pradhuman.
“As someone who recreates on WTA trails frequently I try to give back in whatever ways possible including volunteer hours, donations, and providing photos from all the beautiful places in our state. I want to keep these trails accessible and cared for for as long as possible,” said Alicia Mau, first place winner of our 2024 Hikers in Action category.
Alica Mau's stunning photo won first place in our Hikers in Action Category for the 2024 Photo Contest.
These images — your images — capture some of the most beautiful places and moments our world has to offer. I am so lucky to witness them first hand through your photographs. Sharing these moments is a true act of kindness. This reflection actually helped us hone in on this year’s bonus category — Random Acts of Kindness.
2025 Bonus Category: Random Acts of Kindness
Have you ever noticed when you buy a new pair of boots and suddenly you see them on practically every hike? Or when you buy a new car and now you see it parked at every trailhead? I’ve always found the more you look for something, the more likely you are to notice it.That is why we’re excited to announce this year’s bonus category “Random Acts of Kindness.” We hope that, as you seek out moments to capture these acts of kindness, the more you’re able to see them. During these trying times for public land, seeing trail users band together for the common good is more important than ever. We look forward to seeing good deeds witnessed on trail like picking up trash, helping a fellow hiker cross a river crossing or even high fiving a park ranger.
Whether you're a phone photographer, seasoned pro or professional, we can’t wait to see the images you capture.
A great example of hiker's helping one another on trail. Photo by Scott Kranz.
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