The votes are in, and we are excited to share the winners of the Virginia Conservation Photo Contest!

Thank you to all of the photographers who submitted their best Virginia conservation photographs to be featured as the cover photo of Our 2025 Common Agenda Environmental Briefing Book. Photographers also submitted their work to win one of our conservation themes:

• Vistas: Virginia’s iconic views and landscapes–sponsored by The Nature Conservancy
• Ripple Effect: moments where kids, parents, elders, and maybe even a loyal pup come together to hike, fish, picnic, bike, or paddle near the water’s edge–sponsored by Potomac Conservancy
• Outdoor Recreation on Virginia’s Public Lands: how Virginians connect with nature through outdoor activities on our public lands–Sponsored by Our Virginia Outdoors
• Historic and Cultural Resources: Virginia’s rich history and traditions

The conservation community cast their votes in August for their favorite photos to be used as the Our Common Agenda cover photo. Once the votes were cast, VCN staff voted on their favorite of the top selections. Check out the winners below!

TJ Byrd’s photo, “Richmond Carillon Dogwood,” features the Carillon in Dogwood Dell in the West End of Richmond and will be featured as the cover photo of Our 2025 Common Agenda!

TJ Byrd is a Richmond-based amateur photographer. Initally beginning his journey through bird watching, TJ enjoys capturing his adventures around Richmond and beyond. TJ’s current portfolio focuses on bird and nature photography. Follow along TJ’s journey at @thedailybyrd.

A photo of a dog playing fetch on the. York River in Gloucester Point, Virginia by Tori Nutt (@thetorisophotography) won our photo contest’s “Ripple Effect” category.

A photo by David Martin (@nightwatchmanphoto) features the aurora in Clover Hollow in Giles County, VA won our photo contest’s “Vistas & Landscape” category.

A scenic shot at McAfee Knob with a hiker looking down taken by Jenn Loving (@jennsbehindthelens). This photo won our photo contest’s “Outdoor Recreation” category.

“Historic and Cultural Resources” Photo Winner: Brenna Behel

Fifers from The US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps march in the Yorktown Fourth of July Parade.
A scenic shot at the Yorktown Fourth of July Parade taken by Brenna Behel. This photo depicting fifers from the US army old guard fife and drum corps marching won our photo contest’s “Historic and Cultural Resources” category.

Don’t miss your chance to have your Virginia photography featured to Virginia’s environmental community! Our Virginia Conservation Photo Contest is held every spring. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on the photo contest and conservation happenings around the Commonwealth.