Where beauty hides in plain sight: 20 years of rural Kansas photography

In rural Kansas, beauty often hides in plain sight. For 20 years, the Rural Kansas Photography Contest has offered a window into the heart of life across the state.

Sponsored by Rural Health Education and Services at the University of Kansas Medical Center, the contest continues to attract small town shutterbugs, such as Ashley Walker of Kinsley, who has participated on and off for about 10 years. It's a tradition she shares with her family. 

“Rural photography is my favorite,” Walker said. “I love capturing the beauty of the rural area around me, where my family harvests, and the lifestyle we live every day.” 

Both amateur and professional photographers participate in the contest, which has grown over the years to include younger contributors. In 2022, organizers piloted a teen division for photographers ages 13 to 17. It since become a permanent youth division, thanks to an enthusiastic response from young Kansans, including Walker’s eldest daughter, who now enters each year. 

Sparking creativity, community pride and new views of Kansas 

“The teen category really showed us how many young people are excited to express their creativity and tell rural stories in their own way,” said Jenifer Yuza, marketing manager for Rural Health Education and Services. “What’s so special about this contest is how many people participate simply for the joy of it. It’s become a meaningful way for folks to celebrate where they’re from, and the images are truly inspiring.” 

While the contest is rooted in creative expression, it also serves a broader purpose. One of Rural Health Education and Services’ core missions is to recruit health care providers to rural and underserved communities across the state, and the photo contest serves to showcase the beauty and wonder of the state to potential placements. More than that, people around the world enjoy the annual trove of breathtaking images posted online. 

“In my experience,” said Sarah Esposito of Lincoln, “I haven’t seen a sunset anywhere as good as a Kansas sunset.” 

Sharing through the lens of rural health, farming

Kylie Stamper of Winfield, a health care marketing professional, uses her camera to tell authentic stories — offering a glimpse into the realities of rural health care through the eyes of patients, providers and the community. Outside of her work, she turns her lens to Kansas landscapes, capturing vivid sunsets and weather scenes. 

“I participate in the photo contest because I feel it’s important to celebrate these stories, and I appreciate that this contest offers an opportunity to showcase these moments on a broader stage,” Stamper said.  

Kevin Kirkwood of Leavenworth County finds the everyday beauty of his days. 

“As a farmer, I see every sunrise and every sunset,” Kirkwood said “I love what I do as a farmer, and this is a way of sharing it.” 

Voting, categories, and what’s new this year 

Esposito, a regular participant, said the contest remains her favorite because of its online public voting and rotating category themes. Voting occurs on National Rural Health Day, Nov. 20. 

To commemorate its 20th anniversary this year, the contest has added a new special category for 2025 titled “What Rural Means to Me.” The full list of categories for this year includes: 

• 20th Anniversary Special Category: What Rural Means to Me 
• Sky’s the Limit 
• Health Care in Kansas 
• Seasons of Kansas 
• Wildlife and Critters 
• Youth Division 

Entries will be accepted from Aug. 21 through Sept. 30, 2025. First-place winners in each category will receive $100, with $50 awarded for second place. 

Recognition and reach beyond the contest 

A Grand Prize winner will be featured on the cover of Kansas Country Living magazine’s January 2026 issue. Twelve additional entries will be selected for the 2026 Beauty in Kansas wall calendar, which retails for $15. All calendar proceeds go directly to support the contest. 

With more than 250 photographers contributing annually and a collection now exceeding 10,000 images, the Rural Kansas Photography Contest continues to grow, capturing not only stunning landscapes but also the enduring spirit of Kansas communities.