2026 North Dakota Governors Photo Contest Winners
Gov. Kelly Armstrong, along with North Dakota Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and North Dakota Council on the Arts Executive Director Jessica Christy, announce the winning entries in the 2026 Governor’s Photo Contest. The contest received 742 entries from across the state and featured a video category for the first time.
“As someone who spends as much time outdoors as I can, I’m always proud to see the Governor’s Photo Contest showcase the places and experiences that make North Dakota special,” said Gov. Armstrong. “This year’s winners show the beauty and adventure that define our state.”
2026 Governor’s Photo Contest Winners:
Events
- Winner: “Let's Fly Kites” — Warren Abrahamson, Jamestown
Judges loved the multi-generational aspect of the women pictured on this beautiful summer day in Jamestown. - Honorable mention: “Battle Has Been Won” — Winnie Weninger, Medora
The monochromatic blues of the costumes and sky really make the flag pop and provides a focus to the patriotic spirit of this image.
Must See Places
- Winner: “Northern Lights Over the Skyscraper on the Prairie” — Hannah Cobert, Bismarck
Capturing night skies is a skill in and of itself, but capturing northern lights this vibrant above the State Capitol points to both a special aurora event as well as the dedication of the photographer to capture this special image. - Honorable mention: “Sweetheart of the Badlands” — Amanda McClean, Medora
The sweetheart catches your eye and pulls the viewer into the sense of calm and we take in the expanse of the North Dakota badlands.
Outdoors
- Winner: “September morning youth hunt in Western North Dakota” — William Boyeff, near Watford City
Anticipation is in the air on this clear fall morning as these hunters wait for the perfect shot. - Honorable mention: “Simple Summer Joy” — Megan Boger, Icelandic State Park
We can’t help but smile at the pure joy of this young lady playing the water at Icelandic State Park.
Skies
- Winner: “Flight at Sunset” — Meredith Jo Ehli, Bismarck
Our wide-open skies and beautiful sunsets are truly a differentiator for North Dakota. This shot captures the stunning colors and a striking clarity of the birds in flight. - Honorable mention: “Black & White in Color” — Rebecca Raber, New Salem
Salem Sue is always willing to pose and she’s highlighted nicely by the a colorful sunset swirled by scattered clouds.
Wildlife
- Winner: “Hitchin' a Ride” — Cindy Nagle, Lake Ashtabula
The movement of the water with the clarity of the birds show persistence and patience in waiting for that perfect shot. The cute babies didn’t hurt either. - Honorable mention: “Hungry Eyes” — Maggie Taylor, Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
This image has the perfect mix of menace and potential mayhem. The use of light and shadow adds to the personality of this shot. - Honorable mention: “Buzza Buzza” — Rebecca Raber, Bismarck
The vibrant colors and crisp details of the focused portion of this image illustrate the liveliness both in the movement we expect from the bees and in the sentiment of spring in the emerging blossoms. - Honorable mention: “Whitetail Deer” — Karli Laber, White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
The catch-light in the eyes grabs a viewer’s attention as we play a game of who’s looking at who. You can almost feel the quiet of the space.
Call It Home
- Winner: “Call it Home” — Winnie Weninger, Medora
This fun Medora compilation embraced the essence and energy of Tigirlily Gold’s song.
Governor’s Choice
- Winner: “September morning youth hunt in Western North Dakota” — William Boyeff near Watford City
The call of the outdoors, the clarity of the morning, the anticipation of the hunt – all of these elements helped bring this image to the top this year.
These prints will be on display at the Governor’s Office for the month of November 2026. We'd also like to express our gratitude to the American Automobile Association (AAA) for their continued support as a partner in the Governor's Photo Contest.