We are thrilled to unveil the talented winners of this year’s photography contest!
After receiving an overwhelming number of stunning entries, our judges had the difficult task of selecting the best of the best. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their creative visions with us.
First Place Winner of the 2024 Photo Contest is:
Stefan Campbell
Copiapoa serpentisulcata and Copiapoas cinerascens
Photo taken in Atacama region, Chile, 2023
This photo will be featured on the front cover of the Fall 2024 Cactus and Succulent Journal, 96-3
Stefan will also receive a $100 gift card to B&H Photo
Second Place Winner is:
Jeffrey Hagenah
Agave montana
Photo taken in Portola Valley, 2014
This photo will be featured on the back cover of the Fall 2024 Cactus and Succulent Journal, 96-3
Jeffrey will also receive a $50 gift card to B&H Photo
Additional Winners
These winners will have their photos published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, issue 96-3
Third Place – Rob Skillin
Photo taken in Richtersveld, RSA 2012
Honorable Mention – Soo Wai Eng
Honorable Mention – Greg Krehel
Photo taken in Ponte Verde Florida, 2015
Our 2024 Jurors
This year’s entries were judged by a panel of jurors with both an art background and expertise in the succulent hobby.
Nick Diomede
Nick Diomede has a degree in computer graphic design. He founded Agave Xpressions, a design agency specializing in publications catering to the beauty industry and fine arts businesses. While maintaining ties to design, his current focus lies in providing pro bono design services for non-profit organizations.
Sue Hakala
Sue Hakala holds two masters degrees in art and has served as the visual arts director at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, AZ. She has judged/juried more than 100 exhibitions and has been growing cactus and succulents for over 50 years.
Irwin Lightstone
Irwin Lightstone is a professional photographer whose work has been featured in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Haseltonia, Sansevieria, To The Point, CactusWorld, and several National Geographic publications. In addition to private workshops and numerous programs for plant societies and photography clubs throughout the country, he’s led workshops and programs sponsored by the Dallas Museum of Art, the International Photography Hall of Fame, The Huntington, the North America Association of Nature Photography, and the CSSA.
John Martinez
John Martinez lives in southern California and holds a bachelor’s degree in art from California State University Northridge where his main focus was painting and photography. He is currently on the CSSA board of directors, is a member of several local garden clubs, and has collected and maintained xeric plants for over 50 years.
