The results are in!
After much thoughtful deliberation, the judges have chosen the top five from an exceptional group of submissions. To ensure fairness, all information regarding the photographer’s identity was removed prior to judging.
Thank you for making our job so wonderfully difficult!
This year’s contest featured twenty-three participants submitting a total of sixty-one photographs. The entries beautifully captured the diverse subjects inspired by this year’s theme, From the Garden: Cultivated Plants. Through these images, we explored garden paths, marveled at colorful plant arrangements, and were enchanted by stunning flowers.
2026 Prize Winners:
- 1st Place: James Carlbloom – Echinopsis desdemona
- 2nd Place: Rob Skillin – Aloe capitata var. quartziticola
- 3rd Place: Jörg Jakoby – Blossfeldia lilipunta
- Honorable Mention: James Carlbloom – Trichocereus ‘Maximillian’
- Honorable Mention: Jiaxi Su – Pseudolithos migiurtinus
All the jurors carefully considered each photograph individually and as a committee. We’re so grateful for the high-quality photos we received, which helped make the 2026 photo contest a great success. Each winning photograph delivered a genuine “wow” factor— SEE THEM IN PERSON at the upcoming CSSA 59th Annual Show & Sale, June 12– 14, 2026, at The Huntington.
Looking to Grow as a Photographer?
Be sure to watch the January 2026 Webinar presented by Irwin Lightstone – Creating More Compelling Images with Greater Impact. CLICK HERE to watch the recording.
Runners Up (in no particular order)
Congratulations to the winners and thank you for your incredible submissions. We thank everyone who entered the contest this year. Your entries help make a successful and competitive contest. We encourage you to see the cactus and succulent world through a camera lens and share your visions next year.
The Jurors:
Art Committee Members – Kelly Griffin, Der-shing Helmer, Ann Hopkinson, Irwin Lightstone, John Martinez, Zack Repko, and Vonn Watkins
For your reference, the original contest announcement is located here.
