For the third year, our readers have shared their visions of the Midwest outdoors in our amateur photo contest. We combed through the 300+ entries and picked our 20 favorites in five categories (and some honorable mentions). Now, we’re happy to share them with you.

Grand Prize

Each autumn, Jon Franklin takes a two-day hiking and camping trip in the Shawnee National Forest, during peak fall color. That’s where he photographed this striking image of a cedar tree clinging to the edges of the rocky cliffs at Inspiration Point in the LaRue-Pine Hills. “In this photo, one can see this specific tree’s root system clinging to the rock while it leans out over a 350-foot drop, with the swampy flood plain below,” said Franklin. “Interestingly, [these trees] have adapted to an environment that few other tree species will tolerate.” He captured the three-shot HDR exposure using a wide aperture, thus allowing for detail in the shadowy roots as well as the bright, sunny sky. The photograph was shot handheld, as he swayed with the wind on the edge of the cliff. “Although my position was precarious, the experience was certainly inspiring,” said Franklin. It wins him our grand-prize package and a two-year subscription to Terrain.

Nature

First Place

For his vivid photo of Alley Spring and its distinctive red mill near Eminence, Missouri, Patrick Courtney wins a pair of Tifosi sunglasses and a subscription to Terrain.

Second Place

Icy temperatures didn’t dissuade Ryan Parker from securing this shot of stark winter beauty along the shores of Creve Coeur Lake. He gets a QIKCOVER and annual subscription.

Third Place

Seth Treptow zoomed in on this fiddlehead fern along the Rock Hollow spur of the Meramec Greenway and won a Cozy Noze Neck Warmer.

Sports

First Place

This picture capturing a downhill run at Lake Leatherwood in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, earns Brennan Robinson a pair of Tifosi sunglasses and a one-year subscription.

Second Place

John Niebling landed a QIKCOVER and subscription to Terrain for this shot from the Missouri Whitewater Championships on the St. Francis River in Madison County.

Third Place

Flooding on the Katy Trail may have caused some detours this spring, but it also gained photographer Amanda Barcliff a Cozy Noze Neck Warmer.

Wildlife

First Place

One judge described the great blue heron in this photo as “dinosaurian”. For the photo, Tina Vanderpool gets a pair of Tifosi sunglasses and an annual subscription.

Second Place

Morgan Paar snapped this image of a baby turtle in Forest Park (we think it’s a pond slider) and takes home a QIKCOVER and in-home subscription to Terrain.

Third Place

This image of a humble bumble bee gathering pollen at Indian Camp Creek in Foristell, Missouri, nabs Jen Gunter a Cozy Noze Neck Warmer.

Anything Goes

First Place

Allison Woodhouse did some voodoo with this photo of the Gateway Arch seen through a glass orb and magic’d up a pair of Tifosi sunglasses and Terrain subscription.

Second Place

If his bikes are any indication, Chris Hammond needs a QIKCOVER after the Mid South Gravel Ride in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He gets one, plus a one-year subscription.

Third Place

Some models are finnicky, but Hero King called these dogs “patient and cute” when he photographed them in Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. He wins a Cozy Noze.

People

First Place

Chris Hammond is all smiles after the Mid South Gravel Ride in Stillwater. And he should be: the selfie nets him a pair of Tifosi sunglasses and a subscription.

Second Place

Jon Franklin caught the pure joy of frolicking with this image of a child playing in leaves. He gets a QIKCOVER and Terrain subscription for his effort.

Third Place

Early bird gets a Cozy Noze Neck Warmer. Marc Pauly wins for this shot of a camper watching the sunrise on top of Bell Mountain in Belleview, Missouri.

Honorable Mention

“Steady as She Goes” by Jules McCormick

 

“Hey You’re Doin Great” by Jennifer Schilke

 

“Sunflower Princess” by Patrick Courtney

 

“Peekaboo” by Steve Manne

About Our Prizes

The grand-prize winner in the 2020 Terrain Photo Contest will receive a prize package consisting of one each of the first-, second-, and third-place prizes along with a two-year subscription to Terrain magazine.

First-place winners will receive a pair of performance sunglasses from Tifosi Optics. Born in 2003, Tifosi has grown to become one of the most recognized, relevant, and trusted brands in cycling, running, outdoor, and golf optics. Its mission is to provide technically advanced eyewear to enthusiasts of all sports and outdoor activities. It designs, tests, and tortures its products to enhance your sport, whether you’re running a 5k, riding your first century, or playing 18 holes on Sunday. tifosioptics.com

Second-place winners will receive a QIKCOVER vehicle seat protector. QIKCOVER’s patent-pending design features a lycra headpiece and triple-layer body that protects the seat. The top layer is a soft velour, the middle layer is a 100-percent waterproof polyurethane laminate, and the durable back layer features non-slip silicone beads so it all stays in place. QIKCOVER is quick to put on and take off, machine washable, and keeps your car seat protected from sweat, dirt, water, mud, and crud. qikcover.com

Third-place winners will receive a Cozy Noze Neck Warmer. The Cozy Noze Neck Warmer is the patented invention of professional outdoor photographer Lori Diemer. Cozy Noze blocks warm breath from escaping and fogging eyeglasses, sunglasses, and goggles in cold temperatures with a simple pinch of the soft trim around the nose. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns. cozy-noze.com