Wildlife in Focus is expanding its popular photo contest statewide in 2025 and is offering a record $40,000 in prize packages.

The goal of the competition is to promote wildlife habitat conservation and to create a visual record of the beauty of native Texas land and wildlife. The prize-winning photos will be part of a coffee table book and also be of use in WIF’s educational outreach program for children in grades K-8.

The contest has been around for two decades, but in past years it has been limited to select counties. In 2025, contest organizers want to reach more landowners and photographers across the state.

“We’re really excited about expanding our reach and celebrating wildlife conservation across Texas,” said WIF Photo Contest Director Miles Phillips. “We’re also adding a videography category in 2025.”

The contest pairs landowners with participating photographers, and for that reason, advance registration is required. Registration is now open at wildlifeinfocus.org and closes on Feb. 1, 2025. Photographers and landowners can select their own teams, or WIF can assist in pairing teams.

The photo contest window is Feb. 21- May 31, 2025. Photographers will create a diverse portfolio of photos captured at any time during the contest window, and photos can be submitted in 50 categories. The photos will be judged by a panel of professional photographers.

The contest provides an opportunity to tell a story of private land wildlife stewardship while having a truly unique experience being a team partner with a landowner.

“The photo contest has been a wonderful opportunity for our family,” said Claire Vaughan, a participating landowner who now serves as president of WIF’s board of directors. “We have documented the beauty of the land and wildlife we love. It has also created opportunities for our ranch business to diversify.”