ST. GEORGE — The shimmering blue-green water of Zion National Park’s Subway was captured in a photograph selected as the winner of the Bank of Utah’s “My Utah“ Photo Contest for 2024.

Megan Kenley, Bank of Utah associate vice president of communications and marketing, told St. George News that the contest’s goal is to display Utah’s unique beauty and spirit. 

“One of the things that Utah is known for is its beautiful history, diversity and different types of scenery,“ Kenley said. “So we like to be able to showcase that and show the difference, not only the talents of our customers and the people here in Utah but also all of the beauty that Utah has to offer, something that we feel really ties in well with our brand.“

Kenley said choosing the winners was difficult as all the entries were striking. Participants ranged from casual to professional photographers.

Steven Howa of Salt Lake City submitted the winning photograph featuring Zion National Park’s Subway on the Left Fork of North Creek. Kenley said the image beautifully captures this popular spot in Utah’s famous national park.

Howa said taking photos keeps him active.

“One of the really cool things about the camera and landscape photography is you get to go out to so many places, like the Subway,” Howa said. “I would have never gone down the Subway if it wasn’t for the camera. These hikes always end up in beautiful places. So the camera gets me out to go to places. So it’s kind of cool; it’s like a reward.“

Howa leads groups on hikes in Zion National Park. He told St. George News he enjoys the Subway route, which is challenging and requires some rappelling. He noted it as one of the top 20 hikes in the world.

“It’s a 9-mile hike and takes four to five hours because it’s very strenuous,“ he said. “It’s tiring to go back and forth through the creek. And right at the end, there’s a climb, and you’re really tired. And every time I hit that, I always say I’ll never do it again, but I always find myself back in there.”

One of Howa’s favorite parts of hiking the Subway is seeing people’s expressions when they experience it for the first time. 

While working for the Federal Aviation Administration in Salt Lake City, Howa was drawn to photography. He said he was fortunate to work with professional photographers who helped train him in his new skill. He has since retired from the FAA and is pursuing his photography business.

Howa received a $500 prize for his winning photo.

Bank of Utah has held the contest for the last five years, and the number of entries has increased each year, Kenley said, adding that they received almost 400 entries for this year’s contest.

Courtney Fairborn won second place for a photo she took that highlights Lake Powell with its red rocks in shadow in the background. She will receive a $300 prize. The third-place winner, Win Heger, received $200 for a photo of the Parker Homestead in Circleville. The photo’s lighting outlines Butch Cassidy’s childhood home, adding a historical touch. 

All winners and honorable mentions will be featured in the Bank of Utah’s 2024 “My Utah” calendar, with the first-place winner on the cover.

In addition, the Bank of Utah will highlight the winning photos in advertising, social media and the bank’s website. Travelers on Interstate 15 from Ogden to St. George will also see electronic billboards of the photos.

To see all of the winning photos, visit this website.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.