Elliot Erwitt said, “The whole point of taking pictures is so you don’t have to explain things with words.” Colorado simply speaks for itself through the photos readers submitted to Colorado Country Life’s 2020 photo contest. More than 870 photos were entered into all categories of the contest: Sunrise, Sunset; Outdoor Activities; Wildlife; and Colorado Landscapes. And new this year, we set up specific parameters for a cover contest.
The photos we received were impressive.
Sunseekers in the golden hour captured stunning oranges, reds and pinks painting Colorado skies. Outdoor weekend warriors caught selfies, sleighrides, hikes, ski days and ballooning adventures. Wildlife enthusiasts snapped bears, snakes, beautiful birds of all sizes, bees, bighorn sheep and even a spider spinning a web. Colorado landscapes, which never disappoint, were captured beautifully by readers. Shots of iconic snowy Maroon Bells, vast expanses of fall’s changing colors and unique points of view in obscure corners of the wilderness came together to tell a story of our state’s natural beauty in all seasons.
We hope these winning photos capture your imagination like they did ours. We’re sure they will bring you an indescribable connection to this state we all proudly call home. (Be sure to check out this video montage of this year’s winners and runners up!)
2020 Cover Contest Winner
Submitted by David Dahms of Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association
“Great Horned Owlet”
Colorado Landscapes
1st Place: Submitted by J.R. Schnelzer of Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association
“Old House on the Plains”
2nd Place: Submitted by Shane Morrison of Mountain View Electric Association
“Dawn Lit Peaks”
3rd Place: Submitted by Kerry Howard of La Plata Rural Electric Association
“What a Marvelous Night for a Moon Dance”
Outdoor Activities
1st Place: Submitted by Jim Bommarito of La Plata Rural Electric Association
“Colorado Winter Fun”
2nd Place: Submitted by Kimberlee Hutcherson of La Plata Rural Electric Association
“Morning Float Over Hot Springs”
3rd Place: Submitted by Yvonne Lashmett of La Plata Rural Electric Association
“Creede Burro Race Days”
Wildlife
1st Place: Submitted by Donnell Allen of Mountain View Electric Association
“Reassurance”
2nd Place: Submitted by David Dahms of Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association
“Cedar Waxwing”
3rd Place: Submitted by Gerald Fleck of Grand Valley Power
“Wild Horses”
Sunrise, Sunset
1st Place: Submitted by Bob Toepfer of San Isabel Electric Association
“Bear Lake Sunrise”
2nd Place: Submitted by Emilie Gunderson of Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association
“The Golden Hour”
3rd Place: Submitted by Dave Ritchey of K.C. Electric Association
“Sunset”