We are thrilled to unveil the talented winners of this year’s photography contest!
After receiving an overwhelming number of stunning entries, our jurors had the difficult task of selecting the best of the best. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their creative visions with us.
Thank you for making our job so wonderfully difficult!
This year, CSSA members submitted 67 stunning photographs for the Annual Photo Contest—each one a testament to your creativity, passion, and eye for the beauty of cacti and succulents. Every juror carefully reviewed each submission, and while many images impressed us, only five could be selected for awards. To all who participated: thank you for sharing your talent and helping make this contest such a success!
2025 Prize Winners:
- 1st Place: Richard Schreiber – Puya raimondii
- 2nd Place: Jaan Lepson – Stapelia surrecta
- 3rd Place: Jim Carlblom – Trichocereus
- Honorable Mention #1: Jaan Lepson – Monathes wilpretii
- Honorable Mention #2: Jeffrey Hagenah – Boophone disticha
What set these winning images apart was their visual impact. Richard Schreiber’s Puya raimondii stands tall in sharp vertical contrast against a diagonal mountain slope, creating an image that radiates drama and scale. Jaan Lepson’s use of selective focus draws the eye to the delicate structure of her Stapelia bloom, emphasizing form and texture. Each winning photograph delivered a genuine “wow” factor— and we look forward to displaying them at the upcoming CSSA Annual Show & Sale, June 27– 29, 2025.
Prizes:
- 1st Place: Full-page or cover feature in the Cactus and Succulent Journal + $250
- 2nd Place: Half-page feature in the Journal + $150
- 3rd Place and Honorable Mentions: Publication in the Journal + $100 each
Looking to Grow as a Photographer?
Typically, contests don’t offer feedback to most participants – but we think there’s a great value in learning together. If there’s enough interest, we’d love to host a forum where entrants can receive feedback and discuss ways to improve their photography. If this interests you, please email us at cactuandsucculentsociety@gmail.com.
Once again, thank you for your incredible submissions. Jurying your images was both an honor and a joy!
The Jurors:
Vonn Watkins, Ann Hopkinson, Kelly Griffin, John Martinez, and Irwin Lightstone
